WAREHOUSE SAFETY INSPECTIONS. NUISANCE OR LIFESAVER?

Inspections might feel like a nuisance. But they sure beat the trauma of an accident. Insecure, damaged, unmaintained pallet racking can cause deaths, injuries and lost work hours. 

Daily, as well as scheduled inspections keep your operation on track – and catch problems before they catch you.

Here’s our checklist for the 2 main kinds of inspections:

1) Daily Inspections

Not surprisingly, these should be done every day! 
The daily inspection is mainly visual – to systematically report the condition of the racking and its surroundings.
Look out for:

• Deformed components
• Misplaced loads
• Missing lock pins
• Missing anchor bolts
• Obstructed warehouse aisles and main aisles
• Any other changes in the building or equipment

2) Scheduled, or Detailed inspections

Here’s a summary of our detailed inspection procedure.

• Access the components

The edges of racking take a beating, but areas that are difficult to see can be damaged too. Sometimes it’s necessary to unload some pallets to closely examine each component.

• Configuration of the pallet racks

Inspect the configuration of the racking. Does it conform to the manufacturer’s original drawings and specifications? 

• Load rating

Inspect the loads stored on the racks. Ensure that the load rating established by the manufacturer or an engineer is adhered to.

• Compatible components

Check for incompatibility between components. Some signs to watch out for:

- Different colours
- Lock pin holes on load support beams
- Misaligned upright frame columns

• Damage assessment of uprights

This includes the columns and bracing.

Damage to the frame components reduces their load rating. Damage must be clearly indicated; the section must be immediately cleared and must not be reloaded until repairs have been carried out.

• Assess the plumb of upright columns with loads = to the rated load

The FEM (Fédération de la manutention) states that the maximum deviation from plumb (out-of-plumb) should not exceed 1/200 of column height.

• Inspection of beams and beam-connectors

Check for:

- Visible deformation
- Cracks or defects in the welds

• Safety pins

- All pins should be secured at each end of the beam, in good condition, and impossible to remove – intentionally or unintentionally.

- Bolt nuts should all be securely tightened.

• Corrosion

Inspect beams and frames for signs of corrosion. Sand and repaint damaged components if necessary.

• Rated load plaque

Make sure these are installed.

• Rack accessories

Are the following accessories installed and in good condition?

- Row spacers
- Column guard
- Accessories for protection from falling objects

• Site conditions

- Is the floor level and crack-free?
- Is the lighting adequate?
- Could lighting fixtures be hit by lift trucks and their loads?
- Is there a minimum clearance (450mm) between the tops of the loads and the sprinklers?
- Are the main aisles wide enough, unobstructed, and in good condition?
- Are the walkways wide enough?
- Workstations should be outside the warehouse aisles and the main aisles.

From CNESST:
Any modification shall be approved by the manufacturer, or an engineer.

Get a reputable company to do a comprehensive inspection

How often do you need one? (The long answer)

• Ask the racking manufacturer for their recommendations.

• Then evaluate what type of stresses are being put on your racking.

This could include:

• Turnover rate of stock, i.e. how often the load is changed on a section of racking.

• The type of pallets or unit loads being handled.

• Vehicles operating around the racking.

• Corrosive products being handled that could affect the integrity of the structure.

• Environmental effects: temperature, humidity, corrosive atmosphere etc.

The short answer:

The CNESST does not require a minimum or maximum of inspections by the government.  They may never inspect a particular company, but sometimes they do.

At Meriton, we suggest 4 inspections per year. That way small defects are caught before they stress adjoining components.

It also shows your due diligence in prevention, and in the long run saves time and money.

Why wait for an accident to happen?
We can take the hassle out of it for you by doing a free inspection!

BOOK NOW