When was the last time you had a structural inspection of your work premises? If you own a business, structural inspections are essential for ensuring the safety of your workforce, safeguarding your investment, and maintaining the value of your property.
Regular inspections catch minor problems before they become more serious and ensure everything is up to code. This helps you avoid nasty surprises and keep your operations running smoothly.
In this article, we'll explain why keeping up with structural assessments is critical to protecting your investment and maintaining a safe workplace.
What Are Structural Inspections?
Structural inspections are thorough assessments conducted by professionals to analyse the stability and integrity of a building's infrastructure. These evaluations examine various components, ensuring that everything is in top condition and meets safety standards.
Several key areas are closely assessed to mitigate risks and highlight parts that need regular maintenance and extra attention. Inspectors assess the condition of critical elements like beams, columns and flooring and check for signs of wear, structural weaknesses, and potential safety hazards.
Warehouse Racking Inspections
Inspecting internal racking systems is just as important for maintaining warehouse safety as broader building inspections. Damage can be dangerous and, if left unfixed, could even cause the rack to collapse. At Advanced Warehouse Structures, we're experienced at identifying and providing solutions to damaged pallet racking, regardless of job size. A small frame breakage requires attention just as much as damage to the entire structure does.
Our services include:
- Safety audits and checks
- Provision of safety and/or maintenance safety signage
- Repairs or replacement of pallet racking systems
- Design and installation of pallet rack protection, such as frame protectors
Benefits of Regular Structural Inspections
Regular structural inspections give you the opportunity to spot potential issues before they escalate to help prevent expensive repairs down the line. A professional assessment could protect your infrastructure and budget from serious strain.
Protecting your people
One of the most important reasons to schedule routine inspections is to guarantee the safety and well-being of everyone who steps into your building. Whether they're employees, customers, or clients, maintaining a structure that's safe from hazards is a non-negotiable part of responsible business ownership.
Staying on the right side of regulations
Regular checks ensure that your facilities meet all necessary standards. Compliance with building codes and regulations is more than a legal obligation — it also impacts insurance policies and industry reputation.
Safeguarding your investment
Structural inspections are important for maintaining the longevity and value of your property or structures. By ensuring your structures remain in optimal condition, you're improving their lifespan and preserving their market value, which is a smart move for your financial future.
Common Issues Identified in Inspections
Structural damage
Every structure tells a story, and sometimes, it's one of wear and tear. Inspections tend to reveal damage like detached handrails, uneven flooring or dislodged columns. Addressing these issues as soon as possible is essential for preventing eye-watering repair costs and ensuring your infrastructure can safely support its occupants.
Water damage
Water can be a property's silent enemy, leading to dampness, leaks, and even mould growth. Your internal structures aren't always immune to this, either. These issues don't just compromise the integrity and performance of your structures; they pose some serious health risks.
Leaving mezzanine flooring wet can lead to premature rusting if not frequently inspected and maintained.
Safety hazards
A significant part of guaranteeing a safe environment is identifying and neutralising safety hazards. Inspections can spot issues like potential fire hazards or areas prone to causing injuries. This gives you the opportunity to prevent accidents and meet your safety requirements, safeguarding your structures and workforce.
The Inspection Process
During structural inspections, professionals perform a detailed examination of structural integrity, safety features, and emergency access. There will also be an opportunity for you to highlight any specific issues you've noticed.
Afterwards, you'll receive a detailed report highlighting any concerns and suggesting necessary actions. This isn't just about identifying problems — it's about giving you a plan to maintain the health and safety of your structures.
Tools of the trade
Inspectors come equipped with more than just a keen eye; they use various tools to help paint a clear picture of your structure's health beyond what you could see yourself.
Frequency of Inspections
A pallet racking inspection should be performed at least once a year as part of a regular maintenance schedule. If your structure is subject to high intensity use or is involved in an accident or collision, more regular checks may be advised. Likewise, older structures may be more susceptible to damage than their newer counterparts.
Speak to the team at AWS for specific advice about pallet racking inspections for your business.
Choosing the Right Inspection Service
Finding the right inspection service can save you a lot of time, money, and stress. Look for a team that's thorough and transparent. They should be willing to walk you through their process and explain potential issues and solutions clearly. Reliability and punctuality are key — delays are more than just an inconvenience; they can affect your operations and even your safety.
Experiences and certifications matter
Ensure your inspector has the correct qualifications and a solid track record. Experienced inspectors bring a wealth of knowledge about building codes, potential pitfalls, and innovative solutions that can save you time and money.
Safeguard your property with AWS
Regular structural inspections are important for the compliance, safety, efficiency, and longevity of your property. They safeguard against unforeseen expenses and ensure a safe environment for everyone.
At Advanced Warehouse Structures, we combine decades of experience with a commitment to excellence, making us industry leaders. Our team is certified and regularly trained in the latest safety standards and technologies. Choosing us means choosing peace of mind, knowing your business is in expert hands.
We can also inspect mezzanine floors fitted by other companies. This involves our practitioners ensuring all materials are in good condition and up to code. Where necessary, we can recertify floors with full engineering calculations and replace any damaged parts.
Don't wait for signs of trouble; be proactive. Contact AWS today to schedule a comprehensive inspection of your racking to keep it in top condition.