Over the years we have seen many broken or overly used pallet racking systems, as well as facilities that simply have old or unsuitable storage solutions. 

Not only can broken systems have a detrimental effect on warehouse efficiency and business operations, but they can also pose a dangerous risk to your staff and premises.

With the correct installation and maintenance, used pallet racking makes for an extremely durable and reliable system. 

However, there are a number of dangers that can go unnoticed with used pallet racking, so it’s important to know how to recognise when your system needs replacing.

We always recommend hiring the service of a SEMA approved racking inspector to give you a full safety report on your used pallet racking. Get in touch if you require this service for your warehouse and we will be happy to help. 

Corrosion and rust

As part of the assessment, a racking inspector will look for signs of corrosion and rust. Areas with tarnished beams, flaking paint, or corrosion are an indication of the metal weakening. 

Once your used pallet racking becomes rusty, it will only continue to weaken the structure of the entire system. Adding more load to the racking will then make the situation worse, therefore we advise acknowledging the problem before it worsens.

In this instance, we recommend replacing your used pallet racking system before any unwanted injuries occur in the workplace.

Beam deflection

Under a heavy load, your beams will naturally begin to deflect but this should disappear from the moment you take the load off. If the beams are still deflected after removal, this is a sign that your used pallet racking system is damaged.

If you continue to load your system with heavy stock after noticing deflected beams, there is a risk of the entire pallet racking structure collapsing. Doing this could also cause serious harm to your warehouse operatives. 

In this instance, we recommend replacing the beam or investing in a new or used pallet racking system that can take the weight limits you require.

Regular racking repairs 

When it comes to any used pallet racking system, general maintenance is required to keep it healthy and running smoothly. On the other hand, constant fixes are a sign that you should be considering more long term solutions, like replacing the system entirely.

A system that requires a host of repairs is not a solid solution for any warehouse business. Instead of trying to do DIY on your system and risking the job being done incorrectly, we advise you to invest in some new racking that will, in the long term, save you a lot of time and expense.

Contact us on 0800 345 7088 to discuss your storage needs, or email [email protected]. 

With us, support continues after the sale, and we strive to form strong customer relationships, providing you with dedicated advisors you can contact for any advice.