How to Prepare Your Warehouse for a Pallet Racking Inspection

Getting ready for a pallet racking inspection might sound simple — and it usually is — but a little preparation goes a long way. Whether it’s your first inspection or your annual check-up, having your warehouse ready helps the process go smoothly, ensures accurate reporting, and keeps your business compliant with AS 4084:2023 – Steel Storage Racking.

Why Preparation Matters

A well-prepared warehouse not only saves time during the inspection but also ensures your inspector can see and assess all areas clearly. This allows them to identify issues accurately and provide the most reliable report possible. It also means fewer disruptions to your daily operations and a faster turnaround for your Certificate of Compliance.

Step 1: Clear Access to All Racking

Before the inspection, take some time to make sure the inspector can safely access all racking aisles and bays. Remove any pallets, boxes, or equipment that block visibility of uprights, baseplates, and beams.

If an area can’t be accessed, it can’t be inspected — and that means the report may show sections as “Unable to Assess”, which could delay your compliance certificate.

Step 2: Remove Temporary or Loose Items

Inspectors often find temporary fixings, loose bolts, or unapproved attachments on racking systems. These can include things like:

• Brackets or signage bolted to beams,

• Cables or pipes zip-tied to frames,

• Timber boards screwed directly into racking.

If possible, remove these before the inspection. They can interfere with the assessment and, in some cases, make your system non-compliant.

Step 3: Provide Access to Documentation

Have your technical drawings, load signage, and previous inspection reports ready. This helps the inspector confirm that your racking layout and configuration still match the approved design.

If changes have been made (like added beams or removed bays), these should be recorded or updated before the inspection.

Step 4: Inform Your Team

Let your warehouse staff know when the inspection will take place. It’s best if forklifts and picking operations are paused or minimised in the areas being inspected. This keeps everyone safe and allows the inspection to proceed efficiently.

Encourage staff to raise any issues they’ve noticed — such as damaged beams, leaning frames, or missing safety clips — before the inspection begins.

Step 5: Tidy Up and Stay Safe

A clean and organised workspace doesn’t just look good — it’s safer. Sweeping aisles, removing debris, and keeping the floor dry reduces trip hazards and helps the inspector do their job properly.

Step 6: Be Ready for Recommendations

Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a detailed report highlighting any damage or compliance issues. Each finding will be rated using the traffic light classification system (Green, Amber, Red).

If repairs are required, your inspector can guide you through what needs to be done and how soon. Remember, repairs must be completed before your system can be certified as compliant.

Bonus Tip: Book in Advance

Scheduling your inspections in advance — especially if you have multiple sites or large warehouse systems — helps ensure your racking remains compliant year-round. Many clients choose our 12-month reinspection reminder service, so they never miss a certification date.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your warehouse for an inspection doesn’t need to be complicated. By keeping your racking clear, accessible, and well-documented, you’ll make the process smooth and efficient — and most importantly, you’ll know your warehouse is safe and compliant.

A little preparation today can prevent a big problem tomorrow.