Logical Storage News

How to prevent a pallet racking collapse

The ramifications that come with a pallet racking collapse can be drastic. A collapse can cause costly damage to stock and other company property. It can also bring business to a standstill and could cause serious injuries or even fatalities. Here is how to prevent a pallet racking collapse.

The majority of incidents where pallet racking has collapsed have occurred as a result of bad practice, poor quality racking, or improperly maintained racking. Meaning these collapses could have been prevented.

In this article, we are going to explore some of the reasons why pallet racking collapses and the associated risks. We will also be giving you advice on some of the measures you can take to try and prevent a racking collapse from happening and causing significant damage or injury.

What are the risks of a pallet racking collapse?

A collapse poses a great number of risks that can be very costly to a business. Whether it be in time or money or reputation.

Loss of stock due to damage caused by a collapse is one of the most common associated risks. Not only can it be costly to replace the stock, but it can also cause a delay in manufacturing products or processing orders which will inevitably harm business.

A racking collapse can also cause injury to nearby workers or visitors, and these can be severe. The worst-case scenario is that a pallet racking collapse causes fatalities, and sadly this has been the case in some instances.

Businesses may also be subject to fines if they are found to have failed to keep working equipment in safe and working order, and they could even be prosecuted.

These are just some of the reasons why you must do everything you can to prevent a pallet racking collapse. Read on to find out some of the most common causes of racking collapses, and what can be done to prevent them.

What causes a racking collapse and how can it be prevented?

Cause: forklift truck collision

Forklift trucks are likely to be operated around pallet racking, and so there is a chance that a collision may occur. When racking is struck by a forklift truck, it may immediately collapse or cause damage that later results in collapse.

Preventative measure: generous aisle space

Utilising space as best as possible is a key objective in warehouses, but safety should be of the utmost importance. By leaving generous aisle space, forklift trucks will have more room to manoeuvre around and will be less likely to hit the racking.

You must always follow minimum aisle space guidelines provided by the forklift truck manufacturers to ensure adequate room is left for the forklifts to move around with ease.

Preventative measure: install rack protection

A cost-effective and simple way of protecting your racks is to install rack protection. The most vulnerable areas of racking systems are typically the end frames and corner columns.
You can strengthen these areas by adding bolted steel, floor-anchored, button-on, or poly snap-on rack protection.

Cause: overloading

Overloading is one of the most common causes of pallet collapses. If you put more on the racking than it is specified to withstand, this can have a negative impact on its structural integrity. It can cause the racking to become unstable and collapse.

Preventative measure: do not overload

You must follow the guidelines and weight restrictions of your particular racking set-up.

It is also important to note that a beams capacity is per pair not per beam. Their capacity also depends on the load being evenly distributed. This changes depending on whether you use decking or place pallets directly on the beams.

Cause: poor design

Racks should be tailor-made to cater to suit individual requirements. Their design should be dependent on the load’s size, weight, and density. If racking is not designed properly, bearing these factors in mind, this can be the cause of a collapse.

Preventative measure: seek professional advice

Ensure the racking system you have in place is fit for purpose, by enlisting a professional to come out and take a look at it. If you do not yet have racking, make sure that you use a reliable company to design and build your racking.

With 10 years of experience in engineering tailored storage solutions, you can trust Logical Storage Solutions to deliver a bespoke racking solution that is safe and meets your requirements. We have worked with some of the nation’s largest and most trusted brands, including IKEA, Amazon, DHL, and Tesco.

If you would like to find out more about our range of tailor-made storage solutions, please call 0845 689 1300 to discuss your requirements with a member of our expert team.

The Advantages of investing in long span shelving

Having been around for decades, long span shelving is a simple yet effective storing solution that has stood the test of time. Most commonly used to store large amounts of small to medium-sized stock, it is ideal for retail facilities and warehouses. Here we advise you on the advantages of investing in long span shelving.

Versatile

Although it is ideal for small to medium-sized stock, long span shelving can hold a multitude of products and is excellent for storing longer or more awkward items which are typically more difficult to store.

Durable

Longspan shelving is highly durable and can withstand constant high-volume usage. It is usually made from painted, galvanised steel which is considerably durable yet relatively lightweight.

Its steel construction means that any impact it takes will be largely absorbed so longspan shelving will not become damaged easily and is more resistant to wear and tear than most other storage solutions.

Each shelf can hold a substantial weight of up to 1250kg, and the system can be rearranged and transported several times without compromising its integrity.

Quick & Easy Installation

Due to its simple, modular design, and bolt-free, lock-in system, long span racking is quick and easy to assemble and disassemble. So, if you need a storage solution in a hurry, longs pan racking is an excellent option.

Easy to Maintain

Thanks to its simple design and the lack of special tools required to remove and replace parts, long span shelving is easily maintained. As it is constructed from steel, it is easy to keep clean and is a sanitary option. Plus, its durability means that it does not often need to be repaired.

Adjustable

The shelves in a long span shelving system are fully adjustable. They can easily be raised or lowered in 50mm increments to suit your needs. This is especially useful if you have a variety of stock which you need to store.

Easily Integrated

Long span shelving can be easily integrated with a variety of other storage systems. They are compatible with wooden walkways, steel gratings, fright lifts, vertical reciprocating conveyors, steel gratings, perforated steel panels, and more. The ability to integrate such systems can be very beneficial, as it allows for increased efficiency, productivity and versatility.

Future-Proof

Its modular design makes it easy for long span shelving to be extended and reconfigured. This ability to adapt is perfect for changing requirements and layouts in future.

Cost-Effective

Last but certainly not least, long span shelving is both cost-effective and affordable. It’s a sustainable, tried and tested storage solution which has become a staple in retail facilities and warehouses around the world. Taking into consideration the low maintenance costs and the durability and lifespan, it is worth the initial investment.

With so many advantages it is clear to see why it is such a popular storage system. It is adopted across the globe and for good reason. Long span shelving is ideal for any businesses looking to utilise their space as effectively as possible. It can successfully help achieve maximum storage capacity.

Over the past decade, Logical Storage has engineered tailored storage solutions for some of the nation’s largest and most trusted brands. Including IKEA, Amazon, DHL, and Tesco. We strive to provide exceptionally high-quality products that will solve all space and storage dilemmas.

To find out more about our long span shelving systems, or for advice on the ideal storage solution for your business, please call 0845 689 1300 to discuss your requirements with a member of our expert team today.

Key Factors for Layout and Design of a Warehouse

Warehouses are an integral part of many businesses operating in a variety of industries, from manufacturing to retail. A well-designed warehouse can be very effective in storing merchandise and allowing you to sort and find items with ease.

Common Pallet Racking Risks and How to Prevent Them

Pallet racking is a great storage solution for warehouses and is amazing for maximising the storage space available, making a warehouse run more efficiently. However, it is essential that all pallet racking is of high quality, installed correctly, and is inspected regularly as there are certain potential safety hazards that pallet racking can cause. Here we discuss four common pallet racking risks and how to prevent them from happening.

Damage from collision

There may come a time when the pallet racking system is accidentally hit with some machinery such as a forklift truck. If this were to happen it can not only potentially cause items to fall from the racking, it could also cause damage to the frame. Even if there doesn’t seem to be any visible damage after the collision, ensure that the issue is reported and the pallet racking inspected. The structural integrity of the racking may still be damaged. If you notice any significant damage, this must be repaired immediately before the situation gets worse.

All members of staff should be trained in the protocol for what to do when they spot racking damage. If the racking is left damaged it could lead to something much more severe and damaging, such as a collapse.

Also, consider installing additional measures to help lower the risk of the collision causing damage in the first place. End guards and rack bollards for example can be installed to help prevent the collision from happening or limit the impact if it did still collide. The design of the warehouse also needs to be taken into account when a collision occurs. Although it was inevitably an accident you need to consider whether the collision happened because the machinery didn’t have sufficient room to manoeuvre around the racking.

Products Overhanging

Overhanging products are a common pallet racking problem. Pallets should only be placed on the racking system designed for that specific pallet size. Overhanging items not only can cause strain, but products can also be damaged and may fall, causing injury to employees.

It is important when choosing pallet racking that you use specialists who can meet your exact needs. Doing this ensures the shelves are the correct height and depth meaning overhanging will never be an issue.

Overloading

Pallet racking systems have weight restrictions that need to be adhered to, to avoid injury to workers and damage to the racking system. All employees in charge of loading items onto the racking need to be aware of these weight limits. They also need to understand how to place the load evenly onto the racking to spread the weight. They should always check the current weight load as well as the maximum weight limit before new pallets are added.

Not installed correctly

Sometimes racking may not be installed correctly, which can pose a major danger. All pallet racking systems should be installed by professionals. Choosing specialists means they carry out safety checks before the racking is used. You need full reassurance that the racking is aligned correctly and is level before anything is placed on it. The manufacturers’ guidelines need to be followed exactly to ensure it is installed correctly and fit for purpose. If this does not happen, the racking can cause a major health and safety nightmare.

Pallet racking can help optimise warehouse operations and make daily tasks much easier. However, all the issues above must be considered to avoid damage or harm. By ensuring the pallet racking is installed and used correctly as well as inspected by a professional regularly, a warehouse manager can use pallet racking to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their warehouse operations.

How to Prepare Your Warehouse for Winter

Whilst the logistics of running a warehouse is always a challenge, they can become even more complicated during the cold winter months. The darker, shorter days and adverse weather conditions in addition to Winter often being the busiest time of the year for many warehouses can lead to potential risks. Here we discuss how to prepare your warehouse for winter.

Monitor the temperature to protect the stock 

One of the biggest challenges for a warehouse manager is maintaining the temperature. Depending on the size of the warehouse, the temperature can vary significantly. As heat rises, it is not uncommon for the temperature at the top of the warehouse to be very different from the ground temperature. If pallet racking is being used, this must be taken into consideration, as the stock layout will have to be organised in the correct way to avoid any stock being damaged or spoiled. Installing High Volume, Low Speed (HVLS) fans can help regulate the temperature. Ceiling fans can also be beneficial to drive the warmer air down.

Protect your warehouse staff 

The stock is not the only thing you need to protect. Your most important asset is your employees and you need to ensure their safety. Extremely cold weather can lead to members of staff getting ill and even suffering from frostbite or hyperthermia. Therefore, all members of staff need to be provided with a list of essential items. They need to wear heavy nonslip work gloves, insulated coats, thin layers to help ventilation, hats, and waterproof boots. This equipment will not only help them keep warm, they can help avoid any slips due to the adverse weather conditions.

Cold weather can also cause muscles and joints to tighten. Therefore staff need to stretch sufficiently before doing heavy lifting and try and avoid being stationary for long periods of time. Small measures such as stretching can help staff feel better and avoid injuries which will cause downtime and staff to potentially be absent in the future.

Protect your drivers  

It is not only employees that work within the warehouse itself that you must take extra precautions for. All your drivers must be trained and well prepared to deal with the adverse winter conditions. They should all have emergency supplies such as a snow scraper, first aid kit, blankets, food and water, an emergency phone, and a torch in case they get stuck in snow or have another emergency en route.

Protect your pallet racking  

Although pallet racking is sturdy, it is not indestructible and therefore should be repaired and inspected regularly. This is especially important just before Winter. This is often a busy time for warehouses and therefore the racking and storage systems need to be in top condition. If there is heavy snow, you should also be cautious of snow on the pallet racking as surplus weight from snow and ice could cause it to collapse if weight restrictions are exceeded.

Inspect doors and ceilings  

Another job for the Autumn is to thoroughly inspect the doors and ceilings. In the roof, check for leaks, stains, or cracks. For those warehouses with a flat roof, also inspect to see if the water is pooling and if so, ensure it can drain to avoid any roof damage or collapses. When the doors are closed, can you see any light or draft coming through? If you can, try and get these blocked up before the bad weather hits to help keep the warehouse temperature more regular whilst also ensuring no bugs or debris can enter the warehouse through gaps.

Consider installing air curtains or high-speed doors. These can regulate the temperature of the warehouse as they minimise the amount of heat that can escape.

Install skylights  

Strategically placed skylights can really benefit the warehouse. Not only does it provide natural light for employees and ensure you are not solely reliant on lighting fixtures, but they also allow the warmth from the sun to enter the warehouse. This has been shown to lower the energy costs of a warehouse during Winter. So they are perfect all year round, install them with retractable blinds to use during hot summer days.

Service forklifts and other equipment

All equipment such as forklifts should be inspected before the season starts. Any issues should be fixed to keep the equipment in the best shape. Cold temperatures can have an impact on machinery, so it needs to all be in the best condition before the cold weather arrives.

Avoid slips  

Warehouses are hectic places and involve walking in and out of the warehouse regularly. If it is raining or snowing, this can easily lead to wet floors and therefore slip hazards. It is always best to be cautious. Therefore, ensure there are mats at every door, any excess water is immediately mopped up and signs are used effectively to warn members of staff.

Be ready for shorter days  

Winter can be inconvenient to warehouses due to the loss of daylight hours. In some cases, the dark mornings and early evenings can adversely affect the loading times and operations. If this is the case, ensure a new routine and schedule are planned well in advance to avoid any delays or issues.

Winter can be an expensive and hectic time for warehouse managers. We cannot control the weather, yet there is still a lot that we do have control over. However, by taking the time to plan in advance and take the right steps, the risks and challenges can be tackled efficiently and a safer environment can be created. These actions can also significantly reduce the negative impact on your bottom line.

6 Common Warehousing Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to running a warehouse, there are always ways to improve how efficiently they are run. Unfortunately, there are many mistakes that warehouse managers can often make which can negatively impact the efficiency of a warehouse and can lead to a loss of revenue. These mistakes can happen for a variety of reasons, such as time constraints or quickly increasing stock levels because of increased pressure to fulfil orders. Here are some of the most common warehousing mistakes and how they can be avoided.

Using the same racking system for all stock  

Some warehouse managers opt for simplicity and ease and therefore buy the same racking system to make the job easier. Alternatively, they try and save money by buying racking systems second hand. Although this may be a simpler and cheaper option in the short term, they may soon experience issues.

There are several different racking systems for a reason. They are all built with specific purposes in mind and therefore all suit certain items. A warehouse that understands this thoroughly, and invests in racking systems that suit all of their items will reap the benefits in the long term.

It is also important for companies to reassess their racking needs regularly. The racking system should evolve along with their stock and business to remain at maximum capacity.

Neglecting housekeeping tasks  

This is a mistake that companies cannot afford to make as it can severely impact efficiency as well as staff motivation. It is easy to understand how housekeeping tasks can be left to one side during a warehouse’s busiest periods and therefore when staff is low on time. However, ensuring housekeeping is never neglected will provide a much better working environment that can help increase productivity.

For example, a lack of housekeeping can lead to obstructions which impact how well an employee can carry out their job. Disregarding packaging, items dropped on the floor, or products in the wrong locations will all have a negative impact on efficiency. It can even lead to injuries.

Warehouses need to remain organised to provide a better working environment that staff feel safe working in.

Ignoring vertical space 

When planning a warehouse, some people end up missing a brilliant opportunity to use all their available space. Many warehouses are housed in tall buildings which include a large amount of vertical space, some of which are rarely used. When planning a warehouse, using all the vertical space as well as floor space can increase capacity significantly. One great way of achieving this is by installing a mezzanine floor.

By not ignoring vertical space, some businesses can end up saving an expensive relocation. This not only saves money but also precious time.

Holding too much inventory  

One of the most common warehousing mistakes can be the result of the supply chain and can lead to having excess stock on site. Reducing inventory levels can help create a more efficient warehouse. Although bulk purchasing can benefit a business financially, it may be worth talking to suppliers to see if they can order in large quantities but have the deliveries in stages. This will allow you to store the items as and when you need them.

Poor Health and Safety Management  

Warehouses can be extremely dangerous places to work and they, therefore, require constant attention to ensure that all health and safety measures are met. There are many ways staff can end up with severe injuries in a warehouse working environment.

All warehouses should have sufficient signs, designated walking routes, safety crossings, and more to ensure that injuries are avoided where possible. All members of staff should be trained regularly as well, no matter how long they have been working there. Members of staff can develop bad habits over time and can even pass them on to new employees.

Not optimising picking paths  

Warehouses must establish and optimise their picking paths. If there is no system, it can create a hectic environment that lowers your picking rate. This will have extremely negative effects when it comes to the busiest times of the year.

Ensuring all members of staff know the best routes to take means that more orders will be able to be picked and got out of the door.

There is not only one correct way to run a warehouse as there are many varying factors involved. However, by avoiding the mistakes described above, it will place warehouse managers in a good position to make the most of their warehouse and ensure it is running as efficiently as possible.

Even if your warehouse is currently not making these mistakes, it is key that everyone is aware of them. It is easy for these mistakes to occur over time, especially during key, busy and hectic periods.

If you need any advice on which storage solution is best suited to your warehouse, then please get in touch. Logical Storage are ready to discuss your warehouse storage requirements. For more information visit our website or call us on 0845 689 1300.

LIFO vs FIFO Stock Management Methods

There are many stock management methods available to warehouses. Two of the most popular are LIFO (Last In, First Out) and FIFO (First In, First Out). Here, we compare LIFO vs FIFO to see which one is the most effective method and in which scenarios they should be used.

What is LIFO?

LIFO (Last In, First Out) means that the last unit loaded and entered into the warehouse will be the first one to go out. This method prioritises the last products to enter the warehouse.

When should LIFO be used?

Overall the LIFO method is used significantly less than FIFO and should only be used in warehouses with products that do not have a particular shelf life and do not lose value over time. The stock that arrived in the warehouse first will be the last to leave and depending on the item, they could stay in the warehouse for a long period of time. It is important that these items are not perishable in any way.

Examples of when LIFO is a great option is for items such as building materials or furniture.

Advantages of LIFO

• It is easy to obtain stock as employees do not need to travel far, reducing the use of forklifts in the warehouse. This is because they will always be working down the same aisle when loading and unloading

Types of Storage System for LIFO

Here are some of the storage systems that are suitable for LIFO
• Drive-In pallet racking
• Dynamic Push Back racking

What is FIFO?

FIFO (First In, First Out) is a very widely used warehouse management system. The first goods that enter the warehouse will also be the first to leave. Although this system is often used for perishable items, it is a common method that is used regardless of product type.

The main goal of FIFO is to achieve an efficient and quick turnover of stock, ensuring that the older items are removed from the warehouse first before they spoil. This system is proven to work as it is also used in supermarkets and retail stores, not just warehouses.

FIFO is extremely effective for food, cosmetics and medicine.

Advantages of FIFO

• Makes stock turnover efficient if the oldest product is being used first
• Prevents any loss of value of expiration as the oldest products are the first to leave the warehouse.

Types of Storage System for FIFO

Here are some of the storage systems that are suitable for FIFO
• Drive Through Racking
• Dynamic Pallet Flow Racking

Which is better?

Although they both have their purposes and benefits, overall warehouses should try and use the FIFO method where possible as it generates more efficient stock turnover. It allows a company to always use their older products first which is a benefit even if the product isn’t perishable.

Whichever method you use, ensure you are choosing the correct storage systems to facilitate your stock management process.

If you need any advice on deciding which system and which storage racking is best suited to your warehouse, then please get in touch. Logical Storage are ready to discuss your warehouse storage requirements. For more information visit our website or call us on 0845 689 1300.

Tips to Optimise Warehouse Storage

It can be difficult to determine when a warehouse has reached its maximum capacity. However, once 80- 85% of the space is being utilised, a warehouse may start to notice a decline in efficiency and productivity. If there is not sufficient space, the pallet movement around the warehouse can slow down significantly. Some warehouses have to resort to temporary floor pallets which can reduce aisle movement and even cause hazards. Here we share the benefits of an optimised warehouse and tips to improve warehouse storage space.

Why Optimising Warehouse Space is important

Although it can take time to optimise the space in a warehouse, the benefits that can be gained from doing this tend to outweigh the time and effort. Here are just some of the benefits.

Save money

Once you have optimised your warehouse space, the available space will be larger. Therefore you are in a great position to store more items in your warehouse and order more products from your suppliers in a single transaction. This bulk buying can help lower the cost per unit, saving you substantial money over time.

Increase employee productivity

Once a warehouse is optimised, employees will be able to carry out their jobs more efficiently. Not only will this create an increase in productivity, but you will also probably find your employees more satisfied with their work. Having your staff work efficiently and effectively will improve your service and increase the number of orders you can fulfil.

Avoid missing sales

A risk of not having a warehouse large enough or optimised can be running out of stock. If this happens regularly, you will be missing out on sales. This can hopefully be avoided by having a warehouse optimised and an increase in storage capacity. Although the stock may still run out, the warehouse should encounter fewer issues and avoid backorders.

Ways to improve warehouse storage space

The benefits of an optimised warehouse are clear however, the difficulty is creating an action plan to optimise your warehouse. Here are some of the ways you can improve your warehouse storage.

Analyse your inventory

Before redesigning your warehouse and floor plan, take stock of your inventory first. This is a great way to quickly free up space. If you have old inventory that you don’t think will sell, you may want to consider liquidating overstock, if this is financially viable.

Understand the flow of production

Again, before making any changes, understand your warehouse processes in detail. Does your current warehouse layout facilitate the flow of your process? Is there a lot of unnecessary travel. Once you have the process mapped out, you can plan your warehouse around this process to make it more efficient.

Check if you have multiple locations

Do you have any multiple locations for storing the same item? If you do, consider combining these. Not only will it use space more effectively, but it will also help employees find items and keep track of stock quicker if they are all together.

Go vertical

Many warehouses do not use their vertical space as efficiently as they could. Calculate how much vertical space is not being used. Ensure you are always within the health and safety guidelines, however, there are many ways you can successfully increase your vertical storage space, freeing up precious floor space.

Install mezzanine flooring

An effective way to use vertical space is by installing mezzanine flooring. If you have the correct permits to do so, mezannine flooring can be used to house functions that do not require tall storage. Although there is an investment with installing mezzanine flooring, when used correctly they can really help maximise the space available.

Use off-site storage

For items that are out of season, or for overstock, an offsite location can be considered. These facilities allow you to free up a lot of space in your warehouse and is ideal for items you do not need for the near future.

Measure your aisle width

How wide are your aisles? You need to ensure they are wide enough for machinery and equipment to go through but you could also be wasting space if they are too wide. Aim for the minimum width required to do an efficient job.

Consider deeper storage

You should not only take into account the height of your storage, but also the depth. In some places in your warehouse, you may want to consider double-depth racking for certain items.

Match storage slots with size of the product

Make sure you match items with their storage space. For example, keep the shallower racking for small items and deeper storage for bulkier items. Ensuring the slots match helps keep wasted space to a minimum but also makes picking products a lot easier for staff.

As the list above proves, there are many ways a warehouse can optimise its space. Although moving to a new warehouse is always an option, it is an expensive investment that can also be disruptive Therefore, a business should ensure their current warehouse is optimised before exploring new premises. Doing so can save a lot of money and time.

Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high-quality mezzanine flooring for your business and are ready to discuss your warehouse storage requirements. For more information visit our website or call us on 0845 689 1300.

The Importance of Pallet Racking Inspections

Even if you have just had new pallet racking installed in your warehouse, or you have had the same pallet racking for years, it is equally vital to have the equipment inspected. Here we discuss the importance of pallet racking inspections that all warehouse managers and businesses need to be aware of.

Just like any other equipment, even if the pallet racking is of the highest standard, you need to be realistic and know that over time you should expect general wear and tear. Even though pallet racking is extremely durable and robust, damage can still occur. Nuts and bolts can become loose which, if not detected early can lead to the foundations of the structure being unsteady. This could cause potentially dangerous problems in the future. Damage can also happen if the pallet racking has undertaken any physical hits from machinery such as forklifts accidentally hidden the racking.

Why do you need a pallet racking inspection?  

As part of the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974, it is stated that “all adjustable pallet racking falls under the category of work equipment, which must be maintained and inspected on a regular basis”

The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) of 1998 also states that all pallet racking shelving must meet the standards it sets out. This is in addition to the HSE guideline on Warehousing and Storage, HSG 76, states that “all racking systems should be of good mechanical construction, of sound material, adequate strength and installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.”

The inspections will observe the condition of the pallets, the positioning and types of loads stored on the pallet, the condition and type of floor the racking is fixed on plus much more. These are just some of the areas that are covered in the inspection. Once the inspection is done, a report will be issued with any recommendations or necessary actions.

By carrying out regular inspections, any issues can be dealt with head-on in a timely manner, reducing the risk of any accidents or further damage that could be costly to a business. By keeping the racking to the highest standards will also reduce the maintenance costs. It also helps towards creating a safer workplace and highlights to all warehouse employers that the business promotes health and safety in the workplace. This can considerably increase employees’ efficiency, happiness at work, and productivity if they know the equipment they are using is safe.

How often should the inspections take place? 

As a bare minimum, an expert inspection should take place annually. However, this is not the only inspection a warehouse needs to carry out. As stated in the EU Directive EN 15635, in addition to the annual expert inspection, internal inspections should also be undertaken on a weekly basis. Doing these regular inspections ensures that the racking remains fit for purpose and safe to use.

How do the inspections work? 

Warehouse inspections use a traffic light system in order to highlight any issues. These are called “damage categories”. Here is a description of the classifications:

Green Risk- The pallet racking system items that are damaged are within the limitations of BS EN 15635.

Amber Risk- The items are damaged beyond the limitations of BS EN15635. The rack should be offloaded as soon as possible within 4 weeks. The pallet racking system should not be used until the repair work has been completed.

Red Risk- Serious damage has occurred that are well beyond the limitations of BS EN 15635. If Red Risk occurs, the racking must be offloaded immediately and isolated from future use until the repair work has been carried out.

Who should do the inspections? 

A Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS) should be nominated at every warehouse. Their responsibilities include carrying out the weekly internal inspections.

Although a technically competent person internally can review the pallet racking, it can often be beneficial to use an external company to undertake these inspections. They look at the warehouse environment and condition of the pallet racking with completely fresh eyes. They will provide you with impartial advice, will have a team of experienced inspectors that are used to inspecting a range of different warehouses and will give the warehouse’s PRRS a comprehensive report that highlights any damaged or missing components and/or structural imperfections. This level of detailed inspection and feedback can be invaluable to the management of a busy warehouse.

Unfortunately, there are many accidents that take place in warehouses, some of which are caused by the equipment they are using. Prevention is key. Even if you don’t believe there is anything wrong with pallet racking, having regular inspection reduces the risk of injury and can help the racking last longer as it is well maintained.

By understanding these potential risks and having pallet racking inspections on a regular basis can help minimise the damage caused, fix any problems quickly and therefore minimise the risk of any serious damage or industry to equipment or staff considerably, making it a safer workplace.

Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high-quality mezzanine flooring for your business and are ready to discuss your warehouse storage requirements. For more information visit our website or call us on 0845 689 1300.

Ultimate Safety Tips for Your Warehouse