The Racking Compliance Cycle – basic elements

Warehouse pallet rack is equipment that is exposed to lift truck and pallet movement that has the potential to damage it. Because of its fragility, it is imperative that warehouse pallet rack be maintained in good condition suitable for its capacity/storing needs. The life cycle of racking and longevity of such is determined by how the racking is maintained or cared for. The life cycle of pallet rack begins sometimes before purchase, by ensuring the proper permits and environment are in place to install racking safely. Once the rack is installed in its desired position/configuration, it would then need the proper Capacity Documentation (sometimes referred to as PSR / Pre-Start Health and Safety Review, or PSHR) to ensure the racking is loaded safely. Once all documentation and the pallet rack is in place and anchored, its maintenance cycle begins. Due to racking’s close proximity with material handling equipment, and due to sometimes unavoidable error, racking may fall victim to collision with lift trucks or their lifting apparatus (Masts, forks etc.) causing deformation or damage in the structure. Small nudges and damages that occur accumulate over time, and although may seem small to a user, may decrease the original set capacity limits, and over time if not addressed or repaired, can cause failure or collapse in a racking system or structure. This is what garners the beginning of the racking compliance cycle, which has been created to combat the natural life cycle of a racking system, and ultimately preventing failure or collapse. This begins with an Annual Expert Rack Inspection, this would allow a trained expert to provide a Detailed Inspection Report, for your facility outlining the exact locations of damages and their severity, and the most appropriate and safe remedy or fix to those damages (whether that be in adding repair parts to reinforce damaged members, or replacing the entirety of that component of the racking system). This report is reviewed by a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) to ensure its efficacy, and accuracy – and provided a seal or stamp of its completion. Once received, the racking user can initiate a repair/replacement plan to ensure the reinforcement and revival of capacity through restoring the racking’s strength and condition. After committing to a plan of reinforcement or repair, it is crucial to find certified technicians to ensure that the modifications if made to the pallet racking are Professional Engineer certified and will be accepted by current guidelines and standards for your region. Inspections by Canada’s leading engineering firm RNW Rack NetWork has a process that makes it easy to maintain and inspect your racks.

The inspections identify exactly what need to be done to restore damaged rack, and a quote for repair can be prepaired based on the inspection. Both the Inspection and the Rack Repair reports should be sealed by a Professional Engineer. Specific terms and guidelines are available to users in each region and can be dependent on such due to seismic zones (this can affect capacity and requirements for pallet rack). Rack Training is an effective tool to combat the natural life cycle of racking, limiting damage, and ensuring compliance within the cycle of Rack Inspection, Capacity Documentation / PSR Revision, & Repair or replace. Having knowledgeable operators within any facility is imperative to maintaining a facility that encounters less damage. Rack Training is offered in our store and is offered once every two months publicly, as well we offer private in-depth training remotely and on-site / in-person!

Below is an schematic of the CertiRack process for ensureing your racks are well maintained and safe.