Steel pallet rackings are widely used in warehouses across the globe. They are versatile and essential in warehouses playing an important role in inventory management. However, when not handled properly, they can also cause product damage or serious injuries. That’s where safety standards come into play, ensuring that such accidents are minimised.
The Australian standard for pallet racking systems governs how these structures are designed and maintained. By following these standards, you not only protect your employees and equipment, but also boost overall warehousing operations.
In this blog, let us discuss what the standard is and understand how to install pallet racking in compliance to the rules:
Key Takeaways
- Safety standards ensure warehouse rackings remain stable, reliable, and safe during operations.
- Compliance with these standards helps protect employees, equipment, and stored goods from potential hazards.
- Regular inspections, clear load signage, and professional installation greatly reduce the risk of accidents.
- Non-compliance can result in costly fines, denied insurance claims, and product damage.
- Well-maintained and compliant racking systems improve workflow, increase efficiency, and extend overall lifespan.
What are safety standards ?
The Australian standard for storage rackings specify safety and design requirements for pallet rackings. This standard is divided into two parts – one part dictates design criteria and the other one is for operation and maintenance.
Now, let us also look at the key features of the these standards:
Key features of safety standards
Safety standards lay down a strict framework of how a racking should be designed, installed and maintained across Australia. Following are the key characteristics of the Australian standards for pallet rackings:
Weight and height specifications: These guidelines specify the maximum weight that a pallet racking system can bear along with the required height of the frame for safety. Additionally, there should be backing meshes to prevent items from falling.
Technical specifications: The standard specifies the racking system to be certified by a qualified engineer and be installed by professionals. Do not try to install the rackings yourself, it can be fatal.
Inspections: Pallet racking inspection and regular maintenance to maintain the quality of structure are important parts of standard compliance.
Use of signage: The Australian standard for pallet rackings makes it necessary for the racks to have proper signs about loads. The signage must be permanent and least A3 in size.
Moving on to our next section, let us look at the importance of the guidelines:
Why do these standards matter?
These standards are an essential part of national work, health and safety (WHS) legislation and are there to make workplaces safer by reducing risks of accidents.
Let us look more into some of the factors that make these standards important:
Safety
When talking about WHS guidelines, safety is the primary concern. Pallet racking accidents can cause serious injury and can even result in death. When you comply with safety standards, risk of an accident is significantly reduced. Adhering to the load limits and proper inspections can stop disasters before they happen.
Insurance and legal factors
Compliance with guidelines is not only a recommendation but a legal requirement as well. Insurance companies and regulatory authorities both demand that these standards are met. Non-compliance can result in void insurance claims and legal penalties, especially in a case of workplace injury.
Efficiency
Following proper design standards also mean that the functioning of your warehouses is optimal. A standard pallet racking layout facilitates quick and efficient movement of goods, adding to the accessibility. It improves the work flow and saves time wasted by a dysfunctional layout.
Cost and lifespan
Accidents not only cost safety but also cost money. By complying with standards and minimising potential mishaps, you ultimately save your warehouse finances too. Consistent inspections which are mandated by rules also mean that your racks last longer and you get better return on investment.
What if your racking system is not compliant?
The owner or operator of the warehouse has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that all standards are being met. Your racking system not being compliant to the set standards directly means increased vulnerability and puts the workforce to risk. Furthermore, you can face government fines for breach of safety regulations and insurance may be denied in case of any accidents.
Here is what you should do in case your storage system is not compliant to standards:
- Inspection: The first step to remediation is getting a certified inspector and document the findings.
- Repairs: Next, reconfigure or repair your pallet rackings according to the needs.
- Replacement: Replace the rackings if they are damaged or explicitly non-compliant.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is responsible if the racking system is not compliant?
The warehouse owner or manager holds full responsibility for ensuring the system meets the safety standard requirements.
- How to install pallet racking safely?
Always hire certified installers and follow guidelines for alignment, load signage, and inspections.
- What is the Australian standard for pallet racking?
The Australian standards sets the national safety, design, and maintenance requirements for warehouse racking systems in Australia.
- What are the different types of pallet racking?
Some of the common ones include selective, drive-in, double deep, push-back, and pallet flow racking systems.
Conclusion
In summary, upholding standards are essential because of safety reasons and legal compliance. When your racking systems are compliant, you follow rules, reduce risk and demonstrate your commitment to quality assurance as well. By following the guidelines you essentially future-proof your racks and your warehouse.
One learning from this blog should be getting racking systems that meet the current highest level of standards to assure yourself against any mishaps. Additionally, if you are looking for high-quality pallet racking in Gold Coast consider browsing options from Gold Coast Racking now!
If you would like to educate yourself more about pallet rackings, check out How To Optimize Warehouse with Pallet Racking.
