“Measure Up” to Verify Safe System Load – Apex Pallet Rack Safety Spotlight
“Open concept” may be a trendy buzz-phrase but it doesn’t translate so well into pallet racking. A lot of open space can be a potential pallet rack safety hazard depending on the intended design of the system. At Apex… “we do safe”, so we are back with another Safety Spotlight to highlight the importance of unsupported beam spans and how you can determine if your rack’s configuration and load capacity are A-OK.
Unsupported Beam Span & Upright Capacity
In an upright frame configuration, the space between beam levels is called the unsupported span. It can also be referred to as vertical beam spacing. If you look at your pallet rack, you’ll easily see the opening/unsupported span between beams. Now, it may be assumed that the bigger the opening, the bigger the pallet load that can be stored, but that is incorrect. As it turns out, the larger the distance between beam levels, the more unsupported space there is, and therefore, the less overall capacity that can be supported by the frame. Why is that?
The job of the beams is not just as a support for inventory but also to act as a horizontal tie between uprights. The more ties in the frame configuration, the more stable and therefore the stronger the frame. Conversely, the more space the greater the potential for frame instability.
How to Verify Vertical Spacing for Capacity
- Determine the maximum unsupported beam span by measuring each beam level to determine the maximum opening. To measure the first level, measure from the floor to the top of the first beam. Always use the largest unsupported span as your max opening.
- Verify that the max vertical spacing measure is the same or less than the span indicated in the original design. This can be found on the engineering drawings and is often included on the load plaques (provided by the rack manufacturer or system engineer and placed on each rack row). Note that max spacing is NOT required to be on the plaque; therefore, refer to the engineered drawings if it is not indicated. If the beams have been moved from the original design, the capacity sign may be incorrect.
- note: Apex can provide an engineering review on older racking systems to confirm capacity and/or create new capacity signs.
- Next, using the plaque or the manufacturer’s capacity chart tables, confirm that pallet loads are within the intended load rating for the system. Beam and upright capacity charts should also be provided by the pallet manufacturer and should also be found online.
Vertical beam spacing and load capacity verification should be part of your routine pallet rack safety audits. Contact the rack manufacturer with any rack reconfiguration to ensure that the new layout complies with the original design loads.
Sample Rack Capacity Plaque
Lastly, ensure that the following criteria are met…
What Else Effects Frame Capacity?
- The warehouse floor must be able to withstand the load
- The rack must be properly anchored to the floor
- Uprights outside of the 6 to 1 ratio must be specially engineered to include the proper safeguards
- Facilities in seismic zones must meet specific guidelines.
Since it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to warehouse operations, consider the Apex Rack Repair & Safety Program, where you can conduct your rack audit using our new Rack Repair App…or rely on the PRO Apex Rack Audit Team.
Apex Rack Repair Mobile App provides Do It Yourself capability to conduct a complete pallet rack system audit. The app prompts you for key specs and photos as you identify system damage on columns, struts, baseplates, anchors, and beams. You can also take notes about wire decking, supports, load deflection, proper flue space, and more.
If all that sounds like something you’d prefer to Leave it to the PROs … Apex still has you covered. Apex PROs rack inspectors will come to you and handle your complete audit using the Rack Repair Mobile App.
Our Promise – Whether DIY with the app or a PRO audit you’ll receive a comprehensive rack inspection report with an independent solution recommending steps for system repairs and maintenance.
Safe, “healthy” rack is a key component in warehouse optimization. The Apex Rack Repair Mobile App is here to help. Download the app today, call us or visit our website for more information.
