Your Comprehensive Guide to Promoting Warehouse Racking Safety

All warehouse managers desire a safe and efficient warehouse environment. However,
failure to adhere to racking regulations can affect the safety of their storage equipment, and
warehouse space overall. To comply with RMI and OSHA policies and standards, your
warehouse must undergo annual inspections by a third party expert. Frequent racking
inspections can prevent major hazards and accidents from occurring in the workplace before it is
too late.

What exactly needs to be inspected in my warehouse?
The main goal of warehouse inspections is to identify potential hazards and risks within
the space. Over time, regular wear and tear, as well as common accidents, can compromise the
structural integrity of the racking system.

Below are some materials you can expect to be thoroughly inspected:
● Bent/damaged beams
● Loose bolts
● Misaligned components
● Racking wear and tear/corrosion
● Load-bearing capacity
● Safety layout/design
If left unaddressed, mishaps involving these materials and more can lead to catastrophic
failures in the warehouse. Locating these issues as soon as possible allows for quicker repairs,
minimizing the risk of accidents and protecting the safety of both inventory and warehouse
employees.

What does the inspection process look like?
There are a variety of steps and procedures that go into an annual racking inspection.
Some steps you can expect to see include:
● Visual inspection of racking components (beams, bolts, corrosion, etc.)
● Load capacity assessment
● Structural integrity check
● Rack plumb and level verification
● Safety compliance review (emergency exit routes, clear aisles, safety barriers, etc.)
● Analysis of results and recommendations for repair/maintenance if need be
● Created schedule of routine, follow-up inspections (usually once a year, could be more
frequent if needed)

Diversified Rack & Shelving is ready to help you navigate this inspection process. Call or email
us today to get started!