When a Hit Becomes a Serious Blow – Pallet Rack Inspection | Apex Safety Spotlight

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Pallet Rack Inspection Tips After Forklift Strikes

Apex Rack Repair Safety Spotlight
Pallet rack is designed to withstand some impact from material handling equipment, but when does regular use and some minor damage become a potential system or safety hazard?

 A thorough and regular review of your rack is the best preventative to rack failure, but what exactly is a thorough pallet rack inspection? Your primary focus is on your major system components such as, damage to columns, struts, baseplates, anchors, and beams. But you must go deeper than what you see when you stand in front of the rack. For example, when inspecting columns, you’re going to want to take a close look at:

  • Damage under the beam level
  • Damage above the beam level
  • Damage behind the beam connector
  • Ripped columns
  • Bent or missing struts

pallet rack forklift damage

Apex Warehouse Systems Rack Repair & Safety Program

Once a damaged location is identified, the next step is determining the priority or severity of the damage. Again, using column as an example, you may notice that a column is buckling… this is column deflection. Deflection greater than approximately ½” in either the down aisle or front to back direction or on a corner, must be repaired; however, the location of the damage can affect the severity and thus the immediacy for repair i.e. corner column damage should be
addressed more immediately.

Just like our example above, it’s knowing what to look for that will guide you through a successful pallet rack inspection. That’s where Apex comes in. Download the Apex Rack Repair Mobile App… a FREE tool to help you implement your rack safety program.


Apex Rack Repair Mobile App


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 certified 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.