Go to the Pros: Dangers and Liabilities of Not Using Professional Pallet Rack Installers

When Is It More Cost-Effective to Rely on Professional Rack Installation?

“If you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself” may sound good, but it isn’t always the most sound advice. Sometimes it’s more important and even more cost-effective to go with the adage “Better call the pros.” When it comes to warehouse pallet rack installation, think of it in terms of the latter. It’s a skilled job. Pallet racking is responsible for housing literal tons of inventory, and it is in danger from accidental equipment strikes and inventory falls. Think about this, if two 2,500lb. pallets are on a beam level, their combined weight is as heavy as most vehicles! Building the rack system right isn’t optional and should not be considered a cost-saving line item. Liability exposure and safety always trump cost savings.

An experienced team will understand the system design elements and ensure that the rack is secured and safe for use. With the significance of the investment made to purchase warehouse racking equipment, the risks associated with using non-professional or “in-house” labor aren’t worth the cost.

• “Good Enough” Isn’t Good Enough – You need a team that follows the specs and installation guidelines prepared or approved by the pallet rack manufacturer. Incorrect installation can expose issues in the functionality of the product. Conveyor and rack installations require plumb, level, and properly anchored components to function safely.
• Safety First – Pallet rack failures and falling objects are two common types of warehouse safety incidents, both of which can be caused by improperly installed pallet racking systems. Many high-rise rack systems can be loaded by on average 5,000 lbs. per level reaching heights of 12’ or higher. Very heavy loads are high in the air so correct installation by trained experienced installers is imperative to the safety of employees and visitors.
• Get What You Pay For – Racking systems come with a quality-assurance warranty to give consumers peace of mind and a baseline promise of performance and integrity. A condition of these agreements, however, is that racking is properly installed and anchored by knowledgeable and experienced professionals. Having untrained employees install these racks can damage system components and void the warranty in addition to creating a safety risk for the warehouse staff.

Advantages of Using Licensed GCs for Pallet Racking Installation

Properly licensed racking installation contractors save you time and money, eliminating costly and protracted delays and unnecessary accidents. It can also make the process easier in states that require general contracting (GC) licensing for work exceeding $25K, which can include permitting and local business licenses. Relying on non-professionals can provide regulatory violations that can result in costly delays, shutdowns, steep fines, and permitting issues. Rack, conveyor, and most material handling products fall under permittable categories when installation is included. Checking with local officials prior to pricing work is always a good idea. Confirming proper GC licensing at the time of RFQ is a best practice and provides the end-user with the credibility of the contractor.

Demo Done Right

A licensed and experienced professional can also handle the tear-down and replacement of existing racking systems to make room for new infrastructure. They have the expertise, tools, and equipment to safely relocate racking and repackage current systems for future use without damaging or misplacing crucial components. Reusing your current racks in another location helps you save money and time, but only if they’re packed up, moved, and reassembled by qualified and licensed personnel. Note – relocation of existing racks needs a professional review if the layout, beam spacing, or loads change from the original specification.

Let WOI Be Your Rack Installation Pros

Warehouse Optimizers, Inc. (WOI) is your all-inclusive resource for pallet racking system design, integration, and installation. We will not only guide you toward the racking systems best for your facility but we will also handle the installation with professionalism, expertise, and reliability. We offer decades of installation experienced and a full staff of OSHA 10-certified general contractors to get the job done.

With our 5-Step Total Satisfaction Experience™, WOI guarantees that we will 1. Listen to your needs, 2. Execute your project with special attention to your unique application, 3. Stick to project timelines, 4. Ensure a safe environment, and 5. Pay close attention to the appearance of the finished product. The WOI team will walk you through each stage of the process and provide expert customer service to deliver great results and peace of mind. Contact a member of our team today and let’s chat or Zoom. Call (865) 540-4004 for a prompt response. We proudly serve customers in Tennessee, Alabama, and throughout the Southeast.