Pallet Racking FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about pallet racking, its installation and maintenance.

[Q] Can I make changes to the how I use of the equipment after it has been installed?

[A] Yes, the beam heights are adjustable on 75- or 50-mm centres, however we recommend you ask us about the proposed change beforehand so we can check the supplier’s construction manual to ensure your racking remains correctly installed. The load notification board will also need to be updated with any changes.

[Q] How can I protect my racking from impact damage?

[A] We recommend that you consider having steel column guards for the frames and rack end protection for the ends of the aisles.

[Q]. How do you describe the main parts of the racking structure?

[A] A frame is the vertical part formed by the two post uprights and interconnecting bracing bars. The frame width is usually set to either 900mm or 1100mm. The beams are the horizontal part that the pallet sits on.

[Q] What type of load can I put onto pallet racking?

[A] The calculation for the proposed load the frames and beams can carry is identified at the point of sale. Pallet racking provides adequate storage solutions for most applications. However when the proposed load is higher than would normally be expected a more robust structure can be supplied that is better suited to the task.

[Q] How is the structure secured?

[A] The frames are held in place by floor bolts which are fitted through a base plate secured to the bottom of the post on the frame. Different base plates are specified and supplied for different load applications as applicable.

[Q] When the equipment is moved or changed what happens to the exposed floor bolt?

[A] It would be ground down to floor level to prevent it becoming a trip hazard.

[Q] What do I do in the event of a forklift driver damaging my storage equipment?

[A] We can recommend a competent person to visit the site to inspect and assess the damage and advise on the best course of action.  However if the damaged structure needs to be offloaded for repair this should always be done immediately.

[Q] What are load notification boards?

[A] Load notice boards are used at the end of racking systems to advise the maximum critical load capacity, warnings for safe use and information about how to maintain the system. They are usually affixed at the point of highest visibility for equipment operators.

[Q] What do I need to consider if I want to use my pallet racking outside?

[A] We would recommend using a structure with a galvanised finish. Otherwise within a few years rust will set in, some of which will be visible, but critically it will also occur inside the beam which is not immediately visible. The ground must also be concrete and not tarmacadam. In addition the load calculations will need to consider the effects of wind and snow.