Pallets are portable load carrying platforms that is usually made out of two levels. They are designed so that lifting equipment can easily and safely be moved, stored, and stacked. There are a number of different types and sizes of pallets used throughout South Africa. These pallets can also be made from different materials like wood, pine, or plastic, but most the most common pallets are made from hardwood.
The most common type and size pallet in South Africa is a 4-way entry re-usable pallet. The pallet size is usually 1200 x 1000mm.
Picture (code of practice for the use of static pallet racking p29”chep website”)
Pallet conditions
Pallets need to be kept in good condition. If they are broken or damaged, they might not support their load properly, which can lead to the weight shifting and potentially causing problems on the supporting beams.
Load conditions
The items placed on pallets should also be well-organised. The load should be distributed evenly on the pallet and not tilted or leaning to one side. Additionally, it shouldn’t be breaking through the packaging or wrapping. This helps ensure stability and safety during transport and storage.
Position
Pallets should always be placed on either the left or right side of a pair of beams. They should only be positioned in the center of a pair of beams when the Safe working load chart specifically allows for uneven point loading.
Pallet support bars
Support bars are utilised to hold up exceptionally heavy loads or pallets that don’t meet standard sizes. These bars extend across the frame structure and are held up at each end by the beams, providing additional support and stability for the nonstandard or heavier items placed on the pallets.
Loose wrapping and strapping
All stock should be properly wrapped and secured, with no loose wrapping hanging between beam levels or along the front, back, or sides of the racking structures. Loose wrapping can pose a hazard, particularly in the vicinity of MHE vehicles. It’ critical to ensure that all wrapping is tightly secured to maintain a safe working environment.
Pallet damage
Manufacturers may have specific criteria for what constitutes damage for their particular pallets. However, the general issues that make a pallet unsuitable for use in pallet racking includes the following;
Picture (code of practice for the use of static pallet racking p30
- Splits on boards of more than half of the width or length of the board
- Broken board
- Missing board
- Missing wood on a board of more than a third of the width of the board
- Missing block or split block to the point where more than a quarter of the width of the board or if nails are visible
- Missing wood or splits on a block of more than half of the width or height of the block
Correct pallet positioning is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency within the warehouse environment. Properly positioning the pallets can help prevent accidents and damages, ensuring a smooth and safe operation.
It’s important to note that previous practises of placing pallets hard up against the frame or upright is no longer considered correct. Pallets should never come into contact with the structure during placement.
If a driver needs to reposition a pallet, it should be lifted and correctly placed, rather than being shifted across the beams or decks. This helps avoid issues such as beams bowing, frame twisting, and loosening of floor fixings, which can result in permanent damage.
The following tables show the SEMA clearances for pallets.
Pallet locations, end elevation
Pallet locations, front elevation
IMPORTANT NOTE
Where in rack sprinklers are installed, this dimension may vary depending on material stored on the racking structure. Please contact ASIB (Automatic Sprinkler Inspection Bureau) for correct back-to-back and lift off clearance dimensions.
