Why you need to get your steel storage racking inspected in Australia

1. Is regular racking inspection mandatory in Australia?

Yes, inspections are essential to comply with Australian Standard AS 4084, which outlines safe use and maintenance of steel storage racking.

2. How often should racking inspections be conducted?

Inspections should be carried out at least once a year to identify damage and maintain safety, though high-traffic areas may need more frequent checks.

3. What are the risks of not inspecting steel racking?

Failing to inspect can lead to undetected damage, increasing the risk of rack collapse, potential injury, and loss of life.

4. Can damaged racking lead to legal issues?

Yes, if an incident occurs due to neglected racking, your business could face legal liabilities, fines, or penalties for failing to maintain a safe workplace. In addition, there is a possibility that Directors of Companies could face charges of industrial manslaughter.

5. How can inspections help prevent accidents?

Inspections detect potential hazards, such as bent beams or loose connections, reducing the likelihood of accidents or rack failure.

6. Does inspecting racking save money in the long run?

Yes, early detection of damage prevents costly repairs and stock loss, as well as potential downtime due to accidents or repairs.

7. What do inspectors typically check during an inspection?

Inspectors examine the condition of beams, columns, braces, connectors, and the overall rack structure for any signs of wear, damage, or improper loading.

8. Can overloaded racking be identified during an inspection?

Yes, inspectors can assess the load distribution and ensure that the racking is not overloaded beyond its safe capacity.

9. How do inspections contribute to operational efficiency?

Well-maintained racking systems minimise disruptions, ensuring smoother operations and preventing time lost due to unexpected repairs.

10. Who is qualified to inspect racking systems?

Inspections should be carried out by competent professionals with expertise in racking systems and knowledge of relevant Australian and International standards.

11. Is it necessary to document racking inspections?

Yes, documenting inspections creates a record of compliance and allows tracking of any identified issues and the actions taken to resolve them. This is often referred to a closed loop system- identify damage, repair it if needed and return it to service.

12. How does regular inspection support employee safety?

Safe racking systems prevent accidents and ensure a safer working environment, which boosts employee morale and reduces the risk of injury.

13. Do my staff need to be trained in racking safety?

Yes, training staff in the fundamentals around working with racking is critical to reducing the overall cost of owning and managing racking. Well trained staff can reduce the overall cost of racking ownership as well as improving safety.

14. Can anyone repair racking?

No. Repairers need to be able to demonstrate that they are competent in not only repairs but also that they are competent on the specific racking system.

15. Should I buy racking from eBay?

No. Buying any racking that does not have testing data can lead to noncompliance of the racking system or ultimately racking failure.

16. Should I use a dedicated Racking Inspector to complete an annual inspection or is it OK to use the racking supplier to complete this task?

IRIA have no allegiance to any brand and are not part of a racking sales team. An independent inspection will provide a subjective report that defines exactly what is required as opposed to a potential “upsell” from a racking company representative.