Poor Installation

In this case along with many others, when we conduct a racking inspection for a new client for the first time there is often a number of technical issues that can arise from the inspection findings. As with the following case study, this particular client had a racking installation that had been installed to a very poor and dangerous standard. Our approved inspectors will often be able to ascertain very quickly whether or not, the racking was installed by experienced installers. In this case it was very clear that this particular installation had not.

The inspector highlighted a number of key issues that were either incorrectly installed or missing completely. Items such as missing load notice signage, beam safety pins, row spacers and unfortunately for the client, frames that were installed upside down. The frames were constructed via two uprights sections joined centrally by a standard splice connection. A standard design by the manufacturer and very common in the pallet racking industry. However, in this case the installers had placed the lighter gauge (a thinner material and lower load capacity) section at the bottom of the frame and a heavier duty type (thicker gauge, higher load capacity) section at the top.

A seriously unsafe installation and Red risk classification requiring immediate off-loading.  Fortunately for the client, they had space to offload the product immediately and with a number of surplus frames within the warehouse were able to action the remedial works quickly and safely, only this time using SEIRS approved installers. Although the client had inherited the installation and received an unexpected repair bill, they potentially prevented a serious incident within their business that they would have unknowingly been aware of.

They now have a racking installation which is up to standard. It has been installed correctly and the once absent load notice signs are now displayed. Without the findings of an expert inspection, the client was unaware of the potential dangers within their warehouse. By employing a SEMA qualified inspector and approved SEMA installers the risks were quickly identified and actioned. With the correct measures in place, situations of this nature can easily be avoided saving you time, money and stress.

Above all else, ensuring the safety for your employees.