AS 4084-2012 – Steel Storage Racking

Your Rights and Responsibilities

There is a lot of confusion in regards to the new Australian Standard that was released in February 2012 for Steel Storage Racking. We aim to shed as much light as possible on your rights and responsibilities. This Australian Standard replaced AS 4084-1993 – Steel Storage Racking.

Firstly, the new Standard AS 4084-2012 – Steel Storage Racking applies to ‘adjustable, static pallet racking made of cold-formed or hot rolled steel structural members’. These types of racking include; Selective Pallet Racking, Double Deep Selective Pallet Racking, and Narrow Aisle Selective Pallet Racking. This Australian Standard does not cover other types of racking including; Drive-In Racking, Drive-Through Racking, Cantilever Racking, Mobile Racking or racking made from materials other than steel. For these type of racking systems we are directed to the overseas standards for guidance on testing, manufacture and installation. Australian Standard AS 4084-2012 can be ordered or downloaded from representatives of Standards Australia. These representatives can be found by completing a quick internet search.

The following information has been taken from the Standards Australia website, Workcover NSW website and the Australian Standard AS 4084-2012 – Steel Storage Racking.

The standard sets out the minimum requirements for the design, fabrication and erection tolerances, test methods, operation and maintenance of steel storage racking. Compliance to the standards is normally voluntary (link here) unless incorporated into legislation (additional link here). At this point in time there is currently no legislation in place that incorporates this Standard. That being said the additional cost to have every project designed and certified by a structural engineer would be very costly. It is of course also possible to operate outside of both options, however the legal and financial ramifications could be costly down the line. Therefore it is safer and more cost effective to adhere to the Australian Standards.

The new standard goes into great deal about the testing methods of the pallet racking systems. We will go over the basic changes that affect our customers when we are putting forward a quotation.

• Where required, the end frame on each row should extend past the top load beam by at least 50% of the unit load (pallet) height. (1.3.11)

• The load signs have extra requirements now such as to be permanent and corrosion resistant in one or more conspicuous places. They also require the following information; unit load limit, beam load limit, bay load limit, designer’s name, manufacturer’s name, supplier’s name, installation date, maximum distance from ground to first beam level, maximum distance from first to second beam level. (1.6a)

• Racking configuration drawings and specifications need to be included with each installation.(1.6b)

• Upright Protectors of at least 400mm high must be positioned on the frame at the end of a row of racking at an aisle cross section. (2.4.1a)

• Clearance from the top of a pallet to the underside of the load beam above it shall be a minimum of 75mm for beams under 6.0m and 100mm for load beams above 6.0m (1.7.2)

• The flue space in between back to back rows must be a minimum of 100mm. This brings the minimum required frame spacer to 430mm (Figure 1.7.2)

• 2 floors anchors per base plate must be used when the racking is being serviced by a mechanical device (2.7.5)

• The racking supplier shall provide user manuals and appropriate training to the end users for correct usage and maintenance of the racking (8.1.1)

• No changes are allowed to the configuration or usage of the racking without the racking suppliers authorisation. (8.1.3)

• Inspection must be carried out at least once every 12 months. The Australian Standard has a list of what needs to be inspected. (8.2)

• A supply of beam locking devices shall be stocked on site. (8.3.6)

Why should you maintain your racking to Australian Standards?

Firstly to keep a safe work place. Every employee has the right to work in a safe environment and leave at the end of the day and make it home safely. Furthermore there are other organisations that may have an interest in the maintenance of your warehouse racking. A few organisations with a vested interests in the maintenance of your warehouse racking may be:

• WorkCover – WorkCover’s aim is to promote productive, healthy and safe workplaces. If any racking is deemed unsafe or has been incorrectly installed, WorkCover may recommend rectification work which will result in down time for the business.

• Insurance companies – Insurance companies may investigate claims to make sure that there has been no negligence in the installation, operation and maintenance of your racking system. If there was an accident you would want to make sure that you are fully covered and there are no reasons for the insurance company to deny your claim.

• Labour unions – Labour Unions have a great influence of the workers in your business. If the workers are not happy with the conditions they may complain to their union which can lead to strikes and other costly negotiations.

• Police – The police may be called in if it is considered that gross negligence has taken place and someone has been injured or killed.

The financial cost to a business for incorrectly maintained racking resulting in a rack collapse could be great. Not only can staff be injured, however the racking, the building and stock can all be damaged. For something that could cost a few hundred dollars to fix, it is not really worth risking a racking collapse that could cost tens of thousands of dollars in the future.

To discuss further your rights and responsibilities in regards to your warehouse racking solutions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.