SEMA approved racking inspection of mobile pallet racking. Redirack racking on Barpro / Storax bases.
Blog Post
Pallet racking splices
- by Chris van Well
- •
- 08 Nov, 2018
- •
On one of my visits, carrying out a SEMA approved inspection I met with a a customer who has recently had an installation of second hand pallet racking. There are many views on second hand equipment throughout the storage industry, however for myself I will continue to inspect as normal; checking the installation quality and condition, providing this is satisfactory I normally do not take issue other than the usual observations mentioned.
On closer inspection, I noticed several bolts appeared to be missing and a large gap in the upright adjacent to the upright joining section- commonly called a 'splice'.
The majority of manufacturers use the splice to mechanically extend the height of the structure, securing the top and bottom sections together but with the imposed load passing directly through the touching uprights, not through the splice bolts. In this instance, there was only one beam level above and more or less clear of all products therefore imposing very little or no additional load to the storage system, so I allocated the affected locations 'amber' risk. Had the the locations above been loaded, this is certainly considered 'red risk' and would require an immediate offload of the system.
Using the SEMA traffic light system 'amber risk' means additional product could not be added, only the existing removed and allowing the customer to continue their procedures without too much disruption until their supplier could arrange the remedial work to be completed. After four weeks this is upgraded to red risk and to be offloaded - but sometimes we all need a little something to focus the mind and get the job done!
It is important to use a SEMA approved company to ensure quality products, design and workmanship, with the first SEMA approved rack inspection to be carried out within the first four months from installation. This will help to identify any issues from the start and and help to instigate a solid set of procedures and routines throughout the life of the system.
If you have recently had any pallet racking or cantilever racking installed get it inspected and stay safe!
On closer inspection, I noticed several bolts appeared to be missing and a large gap in the upright adjacent to the upright joining section- commonly called a 'splice'.
The majority of manufacturers use the splice to mechanically extend the height of the structure, securing the top and bottom sections together but with the imposed load passing directly through the touching uprights, not through the splice bolts. In this instance, there was only one beam level above and more or less clear of all products therefore imposing very little or no additional load to the storage system, so I allocated the affected locations 'amber' risk. Had the the locations above been loaded, this is certainly considered 'red risk' and would require an immediate offload of the system.
Using the SEMA traffic light system 'amber risk' means additional product could not be added, only the existing removed and allowing the customer to continue their procedures without too much disruption until their supplier could arrange the remedial work to be completed. After four weeks this is upgraded to red risk and to be offloaded - but sometimes we all need a little something to focus the mind and get the job done!
It is important to use a SEMA approved company to ensure quality products, design and workmanship, with the first SEMA approved rack inspection to be carried out within the first four months from installation. This will help to identify any issues from the start and and help to instigate a solid set of procedures and routines throughout the life of the system.
If you have recently had any pallet racking or cantilever racking installed get it inspected and stay safe!