PRO Tips for Pallet Rack Inspection – Baseplate Damage | Apex Safety Spotlight

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Assess the Extent of Baseplate Damage with the Apex Rack Repair App

You stub your toe, twist your ankle, or drop something on your foot… what’s your immediate reaction? Likely, you hop, limp, or lift the injured foot from the ground throwing yourself off balance. Well, your pallet rack takes hits regularly in “the foot,” and if you are not treating that “injury” with proper care you could have a whole lot more to worry about than a simple “Ouchy.”

Pallet rack safety accessories (hopefully) are in place to take the brunt of the hits when they come. Safety accessories such as end row guards, column protectors, and rub rails are designed to protect the rack from direct hits with warehouse equipment, but even they can only take so much abuse. In addition, sometimes, the hit comes in such a way that the rack is directly impacted despite your best efforts. Here’s how to determine the extent of anchor or baseplate damage in your pallet rack inspection.

Tips from the Pallet Rack Inspection PROs at Apex

  1. Anchoring Basics: Every baseplate must have at least (1) anchor. The baseplate usually has extra holes that are not used but can allow it to be re-anchored if the current anchor gets damaged, if the anchor gets bent, or if the rebar is hit during installation.
  2. Shims Basics: Typically, shim plates are installed beneath the baseplate/column to level the rack if it is resting on an uneven floor. Shims are used for both cross-aisle and down-aisle flooring slopes.

RMI Guidelines for Stacking Shims:

-For shim packs that are less than 2 times the diameter of the anchor, there is no requirement to “lock” the shims together by welding or installing a second anchor.

-For shim packs that are between 2 times but less than 6 times the diameter of the anchor, there is a requirement to “lock” the shims together by welding or adding a second anchor.

-Shim packs that are greater than 6 times the anchor diameter are not permitted.

  1. Baseplate Damage: Front and back baseplates which are torn, ripped, or twisted past ½” require repair.
  2. Anchor Damage: Each baseplate of the upright (front and back) must be anchored to the floor. Check for missing, loose, and sheared anchors.

Apex Warehouse Systems Pallet Rack Safety Accessories

Baseplate Damage

Apex Warehouse Systems Pallet Rack Safety Accessories

Column Guard Damage

Apex Warehouse Systems Pallet Rack Safety Accessories

Baseplate Measurement

Apex Warehouse Systems Pallet Rack Safety Accessories

Stacked Shims

Don’t Go It Alone

The Apex Rack Repair & Safety Program offers you two easy-to-use options to evaluate the structural soundness of your entire pallet rack system. 1. The Rack Repair App…or 2. the Apex PRO Pallet Rack Inspection Team.


Apex Rack Repair Mobile AppApex Rack Repair Mobile App is Do It Yourself enabled. The app will guide you through a complete pallet rack inspection. You’ll be prompted for key specs and photos as you find system damage on columns, struts, baseplates, anchors, and beams. You can also capture details about damaged wire decking and supports, plus load deflection, proper flue space, and more.

However, would you rather 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 pallet rack inspection report with an independent solution recommending system repairs and maintenance steps.

A safe, “healthy” rack is a crucial 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.