Occasionally a client wants to move their pallet racking from one part of their warehouse to another. Maybe more space is needed in one part of a warehouse or new equipment means the warehouse needs to be reconfigured. Either way, the pallet racking needs to move.

While it’s certainly possible to move pallet racking after it’s been installed, it’s not quite as simple as disassembling it and putting it back up in another part of the warehouse. Let’s take a look at why.

Once Moved, Pallet Racking Needs To Be Re-Certified

All pallet racking needs to be certified by a professional after it’s been erected. This is why we always recommend that clients get their pallet racking professionally installed. If a client installs pallet racking themselves, it still needs to be certified and, if the racking doesn’t conform to AS4084:23, it needs to be rectified before it’s safe to use.

When pallet racking is moved, even if it’s only moved a metre, it needs to be re-certified to make sure it complies with the Australian standard. This is to ensure it was erected properly, wasn’t damaged in the move, is properly attached to the ground, and more.

Although this may seem over the top, especially if it’s not a lot of pallet racking, that’s what the standard and the law says. Even if the risk of an accident involving the pallet racking is low, a business will be in a lot of trouble if the racking is uncertified.

Once Moved, Pallet Racking Needs To Conform To New Standards

In some situations, pallet racking doesn’t need to completely conform to AS4084:23. These situations generally involve pallet racking constructed prior to 2023 and, in these situations, it still needs to adhere to AS4084:12. However, if the older pallet racking is dismantled and rebuilt, it then needs to be built inline with the new standard. This is the case even if the pallet racking is built in the same place.

While there are a lot of similarities between the old Standard and the new one, there are a lot of differences as well, and something subtle could mean that the move has made the pallet racking no longer compliant.

This is another reason why it’s important to use a professional company to not only build your pallet racking, but also move it if it needs to be moved. While certain upgrades may need to be completed to make the pallet racking compliant with the Standard, experts know what needs to be done and may have an economic solution to this.

Moving Pallet Racking To A New Location Can Be More Complicated

Things may get more complicated if you’re relocating warehouses. Pallet racking is often designed for the ground that it’s being constructed on. Most of the time this is cement or concrete that’s designed to withstand a specific load.

While this load may be the same across two different warehouses, it’s best not to assume this. What worked in one warehouse may not work in another. On a more positive note, a new warehouse floor may be able to withstand a heavier load or taller pallet racking, allowing for a denser storage configuration. It’s worth checking.

You Can Move Your Pallet Racking, But Use A Professional

Although we initially said that moving pallet racking isn’t necessarily simple, it’s not difficult. You just need to understand that the pallet racking will need to be re-certified and may need to comply with newer standards. This isn’t difficult to do, but it’s something that needs to be planned for. Because of this, we always suggest that clients use professionals to move their pallet racking. That way that can be sure that the project goes smoothly and that there will be no problems with their racking.

If you have a pallet racking project you need help with, get in touch.