Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Busy Freight Warehouses Get Relief from Fork Lift Truck Damage

Damaged Racking Can Now Be Repaired in Situ
Shipping News Feature

UK – Anyone who has worked for any time in a racked out warehouse, particularly a freight operation with high volumes constantly on the move, will be familiar with ‘lower leg’ damage. Every time a fork lift truck sweeps past there is a risk that the slight brush, or heavier collision, with the lower portion of the racking framework, will cause damage which for obvious Health and Safety reasons, requires prompt attention.

Now one company, the South Yorkshire headquartered Rack Group, has come up with a possible solution to such problems, without dismantling the whole racking section and replacing. The company says if damage is in the lower 600mm of an upright it has a method of repair that is cheaper, more effective, quicker and less disruptive.

Using specialist equipment the Rack Group personnel can take out the damaged section whilst supporting the existing racking with a prop, something that can sometimes be achieved without even unloading the racking itself! Assuming the method is suitable there follows the insertion of a Front Upright Reinforcement Section. This is essentially an extended base plate which slots and bolts into the existing racking and into the ground. The bolts are able to take the existing weight of the pallet racking and then a sacrificial cosmetic piece is fitted.

This uses two bolts to keep it in place and completes a full upright. It also means that if impacts do reoccur, the only replacement necessary is to change two bolts and the cosmetic piece at minor expense. As always, the company suggests the use of one of its Rack Armour Upright Protectors for even more security.

Repairs of this type can take as little as 20 minutes with no need for working at height or closing full aisles of pallet racking, plus the finished article is actually stronger than the original equipment. This concept was originally designed to prevent damaged uprights at low levels collapsing. If the racking cannot buckle, it cannot collapse and the Rack Group can also offer this as a racking damage prevention method, not just a repair solution.