Inspect Your Racks, Colorado! Assessing Plumb and Height-to-Depth Ratio in Your Pallet Racking
Address Your Pallet Rack Plumb-ing Issues With The Apex Rack Repair App
Your pallet racking system needs to be level, plumb, and able to withstand whatever your Colorado business throws at it. Whether you bought your system new or used, regular rack inspections are a great idea to ensure that your rack is still up to par. While these inspections can cover a variety of rack concerns, assessing plumb is one of the biggest factors in determining rack system safety.
You can call a trained rack inspection specialist (like the Apex PROs) to examine your system(s)… or you can train internal personnel to handle the task –the Apex PROs do this as well.
The specialist will visually inspect whether uprights are exhibiting an out-of-plumb position, i.e., an observational lean. These checks determine plumb at every angle, including up and down, side to side, and front to back. Excessively leaning uprights should be remedied immediately to avoid hazards. Plumb positioning directly affects load capacity and rack safety, so an out-of-plumb rack should never be loaded to maximum capacity.
Are Your Racks Out Of Plumb?
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Cross Aisle Inspection
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Down Aisle Inspection
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Once your visual rack inspection determines that your uprights are out of plumb, you must calculate the extent of the lean. A minor vertical slant may not require an immediate replumb of the frame but should be noted and watched for further deterioration.
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.
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 Golden 6-to-1 Ratio for Selective Pallet Racking
Selective pallet racking has some different guidelines when in single rows. The recommended height-to-depth ratio for these is 6:1. This means that the distance from the floor to the top beam level should not exceed 6:1 when divided by the depth of the upright.
This ratio also governs systems installed back to back. Should the height/depth ratio exceed 6:1 in these cases, row spacers can add needed stability. Row spacers should be placed at horizontal brace panel points beginning with the second upright brace level (around 48″-60″ above ground) and then at every alternate horizontal brace panel point following that (approximately 84″ to 108″ apart). At a minimum, the spacers should be 8’ to 10’ apart.
The typical flue space width is 12”; however, it can vary depending on fire codes. If your flue space is 24’’ or wider, you’ll need to use heavy-duty row spacers for systems that exceed the 6-to-1 ratio. You can combine heavy-duty spacers and heavy-duty horizontal struts for maximum stability. Additional accessories such as special floor anchors, footplates, and overhead rack ties can provide even more stability and support in
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Row Spacer
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Height to Depth Ratio
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Pallet Racking Inspections are No Match for the Rack Repair App
Looking for an easy way to conduct those pallet-racking assessments? Look no further than the Apex Rack Repair App – which has two handy inspection options:
Do It Yourself – Once downloaded, the app guides you through your rack inspection, prompting you for system specifications and allowing photo uploads of the damage. Gathering all these details ensures a speedy damage evaluation from the Apex PROs and fast turnaround on a custom repair kit if needed.
The app offers 3D graphics and guides to help you identify component damage. Once finished, click ‘upload,’ and the Apex PROs will have a look – responding with a customized solution to each damage indicator. The DIY option is great for those with some extra time and manpower.
Can’t spare the time for the DIY option? No problem – the Apex PROs will come to you. Guided by the rack repair app, a certified inspector will inspect and repair your racks in no time.
You’re guaranteed a personalized and comprehensive report and repair solution, whichever method you choose. Download the Rack Repair Mobile App for free from Google Play or the App Store. Call us or visit our website for more information.
