Rack Upfronts Often Damaged by Forklifts
It is important that everything in your warehouse operates efficiently. Everything should be safe and secure in addition to looking good. When walking through your warehouse and inspecting the area, you may find that some of your racking is no longer up to par.
It is not unusual to find that your rack uprights have been damaged by the impact of your forklifts, and these damages must be addressed.
Important Factors
Now that you’ve assessed the damage, you might be wondering whether it’s time to repair or replace your racking. You don’t want to have any safety issues on your hands now or in the future because of faulty racking. Here are a few things to think about when considering whether you should repair or replace your racking:
- Any damage or bends that exceed half an inch in depth will need to be replaced immediately. Consider this a priority. If the damage does not exceed half an inch an immediate replacement might not be a necessity. However, you should keep an eye on the damage and have a plan for the future.
- An upright column that is bent needs replacing. Any adjacent bays should also be unloaded and not used.
- When in doubt, you should decide to replace over repair in order to ensure the safety of you and your workers.
Complete Replacement
Complete upright replacement is a good option if you want a clean, new look for your racking. There will be no splice points to interfere with the placement of your beams, and complete replacement ensures consistency in racking throughout your warehouse. However, the labor costs may be high and the process might take some time, as all shelf levels will need to be removed.
Repairing Sections
When repairing sections, only the lower shelves will need to be removed, making this a much simpler process than complete replacement. There are also lower freight costs involved when repairing sections. However, splice points can interfere with shelf placement, and modifying existing uprights can be a pain.
Taking Precautions
Consider all of the above when debating whether to repair or replace your racking. You may also want to speak with a racking specialist for an informed second opinion.
It is a good idea to have an annual rack inspection which involves examining all connections, beams, wire decks, anchoring, and more. This will avoid any costly last-minute replacements and make your warehouse a safe and efficient environment to work in.
If you have any questions about upright racking or other anything else inside your warehouse, PFlow can help. We believe that safety in the warehouse is extremely important, and we want you and your employees to succeed.