Pallet Racking
Each brand is different, although some manufactures make a similar and compatible style of racking under a different brand name. We have put together a comprehensive guide, complete with pictures, to help you identify the most common pallet rack brands found in Canada.
Anchoring your system to the floor is always recommended, but may not be required depending on the overall height of the system, height to width ratio, method of loading, and equipment traffic in the area. An engineer will specify the number, type, and size of anchor required.
Pallet racking is available in two basic types, depending on the type of steel used. Roll Formed racking is produced with lighter gauge cold rolled steel whereas Structural Racking is produced with heavier gauge hot rolled steel. Click here for more details on Roll Formed vs. Structural Pallet Racking.
There are many different decking styles available including waterfall, flush mount, standard flange, standard channel, and inverted channel. Click here for more details on wire mesh decking.
The most common safety bar styles include clip in, drop in, and flanged. For pictures of each style and more information see this page.
Yes, here at cam|industrial, we can help you with any racking repair you may need, and can easily replace racking with the same equipment as your original system. We have also partnered with Damotech to provide you with a permanent repair solution on your system. Check out our pallet racking repair page for more information.
Yes. If you are looking for used industrial racking, we can help. We can assist you through the entire process including inspecting existing or used racking, design and layout of your warehouse, engineering, permitting, and installation. We have written an article outlining some factors to consider when purchasing used pallet racking. Click here to see our used racking currently for sale.
Pallet Rack Inspections
Pallet Racking does need to be inspected. Learn more in our article: 3 Reasons to Have Your Pallet Racking Inspected.
OH&S places particularly stringent regulations on racking inspections. They outline several areas of responsibility for employers, particularly in Part 12, Section 187 (2) which states:
- “an employer must ensure that racks used to store materials or equipment:
- A) are designed, constructed, and maintained to support the load placed on them
- B) are placed on firm foundations that can support the load”
Yes. In accordance with the CSA User Guide for Steel Storage Racks, the person responsible for storage equipment safety must ensure that inspections are made on regular intervals based on risk assessment.
According to CSA requirements, yes. A specialist must carry out inspections at intervals of no more than 12 months. Find the complete CSA guide here.
Our trained professional will visit your site – they will assess any past documentation and conduct the inspection – create and/or update facility drawings – confirm and determine your system’s capacity – we will certify your racking – the repair and replacement of any damaged racking will then take place – finishing with the generation of reports.
For a simple process overview, refer to our diagram of The Inspection Cycle at the top of this page.
No. While you can do your own weekly visual inspections, it is recommended that this is carried out by a cam|industrial employee with proper training.
True, the price of an annual inspection can seem pretty steep, but it is far less than the price of a human life.
Pallet Rack Permitting
At a minimum, pallet racking systems must be designed and installed to meet Building Code requirements. Whether you need a permit will depend on the municipality in which your facility resides. In most municipalities in Alberta, including Calgary and Edmonton, a permit is required. This article explains the requirements and process in greater detail.
According to the National Safety Council, a worker injury brings on immediate costs of OVER $200,000 to the person responsible (not to mention WCB, OH&S fines, the bad press, and the damaged reputation built around it).
Pallet Rack Repair
Though it is case-dependant, Damotech is a very non-invasive procedure, and usually takes under an hour for the repairs to be completed.
That depends. If you’re replacing your racking, all products will need to be removed for work to be completed. With Damotech: virtually none. Our technicians are trained with special lifting equipment that enables us to do all the repairs needed with little to no unloading.
Depending on the extent of the damage, typically no. Replacing a couple racking uprights is relatively inexpensive, though it is replaced using the same material as was manufactured, meaning it can be damaged just as easily as before. Damotech, though more expensive than the original racking, is a permanent fix to the system, which means you save money over time.
Though you can do a baseline inspection on your own, cam|industrial offers complete racking system inspections that comply with CSA, OH&S, and COR standards. Our engineers can provide extremely thorough reports of your system that identify where your racking is up to code, as well as where it could require replacement or repair. Read our article on pallet racking inspections for more information.