To keep up with changing customer expectations and handling needs, facilities are changing faster than ever before. Because of its inherent flexibility, operations might be taking a closer look at their current industrial steel storage rack installation and considering either relocating or reconfiguring it to accommodate evolving business demands. In recognition of that increasing possibility, RMI has produced and released a new video that shares guidelines for proper relocation and reconfiguration of rack to ensure a safe working environment. The video runs less than three minutes.

Among the key points in the video are to ensure that a qualified, experienced rack engineer is engaged prior to making any changes to the rack system’s structure. Prior to reconfiguration, the rack design engineer will review the original load application and rack configuration (LARC) drawing that details the location, configuration and capacity of the rack. Multiple approved configurations utilizing the same components may have been already included in the LARC drawings. These different configurations can be safely implemented as noted without any further documentation required.

For those seeking to utilize the same rack components in a configuration that has not been pre-approved in the LARC drawing, the original rack manufacturer or an engineer of record must be consulted prior to making any changes to the current structure. If the proposed reconfiguration is approved, existing LARC drawing will be updated to reflect those changes. Rack owners unable to locate their system’s original LARC drawings should contact the rack’s manufacturer to obtain a copy.

Before relocating racking from one facility to another, it’s important to determine when the rack was installed. Depending on that date, the building codes may have changed; relocated racking is subject to the most current codes and specifications when it is installed in its new location. A qualified rack engineer must evaluate and approve the rack design prior to disassembling and moving to ensure its suitability for use in a different location. This is particularly important when relocating rack from one geographic location to another—where different seismic requirements may apply.

Finally, before commissioning, the relocated or reconfigured rack should be inspected to ensure that no damaged components were used without being properly repaired or replaced.

This video is the fourth in a planned series of industrial steel storage rack safety videos. All RMI Rack Safety videos can be seen here.