What to Do If Your Pallet Racking Is Damaged — The Complete Guide
Forklift impact is the most common cause of pallet racking damage in UK warehouses. When it happens — and in any busy warehouse, it will happen — the response in the minutes and hours that follow is critical.
Step 1 — Do Not Reload the Damaged Bay
The most dangerous mistake after racking damage is to continue loading the affected bay. A damaged upright frame has a significantly reduced safe working load. As soon as racking damage is identified the affected bay must be unloaded immediately and isolated.
Step 2 — Unload and Isolate the Bay
Remove all pallets and stock from the damaged bay. Place barrier tape, cones or a physical barrier around the area. Put a clear notice on the damaged bay stating it is out of service and must not be loaded.
Step 3 — Do Not Attempt Repairs Yourself
Temporary or makeshift repairs to damaged pallet racking are dangerous and illegal. Damaged racking components must be replaced like-for-like by a SEMA-aligned engineer.
Step 4 — Photograph the Damage
Before any repair work begins, photograph the damage in detail from multiple angles, note the bay number and row reference, and record the date and time the damage was discovered.
Step 5 — Call a SEMA-Aligned Engineer
Contact a SEMA-aligned racking repair specialist immediately. Rackstor UK Ltd provides emergency racking repairs across the UK with same-day response. Call 0800 654 6955 or visit rackingrepairs.com.
What Happens During a Racking Repair?
Our SEMA-aligned engineer inspects the damage, assesses adjacent components, and provides a fixed-price quotation. Damaged components are replaced like-for-like. A written completion certificate is provided on handover.
Preventing Racking Damage
Column guards on vulnerable uprights, end of aisle barriers, clearly marked aisle widths, speed restrictions and driver training all reduce forklift impact damage. For racking damage prevention products visit rackstor.co.uk.
Annual Racking Inspection
Every UK warehouse should have its pallet racking inspected annually by a SEMA-aligned inspector. For SEMA-aligned racking inspections visit racksafetyinspections.co.uk.