Industrial racking and shelving design
Industrial racking and shelving design refers to the planning and creation of storage systems used in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers. These systems are designed to optimize space, improve workflow efficiency, and ensure the safe storage of goods. At BHM we offer a host of services tailored to the industrial racking and shelving industry, regardless of what you need, be it a newly designed system, an annual survey or audit.
1. REGULAR RACK SURVEY’S AND AUDITS
Internationally published racking standards (EN, SEMA, etc.) recommend that ‘technically competent’ individuals undertake annual surveys. The annual survey serves as an external audit of the racking safety and suitability for use. Annual surveys form a complement to in-house maintenance protocols as stipulated by the standard being followed.
Annual survey services offered by BMH include Engineer’s Surveys and Non-Compliance Surveys, along with the associated reports. Both consist of an inspector attending the site to undertake a ground level, visual inspection of the racking installation. If the installation does not have prior certification, the inspector will measure the components and frame elevations to assess the frames’ suitability for supporting the design loads.
The primary difference between Engineers and Non-Compliance Surveys lies in the level of detail with which these inspections are performed.
Engineer surveys consist of inspecting and measuring a statistically significant number of total locations in the store to gain a general understanding of the condition of the installation. We recommend engineer surveys for newly built installations or installations with minimal damages.
Non-Compliance Surveys consist of inspecting each pallet location and noting each defect visible at the location. We recommend conducting Non-Compliance Surveys for existing installations with appreciable damages present.
2. STORAGE CONSULTATION
BMH offers consulting services in the design and evaluation of warehouse storage structures.
Our services include:
- Evaluation of storage structures to support design loads or "Safe Working Loads (SWLs)" safely.
- Conduct thorough design evaluation and confirm new structures and installations before commencing construction.
Our areas of expertise include:
- Mezzanine Systems
- Cantilever Racking Systems
- Drive-In Racking Systems
- Rack Clad Structures
- Static Racking Systems
- Flow Racking Systems
- Mobile Base Racking Systems
- Pallet Racking Systems
3. DESIGN CHECKS
BMH offers consulting services in the design and evaluation of existing warehouse storage structures.
These services include:
- Evaluation of existing storage structures' safety support design loads or “Safe Working Loads (SWLs)”
- Design evaluation and confirmation of existing structures and installations
- Non-compliance inspection and reporting for existing installations with a focus on installation compliance to accepted standards specifications
- Proposals for maintenance, repair, and retrofitting work to ensure the installation can safely support design loads
4. ERECTION COMPLIANCE
Poor installation practices during the erection phase can inevitably compromise the installation’s ability to safely support design working loads (SWLs). Furthermore, such practices may create unsafe conditions, ultimately increasing the risk of collapses during installation.
In addition, reduced SWL capacity stemming from poor installation practices will compromise the safe use of the installation and, in severe cases, may result in racking collapse after loading.
BMH has, on several occasions, observed the difficulties encountered by installation teams when attempting to repair a poorly built system—let alone the costs, loss in productivity, and potentially hazardous situations that may arise as a result.
Therefore, BMH places significant emphasis on ensuring that every installation meets all standards before loading and the issuance of an engineer’s certificate. This approach protects all parties involved and guarantees a properly functioning and safe system.
5. FABRICATION COMPLIANCE
We provide consultation, quality control and certification services of products/components manufactured.
We offer services in determining compliance of the manufactured component to allowable tolerances and specifications.
Applicable international standards recommend physical testing in order.
6. REPAIR COMPLIANCE
BMH inspection and quality control (QC) services aim to prevent and correct practices and situations which can negatively impact on the safe use of storage structures. BMH QC services are recommended for any installation in the construction phase and/or under repair to ensure the executed work confirms accepted tolerances and specifications as outlined by the standard.
7. RACK CERTIFICATION
The Engineer’s Certification provides the end user, manufacturer, and contractor with assurance that the installation conforms to accepted standards of safety and design. In addition, the signing Engineer’s Professional Indemnity Insurance offers liability coverage equal to the value of the certified storage equipment. However, certification is only provided once the Engineer is fully satisfied that the structure, or structures, in question strictly adhere to the highest standards of safety and design.
8. SPECIALISED DESIGN SERVICES
We offer comprehensive services in the specification, design, and certification of both structural and rack-supported mezzanine flooring systems..
Our additional services include design evaluation of existing mezzanine structures, specification for necessary retrofitting, and certification following retrofitting. Furthermore, we offer forensic services in the event of a collapse of structural mezzanine systems.
CANTILEVER RACKING
BMH has specialist knowledge and experience in the design and specification of cantilever racking systems. We can provide Engineer’s Certification for cantilever racking systems specified by BMH or pre-existing.
As with all structures, newly built systems must meet minimum specification and tolerance requirements, while pre-existing systems may require retrofitting before certification can be granted.
We can provide a commentary on the suitability of cantilever racking systems for the purpose and recommend superior alternative solutions where possible.
DRIVE-IN RACKING
Drive-in racking is a fickle beast which is prone to instability and collapse–if not designed properly. Designing and analyzing these structures requires specialist knowledge and exceptionally careful consideration.
The team at BMH, having designed new and evaluated existing drive-in racking structures across sub-Saharan Africa, are well acquainted with drive-in racking systems. We issue Engineering Certification to installations that are suitably designed, installed, or retrofitted.
