Missing or Outdated Technical Drawings – The Overlooked Compliance Risk

When it comes to pallet racking safety, most people focus on the obvious: damaged uprights, missing clips, or overloading. But one issue that often gets overlooked — and that we regularly find during inspections — is missing or outdated technical drawings.

Why Technical Drawings Matter

Detailed Technical Drawing

Technical or design drawings are the blueprint for your racking system. They specify:

• Upright and beam sizes

• Beam positions and bay spacing

• Load ratings for beams, bays, and the overall system

• The approved configuration as certified by the manufacturer or engineer

Without accurate drawings, it’s impossible to confirm that your racking is installed and being used as it was designed.

What the Standards Say

Under AS 4084:2023 (Steel Storage Racking), racking must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. The technical drawings are the only reliable reference for what those specifications are.

If drawings are missing or outdated, the system cannot be properly checked for compliance — which leaves your business exposed.

Common Problems We Find

• Drawings lost or never supplied after installation

• Old drawings still in use after beams have been moved or extra levels added

• No record of load capacities because original data is missing

• Drawings not signed off by a qualified engineer

Why This is a Safety Risk

If your racking has been altered over time (even something as simple as moving a beam level), the original load capacities may no longer apply. Without updated drawings, you don’t know if your racking is overloaded — and neither do your staff.

This creates risks such as:

• Overloading leading to beam or frame failure

• Incorrect signage being displayed

• Systems being used outside their certified limits

Staying Compliant

To remain compliant with AS 4084:2023:

• Keep a copy of the current, approved technical drawings on site

• Update drawings whenever the racking configuration changes

• Ensure drawings are signed off by the racking manufacturer or a qualified engineer

• Use drawings to verify that load signage is correct and up to date

How We Can Help...

At Pallet Racking Inspections, we don’t just look at the racks themselves — we check the paperwork too. If drawings are missing or outdated, we’ll highlight it in our report and provide clear guidance on how to obtain updated, compliant documentation.

Having the right paperwork on hand isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about knowing your racking system is safe, certified, and being used exactly as it was designed.