Check Your Pallet Rack, Carolinas! Get Your Rack in Line with Plumb and Height-to-Depth Checks
Fix Those Pallet Rack “Plumb”-ing Problems with the Apex PROs!
Your pallet racking system must be straight, sturdy, and ready to handle whatever demands your Carolina business throws its way. Whether your system is brand new or second-hand, regular rack inspections are a smart move to keep everything in check. These inspections can cover a range of rack safety issues, but ensuring your racks are perfectly plumb is one of the most critical aspects of rack safety.
You can bring in a trained rack inspection expert (like the Apex PROs) to assess your system… or you can equip your own team to handle the job—Apex PROs offer that training too!
Our trained inspectors will look for signs of leaning, or an out-of-plumb position, in the uprights. This involves checking from every angle—up and down, side to side, and front to back. Uprights that are leaning too much should be corrected immediately to avoid safety risks. Since plumb alignment directly impacts both load capacity and overall rack safety, an out-of-plumb rack should never be loaded to its maximum.
Racks Leaning? Time to Check if They’re Out of Plumb!
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Cross Aisle Inspection
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Down Aisle Inspection
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To Calculate Allowable Tolerance for Out of Plumb – Measure the Upright Frame (in inches) and divide that calculation by 240. The result is allowable deviation (again, in inches). If the upright is out of plumb greater than the permissible tolerance, it must unloaded and replumbed.
To determine the allowable tolerance – Measure the height of the upright frame (in inches) and divide that by 240. The result is the maximum permissible deviation (also in inches). The upright must be unloaded and realigned if the lean exceeds this limit.
For example:
Total Rack Height
240
- If the upright frame is 144”, the allowable tolerance = 0.6”
- If the upright frame is 240”h, the allowable tolerance = 1”
- If your upright frame is 360”h, the allowable tolerance is 1.5”
The 6-to-1 Rule: The Golden Ratio for Selective Pallet Racking
Single-row selective pallet racking follows its own set of guidelines. The recommended height-to-depth ratio for these systems is 6:1, meaning the height from the floor to the top beam should not be more than six times the depth of the upright.
This 6:1 ratio also applies to racking systems installed back-to-back. If the height-to-depth ratio exceeds 6:1, row spacers can provide additional stability. These spacers should be installed at horizontal brace panel points, starting at the second upright brace level (about 48″-60″ above the ground) and then at every other brace point after that (approximately 84″-108″ apart). At a minimum, row spacers should be spaced 8 to 10 feet apart.
While the standard flue space width is 12”, it can vary based on local fire codes. If your flue space is 24” or more, heavy-duty row spacers are required for systems exceeding the 6-to-1 ratio. For added stability, you can combine heavy-duty spacers with heavy-duty horizontal struts. Additional accessories like special floor anchors, footplates, and overhead rack ties offer even more support and reinforcement.
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Row Spacer
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Height to Depth Ratio
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Pallet Racking Inspections Made Easy with the Apex PROs
Need a simple solution for your pallet racking assessments? The Apex PROs offer nationwide service and can have your rack inspected in a flash. Need a solution that’s closer to your fingertips? The Apex Rack Repair App has you covered with two convenient inspection options:
Do It Yourself – After downloading the app, it walks you step-by-step through your rack inspection, prompting you for system details and allowing you to upload photos of any damage. This comprehensive information ensures the Apex PROs can quickly evaluate the issue and, if necessary, provide a fast turnaround on a custom repair kit.
The app also features 3D graphics and detailed guides that help you spot any component damage. Once you’ve completed the inspection, simply hit ‘upload,’ and the Apex PROs will review it, providing tailored solutions for each issue. The DIY option is perfect for those with the time and team to handle it.
Pressed for time? No worries—the Apex PROs can handle it for you. A certified inspector will come to your site, using the Rack Repair App to guide the inspection and make any necessary repairs, ensuring your racks are back in top shape in no time.
No matter which method you choose, you’ll receive a thorough, customized report and repair plan. The Rack Repair Mobile App is available for free on Google Play and the App Store. For more details, give us a call or visit our website.
