In a typical warehouse, forklifts constantly move through narrow aisles, placing and removing heavy loads, day after day. Eventually, rack damage is almost inevitable. However, many warehouse managers delay repairs until it’s too late, unaware of how rapidly seemingly insignificant damage can escalate into a serious safety hazard.

Pallet Rack Repair Basics

Pallet rack repair involves restoring damaged racking systems to their original safety specifications and load capacities. In contrast to complete replacement, repair is a cost-effective solution that can be conducted with limited disruption to warehouse operations. Engineered rack repair kits work with existing racks to restore their safety and original strength while ensuring protection against future damage.

The repair procedure is surprisingly efficient, commonly up to four times faster than replacement, and needs 75% less product relocation. Most repairs can be finished without fully unloading stored products, which greatly minimizes downtime and operational disruption.

Common Types of Pallet Rack Damage

Knowing the various categories of damage helps in properly assessing your warehouse's safety requirements:

Structural Damage: This impacts the overall security and durability of the pallet rack, often resulting from overloading, poor installation, or accumulated minor impacts. Structural damage undermines the entire system's stability.

Impact Damage: The most common type, typically caused by forklift collisions. According to industry data, about 90% of rack collapses are caused by lift truck impact. This damage usually occurs at the bottom portion of the forward column of the pallet rack frame.

Non-Visible Damage: Internal defects like weld cracks, corrosion, or metal fatigue aren't immediately apparent but can severely compromise rack stability. Routine professional inspections are critical for detecting these types of problems.

Safety Hazards and Risks of Damaged Rack

OSHA mandates safe industrial racking systems in all United States warehouses. When racks are damaged, the possible repercussions extend beyond regulatory non-compliance to serious safety hazards.

Damaged racks have diminished capacity and pose serious risks of failure and bodily harm. In severe cases, weakened racks can cause catastrophic collapse, threatening workers, destroying inventory, and potentially resulting in fatalities. Additionally, employers are lawfully responsible for workplace safety under OSHA laws, making rack upkeep not just a practical concern but a legal requirement.

Repair Techniques and Best Practices

Modern rack repair methods have evolved significantly, offering solutions that are both more effective and less disruptive than ordinary replacement:

Engineered Repair Kits: Companies like Damotech provide specialty kits designed to renew rack integrity. The DAMO PRO and DAMO FLEX are examples of engineered solutions that not only repair damage but shield against subsequent impacts.

On-Site Installation: Most repairs can be carried out on-site without removing entire rack sections. A rack repair jack secures the upright while its compromised portion is cut and the repair kit is applied. The best repair kits are fastened on, eliminating the requirement for on-site welding permits.

Professional Assessment: Before any repair, a complete inspection by trained professionals is crucial. The Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) guidelines indicate that compromised rack should be separated and assessed by a supervising engineer prior to repair.

Choosing a Pallet Rack Repair Company in Las Vegas

For warehouse managers in Las Vegas, picking the right rack repair company is critical. Raymond West excels as a premier 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 includes inspection, tailored repair kit design, and professional setup that reduces operational disturbance. By collaborating with Raymond West, warehouse managers gain access to the industry's most cutting-edge repair technologies while ensuring compliance with safety standards and safeguarding their valuable inventory and personnel.

Raymond West's Las Vegas facility serves all of the Las Vegas Valley, including Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Paradise, Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor, Enterprise, Winchester, Whitney and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Las Vegas Material Handling Equipment Supplier

2555 E Washburn Rd
North Las Vegas, NV 89081
(702) 651-6480