Pallet racking load signs (SWL) are used to communicate the load capacity of the pallet racking system to ensure its safe operation and use.
Safe working load signs are mandatory as per the Australian Standard for Steel Storage Racking AS4084. They are also a vital safety component of the racking.
The load sign should be displayed on each aisle of racking and be clearly visible to all users of the racking including manual handling equipment operators.
Image of load signs on racking goes here
Load signs contain important information regarding the safe use of pallet racking and communicate the following:
Load signs also describe some basic aspects about the racking structure, including:
Learning how to read these signs is simple and will help you maintain and fully utilise your pallet racking.
How to identify the maximum load per pair of beams. The term "UDL" in the image below means 'Uniformly Distributed Load'. The UDL measures the maximum load a pair of beams can handle without failing, assuming you distribute the load uniformly across them. For example in the image below, the pair of beams can handle 2000 kilograms of uniformly distributed load.
Next, look for clear identification of the maximum load per pallet. In the image below, the critical rated capacity of the two pallets is 1000 kilograms, which combined adds up to the maximum weight of the pair of beams. The total load of your pallets should not exceed the maximum load per pair of beams.
Your sign should reflect the number of pallets and the maximum load of each pallet.
One pallet & three pallets respectively would look as shown below:
The carrying capacity of the entire bay (area between the 2 frames containing pairs of beams and multiple pallets) is referred to as the total bay load.
This is usually shown at the bottom of the diagram and would look much like this:
Load signs can also indicate pick levels or shelf levels and their load capacities. These must also be included in the total bay load.
Shelf loads may be shown as below:
The load carrying capacity of the rack changes if you move the beam levels up or down. A quality racking provider can re-check the load capacities before you change the picking shelves or pallet levels and issue you with an updated load rating sign.
Here's an example of how your beam levels may display where they should be:
A well considered safe working load sign (SWL) can provide a lot of information about the capacity, safety and scalability of your racking.
If you are unsure that your load signs are providing you with the correct ino about your racking or want to check if your load signs or pallet racking is compliant, get in touch with Absolute Storage Systems by calling 03 9799 2291 or email usand enquire about our pallet racking solutions or arange a racking audit.
