Our first question this month asks about Beam Locks and our second is requesting information on inspections for automated racking.
Beam Locks
Q. If a pallet racking beam does not and will not have a forklift truck loading or unloading it, if it has missing beam locks, do I need to ensure it has locks fitted?
A. The purpose of the beam lock is to reduce the possibility of the beam being accidentally dislodged. In a situation where, mechanical handling equipment is not present and the racking is loaded solely by hand the chance of a beam being accidentally dislodged by one of your workers is considerably reduced. So, in a situation where the racking is manually loaded, the beam locks can be considered to be optional.
Some manufacturers recommend that beam locks are provided irrespective of the loading method and, as beam locks are not particularly expensive, you might decide to provide them whether the rack is loaded manually or by machine.
Automated Racking Inspections
Q. I have recently been asked if there are any specific rules or legislation regarding the inspection of High Bay racking within an ASRS. Does SEMA have any specific information on this type of racking?
A. Whilst the inspection regime for automated crane stores is slightly different to that for forklift truck operated stores in terms of inspection frequency it, nevertheless, follows similar principles. There are recommendations in clause 9.4 of EN15635 “Steel Static Storage Systems – Application and Maintenance of storage equipment”.
SEMA has expanded on the recommendations of EN15635 somewhat and the SEMA recommended inspection regime for automated crane stores is given in clause 7.2 of the SEMA “Guide to the Conduct of Racking and Shelving Inspections” as given below.
Automated and high-bay systems, while less prone to damage, still require inspection. Formal inspection of these systems should include the following:
•an immediate written reporting system by the maintenance engineer / operator who will have day-to-day responsibility for the system to ensure that the quantity and scale of any problems can be analysed by the PRRS;
•a visual inspection by the PRRS every 12 months consisting of 20% of the installation carried out on a rolling basis so that the complete installation is inspected every five years as a minimum requirement. This inspection should be offset from the expert inspection by 6 months. If significant damage is found, then all the racking in the system shall be inspected.
•an expert inspection every 12 months consisting of a minimum of 20% of the installation carried out on a rolling basis so that the complete installation is inspected every five years as a minimum requirement. Should a significant amount of damage be discovered on any one inspection then inspections of a further 20% of the racking shall be immediately carried out. If this then produces a repetition of the results in the first area then all racking in this system shall be inspected.
•an appraisal of the problems found by the inspection should be carried out by the PRRS to identify if a more wide-ranging inspection is necessary. The racking manufacturer should be contacted for advice if there is any uncertainty as to the integrity of the racking system.
As far as carrying out the inspection is concerned the inspector will need to carry out some of the work at height and an appropriate inspection methodology will be required as would be the case for any operation that has to be carried out at height.
SEMA Rack Safety Awareness 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 held at the SEMA headquarters in Burntwood, Staffordshire, 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 – Codes of Practice, ‘Guides’ and European documents – all of which are available to purchase online. For further information on these documents contact SEMA or visit our website, www.sema.org.uk.
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