The first question this month looks at two issues regarding deflection and load that were identified during a site audit. Our second question is asking for clarification about the maximum allowable overhang when storing pallets on racking.
Maximum deflection and Maximum Load
Q. Two questions have been raised following a recent audit, can you confirm:-
a) What is the maximum deflection on beams (2 tonne), uprights, diagonal and horizontal (bottom) cross braces?
b) Max load signage- I plan to have this displayed at the end of each section of racking, can I design a sheet in-house which states the limit for that particular section, or do I have to buy the pre printed ones which I have seen on various websites.
A. aa). The maximum vertical beam deflection under load is span /200. Please note this is the deflection due to the loading and is not considered as damage.
bb). It is assumed, that for uprights and bracing, the values you are requesting are the SEMA damage levels, which are 3mm and 5mm in the cross-aisle and down aisle direction respectively and 10mm for bracing. I would recommend attending a SEMA Rack Safety Awareness Course, as this will provide detailed information including the types of inspection required, the SEMA damage levels, how to apply them and what actions should be taken when damage is found.
B). It is recommended that the SEMA format is used for load signs as this contains the loading and safety information in a recognised configuration. The SEMA Load Notice publication showing the various formats can be purchased from SEMA.
It is also important that the supplier of the racking or a suitably qualified racking engineer provides the correct load information including compartment load, bay load and beam heights. Anyone providing such a sign is responsible for the accuracy of the information on it as this can be safety critical. Useful general safety information for warehousing and storage is provided in the HSE document HSG76 which can be downloaded free from the HSE website and includes a picture of a typical load notice.
Pallet Overhang
Q. Can you please advise me of the maximum depth of pallet that can be safely stored on a 900mm deep racking system? My understanding is that this is 1000mm giving a maximum overhang of 50mm front and back?
A. You are correct, assuming that you are talking about 4 way entry pallets which will give you a pallet overhang of 50mm over the front and back beams. This should then leave 100mm clearance between pallets in a back to back location when they are stored correctly.
In the event that they are stored incorrectly with the front face of the pallet flush with the beam, which occurs sometimes although it is not recommended, then this clearance will not allow the pallet to interfere with a pallet similarly located in the adjacent aisle.
We would recommend that you obtain a copy of the SEMA Code of Practice for the Use of Static Steel Pallet Racking for further guidance.
SEMA is delighted to be working with WLN on the storage Question and Answer Column which is published in WLN on a monthly basis. On the WLN website is a list of previously published columns which we hope you find useful.
Please note that SEMA Users Club members also have access to a comprehensive range of additional storage related questions and answers.
For more information, please go to www.sema.org.uk.
SEMA Annual Safety Conference 2012 – a date for your diary
The 2012 SEMA Safety Conference has been scheduled for Thursday,1 November, the venue will be the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull.
For full details and a booking form contact SEMA on enquiry@sema.org.uk
SEMA Technical Enquiries
We hope you find the above articles, and those in previous editions, interesting. If you have a query send it to us by fax or email and we will do our best to have it answered by one of our technical experts.
SEMA Rack Safety Awareness and Inspection Courses
SEMA runs a one-day safety course on Rack Safety Awareness and Inspection. These courses are aimed at end users, giving an in-depth look at the need for inspections, how to conduct an assessment and what actions to take when this is completed. These courses are normally held at the SEMA headquarters but arrangements can be made to hold them at the delegates’ premises.
SEMA Approved Rack Inspectors Qualification
This qualification is aimed at professionals who conduct rack surveys as an integral and significant part of their duties. It involves delegates in undertaking an in-depth SEMA Course, together with an examination and practical assessment. CPD will be an important part of the qualification, demonstrating to end users that SEMA Approved Inspectors maintain a high professional standard.
SEMA Publications
SEMA has 26 publications in stock -Codes of Practice, ‘Guides’ and European documents – all of which are available from our Offices. For further information on these documents contact SEMA or visit our website, www.sema.org.uk. and click on ‘Codes of Practice’.
SEMA USERS Club
SEMA runs a USERS Club designed to be of benefit to purchasers and users of storage equipment. Members receive newsletters, access to specialised events and discounted rates on publications and codes of practice. For further information contact SEMA.
For more info, www.sema.org.uk
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