Operations
Assessment of Damage to Uprights and Bracing Members
A steel straight edge 1.0 metre long is placed in contact with a flat surface on the concave side of the damaged member such that the damaged area lies central as near as possible to the length of the straight edge. For an upright bent in the direction of the rack, beam spans the maximum gap between the upright and straight edge should not exceed 5.0mm. For an upright bent in the plane of the frame, bracing the
maximum gap between the upright and straight edge should not exceed 3.0mm. For bracing members bent in either plane, the gap between straight edge and bracing member should not exceed 10mm. These rules apply only to damage which produces an overall bend in a member. They do not apply to highly localised damage such as
dents, buckles, tears, splits. Members subjected to these defects should be replaced. Localised bends over a length of less than one metre, may be judged pro-rata to the 1.0 metre limits e.g. over a half metre length half of the prescribed limits apply. Dents, buckles, tears and splits should be replaced.
Assessment of Damage to Beams
Beams will naturally deflect under normal loading conditions to a maximum permissible of span/200. This deflection should disappear when beams are unloaded and should not be confused with permanent deformation caused by overloading or impact damage. Damage should be measured against the following criteria:
Beam and connectors which show any clearly visible deformation should be unloaded and expert advice sought from the equipment supplier.
Welded connections between beam section and end connector should show no signs of cracking.
Link 51 Health & Safety
guide to pallet racking and
manual handling
Link 51
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