
Changing pallet racking beams and beam levels
If you are looking to alter your existing beam levels in your pallet racking or change the pallet racking beams there are a few things you need to know. Firstly and most importantly is the pallet racking you are altering safe? If you have any doubts or your pallet racking does not have a load notice attached to each run of pallet racking you should consult a competent pallet racking company. They will advise you if a pallet racking safety inspection is required to check your current pallet racking system is suitable and in a safe working condition with the appropriate load notices.
Pallet racking systems are designed to be flexible and adaptable to changing storage requirements. One of the ways to modify a pallet racking system is by changing the beams and beam levels. Here are the steps involved in changing pallet racking beams and beam levels:
- Assess your storage needs: Determine the new height and weight requirements for your inventory to ensure that the new beams and beam levels can support the loads.
- Empty the rack: Remove all the items from the rack to prevent any damage to the inventory during the modification process.
- Remove existing beams: Remove the existing beams from the pallet racking system using the appropriate tools, such as a beam remover or pry bar.
- Install new beams: Install the new beams at the desired height and spacing using the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Install new beam levels: If you need to add or remove beam levels, adjust the height of the beams accordingly and install the new levels.
- Test the system: Once you have installed the new beams and levels, test the system to ensure that it is stable and secure and can support the new loads.
- Replenish the rack: After testing the system, return the inventory to the racking system, ensuring that it is properly arranged to maximize storage efficiency.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when changing pallet racking beams and levels to ensure the safety and stability of the system. Additionally, it is recommended to have a professional install or inspect the pallet racking system to ensure that it meets industry standards and safety regulations.
Secondly and very often missed by the end user of the pallet racking is the height of the first beam level. This is the measurement from the floor to the height of the bottom of the first beam level. This measurement is used in the design and specification of the pallet racking and is critical to the loadings and application that the pallet racking can safely take.
So if you plan to increase the height to the first beam level you must consult a competent pallet racking company who will be able to advise you on how this will affect the pallet racking systems loading capabilities. If you are adding additional beams you need to know they are correct for the system you have and will take the loads you will place on them. This can be calculated using the beams depth width and section detail but again should only be done by an experienced pallet racking designer.
Never use beams without the correct safety locking pins or clips and never ballet racking beams into position as they are designed to pop out during an impact situation to minimise the risk of a total collapse. Finally be aw,are that falls from pallet racking or items like beams or products falling from pallet racking can kill make sure these alterations are only carried out with qualified pallet racking installers using the correct equipment and risk and method statements.
If you have any doubts about changing pallet racking beams and beam levels give our pallet racking design team a call here at our offices in Yorkshire.
Contact 2h Storage Solutions
Tel: 01937 585057
Email: enquires (at) 2hssl (dot) com