Management + Systems

Severe weather conditions such as wind, snow, ice, and flooding, can have a devastating impact on businesses. Here Simon Lock, designer at UK-based Rapid Racking Ltd, looks at the measures companies can take to help reduce damage to racking in order to prevent stock damage and ensure employee safety.

It is important for businesses to be properly equipped – particularly in terms of racking and storage solutions. While some advice may be self-explanatory, it pays to be prepared for both storing goods and transporting heavy loads around a site. For example, warehouses without racking and bulk storage on a ground level should consider installing racking to avoid expensive spoilage, and warehouses with racking already in place, should consider adding a bottom beam level so that stock is not stored directly on the ground.

Flood waters also have the potential to damage the racking itself, consequently risking collapse. Damage may not always be obvious, so in order to reduce the risk of this, it is wise to ensure floor fixings are secure and inspections are carried out regularly to check the strength and stability of the racking. Every site requires a responsible person to carry out weekly and monthly safety checks on racking and this should be no different in severe weather conditions. British Trade Association of the Storage Equipment Industry, SEMA, advises that racking posts with as little as 3mm deflection on a 1m section should be replaced immediately if any damage is recorded.

For outdoor storage there are some further considerations. Where racking is open to the elements, the fully loaded pallets result in a big ‘sail area’ that poses a health and safety risk for anyone working in the vicinity. Businesses should also specify a hot dip galvanised finish to reduce the chance of rust and corrosion on the racking structure.

The advice, as ever, for anyone considering a new installation, retrofit, or even seeking advice, is to ask the experts. We are happy to help.