Contractor working on a associates project - Installation of racking to large warehouse facility. On inspection, (half way through), it had been noticed that some of the pins that secure the horizontal beams are not securing anything - i.e.The spring structure wasn't doing its job. It was raised with the manager of the warehouse that they will need to be checked but he has said no it will take too long, insisted that the planned loading of the racking is to go ahead asap and that my associate should do a risk assessment based on the structure as it is? I know what I would do! But are there any racking experts out there that agree with the contractor that 'the pins sometimes do that and its not a problem'? I know about sign offs but I need a bit of input from those of you who may have experience in racking and safe installation. ? Can you help? thanks again in advance,

Thanks SS, thats great explains alot. thanks for your help.

Nobody is suggesting that components be left out. The question has arisen because of a lack of understanding about what that particular component is meant to do. Beam locking pins are there to prevent beams being accidently lifted out of their slots by forklifts. They do not need to be a tight fit, merely provide a physical block.

I know what she means. It's slightly different design but it does the same job the same way. Its a pin mounted through a strip of spring steel which is bent to give some resistence but that doesn't effect its function.

The HSE expect us to work to the guidelines of the Storage Equipment Manufactures Association. SEMA produce an end users guide that they may send you free if you ask nicely. SEMA also do a couple of one day course on racking. I use the same sort of racking in one of my DCs and we replace the pins when they come out, otherwise if a reach truck catches the beam it may fall causing an injury. Personal message me if you want more info or racking inspection forms.