Guardrail Repair or Replace?

Maintaining and Replacing Warehouse Guardrails: A Guide

Once you take the time to install warehouse guardrails that meet OSHA's regulations, you'll want to protect that investment. This means keeping up with maintenance and repairs. It also means knowing when it's time to replace the safety rails in your facility. Use this guide to determine when you need more than a guardrail repair.

Consider the Cost of the Repairs

The first thing to always consider is the cost of your repairs. Most of the time, repairing warehouse guardrails requires a minimal investment of time, money, and effort. This is because guardrail systems are sectional. You can easily replace one segment of a guardrail without disrupting the whole system.

Always compare the price of repairs to the cost of replacing your guardrails. If the repair costs are modest and the guardrails are fairly new, it makes sense to restore your existing guardrails. For extensive work or older guardrails, it might be worthwhile to replace the whole system.

Look for Extensive or Widespread Damage

While repairing one section of your warehouse guardrails is relatively simple, don't assume that segment is the only area requiring attention. The adjacent segments might require repairs as well. Alternatively, older guardrail systems might have extensive or widespread damage.

Before addressing repair needs, take a look at the entire system. If you notice several areas with damage, it might make more financial sense to replace all or most of the system. This will prevent the need for multiple repairs over a longer period.

Check the Latest Safety Regulations

Over time, normal wear and tear might cause your warehouse guardrails to weaken. Even though you might not see visible signs of damage, they may no longer provide the intended safety protection. Look for loose footings or railings that feel weak or soft.

In addition to replacing deteriorated railings, stay updated on OSHA's latest standards. Doing so will help you comply with any changes the organization makes to its rules for railings in warehouses.

Check the Manufacturer's Warranty

When you buy warehouse guardrails from a reputable seller, the materials will come with a manufacturer's warranty. For this reason, it's important to consider the age of the parts.

If the warranty hasn't expired, replacing your guardrails won't make financial sense. In this situation, repairing the guardrails will help you extend the system's lifetime and take full advantage of the warranty.

Keep Corrosion in Check

Always investigate the cause of the damage to your warehouse guardrails. In cases of corrosion, researching the cause can help you pinpoint the source of moisture or water damage. If you don't correct the problem that led to the water damage, the same conditions will corrode your repaired or replaced guardrails.

Next, you can choose how to update the guardrails. It might be possible to repair small areas of corrosion. As long as the guardrail still meets OSHA's strength standards, refinishing and patching the affected areas will solve the problem.

If you find extensive corrosion, however, you're going to have to replace the section. Check connecting segments to locate additional areas of corrosion.

Prevent Accidents Without Overspending

In addition to complying with OSHA regulations, you'll want guardrails that protect the personnel in your facility. If a segment of warehouse safety railings no longer serves its purpose, you might decide to replace it. While replacement is one possibility, it's not always necessary.

A loose railing might require repairing the concrete around the footing. You can straighten and reinforce bent mid-rails. Look for other minor repairs that will restore the safety protection that the rails provide.

Often, you can avoid replacing newer guardrail systems by providing minor repairs. Making prompt fixes can keep rust from spreading to other guardrails. Speedy repairs will extend the lifetime of the entire guardrail system.

Determine the Quality of the Materials

Over time, your guardrails might start to show their age. You could notice dings and dents in the material, and small spots of rust might show through the painted surfaces. As these blemishes multiply, the integrity of the railings suffers. They will appear less safe to employees and visitors.

Addressing these problems won't require replacing your guardrails. You may not have to replace any sections at all, in fact. Instead, you might be able to sand, patch, and paint the affected areas. This will usually stop corrosion from spreading while restoring the appearance and functionality of the safety railings.

Inspect Your Guardrails Often

Routinely inspecting your warehouse guardrails will help you keep up with their maintenance. You'll know when repairs are necessary to prevent premature deterioration. You'll also be able to recognize when the time comes to install new safety rails.