Brace For Impact, Carolinas – Safety Tips for Your Pallet Rack
Pallet Rack Damage is No Match for Brace Panels & the Apex Rack Repair App
Being familiar with the components of your rack is crucial to safely using the system. It is the best way to identify when something is a miss in the structure either from accidental forklift strikes, improper installation, or inappropriate use. One element that is essential for structural integrity of your racking is also something that could potentially be overlooked –upright braces. These are a series of struts bolted or welded between the front and rear columns to form the pallet rack upright. They add structural support to individual columns and help stabilize the rack frame in the cross-aisle direction.
The vertical organization of the struts involves a series of brace panels repeated throughout the height of the upright. Below you’ll find an example of the three main brace panel patterns – K-brace, X-brace, and Z-brace. The design used in your rack systems can varybased on design specifications and manufacturer Adherence to seismic requirements and the spacing between beam levels may dictate the need for additional or modified brace panels to reinforce the upright. Various options are also available such as thicker struts, doubling the number of struts, or adjusting the bracing pattern with closer strut spacing
Brace Panels
Brace for Impact – Mitigating Rack Strikes
Heavy-duty horizontal struts are designed to safeguard vulnerable columns in the aisle, and strategically positioned column protectors or end row guards effectively minimize or prevent rack damage from equipment strikes. These rack safety guard features should be all you’ll need to safely operate your pallet rack system.
However, it’s important to recognize the critical role that pallet rack brace panels play in maintaining the stability of your pallet rack system. Damage to these crucial components can compromise the integrity of the upright and, in turn, affect the capacity and safety of the entire rack system.
If your system experiences brace damage, swift action is essential. Begin by isolating the affected area to mitigate any potential risks. You then have two options to address the damage and ensure a prompt repair: Use the user-friendly Apex Rack Repair App for a do-it-yourself solution or call on the expertise of our Apex PROs.
How To Identify Pallet Rack Damage
Pallet rack damage doesn’t immediately equal repair – but how do you know whether to address it or not? Apex Carolinas has a handy dandy Rack Repair App that can help to guide your rack repair choices. Not only does it help you inspect rack damage and determine if a repair is required, but it enables you to record therack specs to quickly secure a rack repair kit that is customized for your system. Use the app to inspect the damage yourself, or call Apex to do it for you.
Do It Yourself – Use the Rack Repair App to inspect, capture specs or photos, and identify damaged pallet rack components and accessories
Done For You – Professional rack inspectors from Apex inspect your systems using the Rack Repair App.
The Apex Rack Repair app is free for download from Google Play or the App Store. Whether you’re located in North Carolina, South Carolina, or elsewhere in America – we guarantee an unbiased assessment through whichever method you choose. Call the Apex team today and ensure that your pallet rack is safe and functional for years to come.
