7 Signs of Pallet Rack Damage

Pallets offer significant support and functionality in warehouses, as businesses can stack products in simple frames that they can lift using mechanical tools.

However, these companies must ensure that their pallet racks remain healthy to minimize potential injuries and losses when they break apart or cause products to fall and get damaged. Discover seven signs you should look out for to notice any sign of damage on your pallet racks.

1. Deformed Row Spacers

Deformed row spacers occur due to improper loading or unloading procedures, which can result in the pallet being forced out of alignment. The damage can cause the row spacers to become bent or distorted, which can make it difficult to load or unload the pallet correctly. In some cases, deformed row spacers can also result from the excessive weight on the pallet, which can cause the wood to warp or crack.

2. Sagging Deck Boards and Bowed Stringer Boards

When a pallet gets damaged, the weight of the load it carries can cause the deck boards to sag and the stringers to bow. The deck board is a flat piece of wood that forms the top surface of the pallet. The stringer boards are the pieces of wood that run along the sides of the pallet, perpendicular to the deck boards.

Both the deck boards and stringer boards can get damaged when a handler drops the pallet. This damage can make the pallet unstable and unsafe to use.

3. Wood Splits

The most common cause of wood splits is improper nailing or stapling of the pallet boards, which can cause the boards to separate from each other. Improperly stored or handled pallets can also be susceptible to wood splits, as can pallets exposed to extreme weather conditions.

4. Broken or Missing Wood

The most common sign of broken or missing wood on a pallet is a large number of boards that are splintered, cracked, or missing entirely. This damage can result from improper storage, exposure to the elements, and excessive weight. In some cases, broken or missing wood may also indicate structural damage to the pallet itself.

5. Impact Damage

Pallet damage from forklifts and jacks can be extensive and costly. This damage can form cracks, splinters, or gaps within the pallet rack. Such damage may make the rack unstable, which can compromise its handling or even can cause the pallet to collapse.

6. Decayed Wood

Decayed wood signifies that the wood pallet is no longer structurally sound and may crumble or break easily. This issue can pose a severe safety hazard, as the load carried on the pallet may shift and fall. In addition, decayed wood is more susceptible to pests, which can further damage the pallet and contaminate any goods stored on it.

The most common cause of wood decay is prolonged exposure to moisture. When wood gets wet, it begins to break down and rot. This process is accelerated by warm temperatures and the presence of fungi or other organisms that feed on wood. Several signs that indicate a pallet has begun to decay include discoloration, soft or spongy wood, and mold growth.

7. Nonconforming Dimensions

The most common cause of nonconformity is improper handling of the pallet. This mismanagement can cause the boards that make up the pallet to become loose or break, which will then cause the dimensions of the pallet to be off. Nonconforming dimensions can make it difficult to stack and ship products on the pallet and lead to product damage.

Pallets are an essential accessory to warehouse management. Thus, businesses must ensure that they use and maintain good quality pallets as it affects the safety of their employees and products. Contact us at Lone Star Pallet Rack for a comprehensive option of pallet racks.