Racking Inspection Checklists

This article covers:

• OSHA and HSE racking inspection guidelines;
• what to include in a racking inspection checklist;
• the “traffic light system”;
• technology to streamline racking inspection processes; and
• free racking inspection checklist templates you can download and customize.

OSHA Racking Inspection Guidelines

OSHA is an agency of the United States Department of Labor division. Its sole purpose is to keep workplaces and workers safe. There are no specific guidelines for a warehouse racking safety checklist, however, OSHA’s general clause covers safety regulations to keep workplaces safe. Here are 3 standards that address common concerns in pallet racking, storage, as well as the operation space for safe maneuvering of forklifts:

1. 1910.176(a) – This covers the usage of mechanical equipment. OSHA requires proper handling of mechanical equipment, sufficient safe clearances, and proper markings for permanent aisles and passageways.
2. 1910.176(b) – This standard requires a proper storage system or procedure in the workplace to avoid hazards. According to the regulation, bags, containers, bundles, etc. should be stored in tiers, stacked, blocked, interlocked, and limited in height so that they are stable and safe, with little to no chance of sliding or collapse.
3. 1910.176(c) – This standard focuses on proper housekeeping of storage areas. It requires storage areas to be free from materials that can cause hazards such as tripping, fire, explosion, or pest harborage.

What to Include in a Racking Inspection Checklist?

A detailed racking inspection checklist can help warehouse inspectors proactively identify any potential issues in warehouse racks. Ideally, it should review the following items during inspections:

• Aisle
• Bay number
• Rack environment
• Rack condition
• Frame
• Beam
• Accessory
• Uprights
• Assembly
• Pallets

Understanding the Traffic Light System

A racking inspection checklist details exactly which components of the racking system an inspector should be looking at—frames, beams, and braces. The traffic light system is used to measure the damage severity and indicate the risk level. Each color corresponds to a required action for record-keeping and monitoring.

Download Ready-to-Use Racking Inspection Forms with iAuditor

Rack inspectors can take advantage of mobile technology such as iAuditor to streamline racking inspections and reporting. iAuditor is the world’s #1 inspection software and can be used by rack inspectors to:

• Perform efficient racking inspections on a mobile device
• Gather photo evidence of damaged warehouse racks
• Create traffic light system-based actions with colleagues or superiors
• Automatically generate and share reports as you complete an inspection