Racking – What Will Happen if Your Racking System Collapses

I don’t know if you saw the latest video on youtube with the collapse of the vodka pallet racking system but it is another example of an inferior quality racking installation that should act as a wake up call for all companies.

And whilst most companies have taken every precaution to protect themselves by using SEIRS qualified installation teams, avoided second hand racking and had an annual racking inspection and maintenance programme, there are a few that may find themselves exposed to this potential disaster.

So if the fear of your racking collapsing and potentially injuring or killing an employee isn’t enough, here’s what’s likely to happen in the subsequent investigation.

As well as interviewing everyone responsible for the warehouse and involved in the incident, maybe 2 or 3 times, to identify any potential inconsistencies, there will also be a forensic investigation.

Firstly, a detailed inventory of the scene will be carried out to record the broken rack components and a reconstruction of the loads carried at the time of the failure. This enables the investigation team to calculate the utilisation of each racking bay.

The team will then use finite element methods to calculate the load capacity and the stability under load of the racking.

They will then perform buckling analyses of the columns as well as sensitivity studies to look at geometric and load imperfections, such as dents to columns, beam types and the condition of the beams to assess the impact they could have had on the incident. This will also take into consideration the potential impact that mis-loading could have on the racking.

And just to ensure that the data you have provided them with is correct, they will cut the beams to provide an objective assessment of the beam quality and the expected load capacity.

If they find that you have been overloading the racking, you will be found liable and could face a hefty fine or even imprisonment – whether you committed the crime knowingly or not.

To prevent the situation from ever arising you can do 4 things

Firstly, only ever install racking systems that are custom designed to your specifications by experienced project managers as opposed to using second hand racking.

Secondly, find out exactly where the racking is being manufactured from. With reports of substandard steel being used by racking imported from the far east, you may find your load capacity may not be as much as you were told.

Thirdly, carry out annual racking inspection from a qualified and objective inspector who will advise of any issues and provide you with the indemnity you require to protect yourself.

And finally, never, ever accept a racking quote without a 100% no quibble guarantee from a supplier you know and can trust.

The Secret That Racking Importers Don’t Want You To Know

As we all look for potential cost savings in our business, there is always the temptation to go with the cheapest option available without fully appreciating the potential long term impact that the decision could have on our business.

Let’s be honest we have all done it for items such as photo copiers, computers and office furniture where we thought we could survive with the cheapest option. Unfortunately whether it is through expensive consumables or inferior quality products that do not stand up to the rigours of work, the decision often comes back to haunt us.

But when it comes to items that can have potential health and safety dangers, such as racking, it is essential that we take into consideration the potential impact of problems caused by inferior products.

Second only to used racking systems which is inherent with potential quality issues, the major concerns in the racking sector surround the growing number of distributors who are offering racking that is imported from non EU countries.

These imported racking systems can provide a degree of cost savings at the outset however the problems arise when the client is looking for replacing parts, additional bays and safety accessories that either cannot be sourced or do not match their existing material.

But by far the greatest danger is that is overlooked by clients and in some cases the distributors, is that of Product Liability Insurance.

Product liability insurance is a key element in racking as it provides you, the client, with the peace of mind that if an accident occurs which can be traced back to a problem caused by the manufacturer, it will be their responsibility to finance any losses or claims awarded.

Manufacturers out with the EU do not have to provide product liability insurance which means that any indemnity is passed to the distributor of the system.

Unfortunately many distributors do not have the necessary insurance to protect their business and rather than bearing the financial cost of any claims held against them, will simply opt for voluntary insolvency.

So when you are considering your racking solution, it is vital that you ask your distributor to provide evidence of the product liability insurance as well as full details of the original manufacturer.

If you have any questions or are in any doubt as to the origins of your racking system, contact us today for a no obligation discussion.