Monthly Archives: September 2023

The Main Reasons Behind Racking Collapse and How To Avoid These Risks

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Warehouse safety is of paramount importance in any industrial setting. One critical aspect that demands attention is the integrity of racking systems.

Unfortunately, racking collapses can lead to catastrophic consequences, posing risks to personnel, operations and inventory.Ā To prevent such disasters, let’s delve into the most common causes of racking failures, explore examples and most importantly the prevention of racking collapse.

Collapsed Racking Image Source TechRescueWMFS Ā Racking_collapses_1 Ā Picture2

 

1. Racking Incorrectly Installed

One of the leading culprits behind racking collapses is improper installation. When racking systems aren’t assembled correctly, they lack the necessary stability to bear the weight they are designed for. Substandard installation often involves misaligned beams, loose connections, or insufficient anchoring to the floor or wall.Ā 

Example: In a warehouse, a racking system was hastily installed without adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines. As a result, the beams weren’t adequately secured, leading to an eventual collapse when the load capacity was exceeded.Ā 

 

2. Overloaded Pallets and Beams

Either incorrect evaluation of weight limits or ignoring weight load notices. Pushing the limits of a racking system by overloading pallets and beams, is an invitation for disaster. Exceeding the maximum weight capacity compromises the structural integrity of the racking, increasing the risk of failure.Ā 

Example: Even though the weight load notice stated the weight load capacity of the racking, pallets were stacked beyond the recommended load-bearing capacity of the racking. This constant overload weakened the system, eventually resulting in a catastrophic collapse.Ā 

 

3. Impact from Material Handling Equipment

The bustling environment of a warehouse often involves the use of material handling equipment like forklifts and reach trucks. Accidents and collisions with racking systems can cause damage that goes unnoticed, and even small bumps will gradually weaken the structure over time.Ā 

Example: A forklift operator accidentally backed into a rack, causing a slight dent in the upright. While seemingly minor, this impact weakened the racking’s structural integrity, leading to its eventual failure during regular operations by maxing its now weakened load potential or from further minor bumps.Ā 

 

4. Racking Reconfigured and Not Re-Inspected for Safety

Warehouse dynamics change over time, prompting reconfigurations of racking systems. However, these alterations are not always followed by safety inspections. Neglecting to reevaluate the integrity of the racking after reconfiguration can lead to unforeseen vulnerabilities.Ā 

Example: Due to an increase in new product lines, a warehouse decided to rearrange its racking layout. However, the safety inspection was overlooked, and the new configuration was never thoroughly assessed for structural soundness, eventually leading to a collapse.Ā 

 

5. Racking Components Not Repaired Properly

When racking components sustain damage, repairs must be carried out promptly and professionally. Cutting corners or using makeshift fixes compromises the system’s overall strength and reliability.Ā 

Example: In an attempt to save on costs, a warehouse maintenance team attempted to repair a bent beam by straightening it. This inadequate repair rendered the beam unstable, ultimately contributing to the racking collapse.Ā 

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How can you minimise the Risk of Racking Collapse?Ā 

Qualified Installation, Maintenance, and Inspection Teams

The foundation of a robust racking system begins with a proper installation by qualified experts. Engaging professional installation teams ensures that racking systems are assembled in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, and following EN Regulations and SEMA Guidelines, to ensure the best structural integrity from the start.Ā 

Proper installation ensures that racking systems can safely withstand the intended loads and daily operations. It encompasses aligning beams accurately, securely fastening components, and anchoring the racking securely to the floor or wall.Ā 

Routine inspections involve comprehensive checks of the racking’s structural integrity, including uprights, beams, and connections. Inspections can be undertaken by an internal trained employee while annual inspections by external qualified inspectors. All annual inspectors should be trained to follow EN15635 Standard and PUWER Regulations, in identifying potential vulnerabilities and assessing load-bearing capabilities.Ā 

Sufficient Training for Warehouse Teams

Empowering your warehouse teams with adequate training is a critical defence against racking collapse. Educating personnel on what to look for and the appropriate actions to take upon spotting an issue can prevent potential catastrophes.Ā 

  • Comprehensive Awareness: Warehouse teams should be trained to recognize signs of wear, damage, or instability in the racking system. This includes understanding the importance of load limits, recognizing damaged components, and knowing when to report potential safety concerns.Ā 
  • Immediate Action Plan: Training should equip personnel with a clear protocol to follow in the event they encounter a safety issue. Encouraging an open reporting culture ensures that any observed problems are promptly communicated to supervisors or maintenance teams for swift resolution.Ā 
  • Ongoing Education: Safety training should be a continuous effort, ensuring that all personnel, including new hires, are well-informed about warehouse safety practices. Periodic refreshers and updates on industry best practices keep the workforce vigilant and informed.Ā 

Infographic (3)In conclusion, mitigating the risk of racking collapse is a multi-faceted approach that relies on professional installation, regular maintenance, and diligent inspections. Equally important is providing thorough training to warehouse teams to recognize potential hazards and respond swiftly to ensure a safe and secure workplace environment. By implementing these strategies, warehouse managers can proactively protect their facility, personnel, and valuable inventory from the threat of racking failures.Ā 

Rack Group have over 40 yearsā€™ experience in industrial pallet racking design, installation, repair and inspections, while providing training to upskill customer inhouse teams. Contact us for advice, and quotes for training, installations and inspections.Ā 

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Simplifying Safety Barrier Systems: Making Informed Choices for Your Warehouse

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In a recent webinar, experts from across IWS Group of companies came together to shed light on the importance of safety barrier testing and how to make informed decisions when selecting them.

In particular, the significance of PAS 13 impact rating, choosing the right impact protection for your warehouse risks, and saving on repair and maintenance costs.

This article aims to summarize the key points discussed during the webinar and provide valuable insights for warehouse decision-makers, facilities managers, and health and safety professionals.

 

DISTRIBUTOR INVITE

 

Understanding the Importance of PAS 13

PAS 13 is a globally recognised guidance, established by the British Standards Institutes (BSi) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It serves as a benchmark for safety barriers used in industrial workplaces.

It was explained that the use the PAS 13 BSi guidance is the foundation for IWS Group product testing to benchmark and validate that their barriers comply with PAS 13. Also to further seek verification from an independent testing house, such as TƜV Nord.

PAS 13, testing covers both horizontal barriers and vertical posts, to be impact tested ensuring comprehensive compliance. Testing involves impacting the barriers and measuring their deflection and force transfer. By adhering to PAS 13 standards, customers can have confidence in the reliability and quality of the safety barriers they choose.

 

Choosing the right impact protection for your specific warehouse risk

Safety barriers play a crucial role in protecting people, property, and stock in warehouse environments. However, it was raised that navigating the market and choosing the right safety barrier system can be a daunting task. It was agreed that when selecting safety barriers, decision-makers must thoroughly understand their warehouse environment and the areas that need protection. This includes identifying walkways, stock zones, and deflection zones. Deflection zones are essential for ensuring the safety of individuals by accounting for the distance a barrier will deflect upon impact. Different manufacturers offer varying deflection zones based on factors such as forklift types, speeds, and loads. Comparing barrier test data is key, but that can be challenging as many are not comparable, due to either not testing to PAS 13 and are not third party accredited. Consulting with experts and asking the right questions is crucial in determining the most suitable solution for a specific warehouse.

 

Simplifying Testing Data

Understanding testing data can also be challenging, especially when it involves complex terms like energy and kilojoules. To address this issue, the webinar participants introduced a simplified approach called “Safety Simplified.” This approach provides customers with straightforward information about the energy levels their products can withstand in real world terms. By customers knowing the maximum loads and speeds of their forklifts, they can easily interpret the performance of safety barriers to identify which best meet their needs.

Infographics2

Download the “Safety Simplified” infographic to clearly show barrier performance in real world situations.

 

Avoiding the Cost of Over-Engineering and Underperformance

The webinar addressed the common challenges faced by customers in the market when selecting safety barrier systems. The marketplace offers a wide range of safety barrier systems with varying prices and performance levels. It is important to avoid “over-engineered” products, as different environments require different specifications. For example, an airport can require far higher specification and performance of barriers in comparison to inside a warehouse. Also purchasing low cost, untested products may result in frequent replacements and compromised safety. Therefore it is crucial to invest in safety barriers that match the specific needs of a workplace.

 

Availability and Lead Times

Lead times can significantly impact the development timetable of a warehouse either from construction or ongoing risk management of an existing workplace. It was stressed to check lead times before purchasing which can often vary between weeks and many months and to plan this detail into your risk management strategy and planning.

The panelists reassured the audience that tested safety barrier products from Brandsafe have an average lead time of four weeks. As a UK manufacturer, Brandsafe has invested in its manufacturing process to meet customer requirements efficiently with warehouses in the UK, Central Europe and the USA for rapid response and worldwide product availability.

 

Saving on repair and maintenance costs

All the panelists agreed that choosing the right safety barrier system for a warehouse requires careful consideration of factors such as budget, durability and risk. It was also made clear that choosing polymer barriers over metal had several benefits.

The flexible barrier design and polymer material are engineered to absorb the load of impact, away from a vehicle and ground fixings to reduce damage and repair time, unlike metal barriers.

The benefits from such a design means customers will lower their repairs and maintenance cost compared to metal barriers and reduce vehicle impact damage and downtime. Maintenance is further lowered as these polymer barriers donā€™t rust, corrode, fade or require re-painting, and only need replacing after frequent, major impacts have occurred. They are also non-toxic and suitable for use in food production and freezer environments.

It was stressed that budget constraints can force compromises on durability and longevity. However, with the Brandsafe range of products, customers can find the perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and meeting their specific needs.

 

Key Considerations for Decision Makers

It was wrapped up with advice for decision makers, including facility managers, health and safety managers, and distributors, to assess their environment, determine what needs protection (people, property, and stock), map out walkways, vehicle flow and stock zones, and consider deflection zones. Then review PAS 13 tested and third party accredited barrier products to be confident your risk assessment is best supported by products you can trust.

A final point raised was sustainability is also a critical consideration to ensure long-term viability. Brandsafe barrier range not only offer 100% recyclability but also provide replacement parts, allowing for easy maintenance and extended product lifespan.

For more information view our range of products or contact us for advice or a quote.

šŸ“ž 0044 1226 78 44 88
šŸ“§Ā info@therackgroup.com

 

Become a Distributor

The webinar highlighted the benefits for distributors who deal with safety barriers as part of their portfolio or wish to add them. Companies were invited to join as a distributor or reseller of Brandsafe barriers to help their customers create a safe and productive workplace.

For more information visit our distributor page.

The Rise of Polymer Over Metal Impact Barriers: The New Standard in Strength and Safety

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A crucial aspect of achieving a secure and efficient workplace environment is selecting the right impact barriers, that can effectively safeguard your facility from potential risks.

Traditionally, metal impact barriers have been the go-to choice, but in todayā€™s workplace, an innovative alternative is proving to be just as strong, if not stronger and with many more advantages –Ā polymer impact barriers.

 

Strength Tested and Accredited

The perception that metal barriers are inherently stronger than polymer barriers is being challenged with groundbreaking research and rigorous testing. Polymer impact barriers have undergone comprehensive testing by reputable accrediting bodies, proving their formidable strength. TheirĀ accredited performance dataĀ demonstrates that they are well-suited for specified purposes, including withstanding high-impact scenarios.

 

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Flexibility in Design for Maximum Safety

No alt text provided for this imageThe automotive industry has taught us valuable lessons about impact resistance. Modern cars are designed with more flexible materials and structures to absorb and disperse impact forces, ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers. In the same vein, polymer impact barriers are strategically engineered with this principle in mind.

A metal barrier will typically upon impact be scratched or dented as well as the vehicle. Unlike polymer barriers, a metal barrier also relies more on the impact force to be absorbed through the floor fittings which can in addition damage the floor and require further repairs. The flexible nature of polymer barriers allows them to absorb and distribute impact energy more evenly. This intelligent design not only enhances safety but also prolongs the lifespan of the barriers, floor fittings and vehicles, reducing the need for frequent replacements, repairs and maintenance.

Proven Usage of Polymer Barriers Across Industries

Polymer impact barriers have emerged as game-changers in high impact protection across various industries. From bustling airports to busy warehouses, these barriers have proven their mettle in safeguarding critical infrastructure and personnel.

The adaptability of polymer barriers makes them ideal for diverse applications. Whether it’s guiding traffic, protecting equipment, or enhancing pedestrian safety, they rise to the occasion with unmatched performance.

 

Greater Environmental Protection

In addition to their strength and safety benefits, polymer impact barriers have a compelling edge over traditional metal barriers when it comes to their environmental impact. The manufacturing process of polymer barriers involves less energy consumption and generates fewer emissions, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. Polymer barriers can be 100% recycled and reprocessed, adding to their eco-friendliness. Also the lightweight nature of polymer barriers translates to significant advantages in transportation. During shipment, less fuel is consumed due to reduced weight, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the lighter weight makes handling and installation of polymer barriers easier and more efficient, saving time and resources on-site.

The durability of polymer barriers further contributes to their environmental appeal. Their ability to withstand harsh conditions, including exposure to extreme weather and corrosive agents, means they have a longer lifespan than many metal barriers.

 

The Advantages in Summary

  1. Proven Strength:Ā Rigorous testing and accreditation validate the strength and reliability of polymer impact barriers, putting them on par with metal barriers.
  2. Smart Design for Enhanced Safety:Ā The flexible design of polymer barriers allows them to absorb impact energy, minimizing potential damage and protecting personnel.
  3. Wide Industry Applicability:Ā Polymer barriers have been successfully implemented across various sectors, attesting to their versatility and effectiveness.
  4. Cost-Effective and Long-Lasting:Ā With their robustness and extended lifespan, polymer barriers save on replacement costs while maintaining top-notch protection.
  5. Eco-friendly:Ā Beyond their strength, polymer barriers boast eco-advantages, with lower carbon emissions, recyclability, longevity and less maintenance.

 

In conclusion, while it is proven polymer barriers perform as well as metal barriers, the question asked by employers should not beĀ “are polymer barriers stronger than metal barriers”Ā but which barriers will best support your specific risk and cost.

With many different grades of metal and polymer barriers available, they will all perform differently, so it is essential to review the performance of each to assess suitability. This can be achieved by reviewing test data, and ensuring it is third party accredited. Look out forĀ BSI PAS13 code of practiceĀ which is a globally recognised and respected guidance for manufactures to follow, as best practice when testing their products. PAS13 requires consistency in testing, so it should provide you with the ability to compare products more easily.

From warehouse to health and safety managers, it’s time to embrace the advancements in impact barrier technology. Polymer impact barriers have proven their strength, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, making them a reliable choice for ensuring the safety of your facility. By choosing polymer impact barriers over metal barriers, you also make a tangible contribution to environmental preservation and sustainability.

IWS GroupĀ is committed to pioneering workplace safety with our BrandsafeĀ® range of polymer impact barriers which are:

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Finding the right polymer barrier for your risk

No alt text provided for this imageIt can be challenging to interpret barrier testing data, and especially when manufacturers are not consistent or third party accredited. To help you identify which barriers are suitable to address your specific risk, we have developed a user-friendly approach called Safety Simplified.

Download our infographic which presents our test data in a clear format, so you can easily understand the performance of our products. This will enable you to make better informed decisions based on your specific forklift truck specifications, and loads.

Simplifying barrier performance – Infographic – The Rack Group