In a typical warehouse, forklifts regularly move through tight aisles, placing and removing heavy loads, day after day. At some point, rack damage is nearly inevitable. Yet, many operations managers delay repairs until it’s too late, not realizing how fast seemingly insignificant damage can develop into a serious safety crisis.

Pallet Rack Repair Basics

Pallet rack repair entails restoring damaged racking systems to their original safety specifications and load capacities. Compared to complete replacement, repair is a economical solution that can be conducted with limited interruption to warehouse operations. Engineered rack repair kits work with existing racks to restore their safety and original capacity while offering protection against future damage.

The repair process is surprisingly efficient, in many cases up to four times faster than replacement, and demands 75% less product movement. Most repairs can be completed without fully unloading stored merchandise, which significantly reduces downtime and operational disruption.

Common Types of Pallet Rack Damage

Understanding the different categories of damage helps in properly assessing your warehouse's safety requirements:

Structural Damage: This affects the overall security and strength of the pallet rack, often resulting from excessive weight, poor installation, or repeated minor impacts. Structural damage weakens the entire system's integrity.

Impact Damage: The most prevalent type, typically resulting from forklift accidents. According to industry statistics, roughly 90% of rack failures are caused by equipment impact. This damage often occurs at the bottom portion of the forward column of the pallet rack frame.

Non-Visible Damage: Hidden defects like weld fractures, corrosion, or metal fatigue aren't readily apparent but can severely compromise rack integrity. Regular professional assessments are crucial for identifying these issues.

Safety Hazards and Risks of Damaged Rack

OSHA requires safe industrial racking systems in all U.S. facilities. When racks are compromised, the potential consequences extend beyond legal non-compliance to critical safety risks.

Compromised racks have decreased capacity and present meaningful risks of failure and personal harm. In extreme cases, diminished racks can cause catastrophic collapse, threatening workers, harming inventory, and potentially causing fatalities. Additionally, employers are lawfully responsible for workplace safety under OSHA rules, making rack maintenance not just a practical consideration but a legal responsibility.

Repair Techniques and Best Practices

Today’s rack repair approaches have evolved significantly, offering solutions that are both more efficient and less disruptive than traditional replacement:

Engineered Repair Kits: Companies like Damotech provide purpose-built kits created to reinstate rack integrity. The DAMO PRO and DAMO FLEX are instances of engineered solutions that not only correct damage but shield against future impacts.

On-Site Installation: Most repairs can be performed on-site without taking out entire rack sections. A repair jack holds the upright while its compromised section is removed and the repair kit is applied. The best repair kits are secured on, avoiding the requirement for on-site welding authorization.

Professional Assessment: Before any repair, a thorough inspection by trained professionals is crucial. The Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) guidelines specify that compromised rack should be segregated and examined by a supervising engineer before being worked on.

Choosing a Pallet Rack Repair Company in Calexico

For warehouse supervisors in Calexico, choosing the right rack repair company is essential. Raymond West excels as a leading provider in the region, offering certified Damotech-based rack repair services with a team of over 400 technicians across eight Western states. Our thorough approach incorporates inspection, tailored repair kit design, and professional implementation that reduces operational interruption. By working with Raymond West, warehouse managers obtain access to the industry's most advanced repair technologies while guaranteeing compliance with safety requirements and securing their valuable inventory and personnel.

Raymond West's Calexico facility serves Imperial County and Yuma County, Including Calexico, Brawley, El Centro, San Luis, Yuma and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Calexico Material Handling Equipment Supplier

285 Rood Rd
Calexico, CA 92231
(760) 768-8700