FAQ's

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Australian Standard for Steel Storage Racking? (AS 4084-1993)

The Australian Standards for Steel Storage racking is AS4084-1193

"This Standard sets out minimum requirements for the design, fabrication and erection tolerances, test methods, operation and maintenance."

"This Standard applies to adjustable static pallet racking made of cold-formed or hot-rolled steel structural members. It covers both the situation where racking is installed within a building and where the racking forms part of the building frame."

"The standard does not cover drive-in and drive-through racking, cantilever racking, mobile racking or racking made of materials other than steel."

Council of Standards Australia 1993, Steel Storage Racking - 1.1 Scope, AS 4084-1993, Standards Association of Australia, Homebush

Why is there an Australian Standard?

The Standard was prepared by the Standards Australia Committee on Steel Storage Racking in response to several requests from the Australian racking industry, to improve uniformity of racking performance and enhance public safety.

Does My Pallet Racking Meet the Australian Standard?

It can be difficult to determine whether or not a specific pallet racking installation meets the Australian Standard, without having an inspection performed by someone with an in-depth knowledge of the Standard and product. Since the Standard was introduced in 1993, it can generally be said that most pallet racking which pre-dates the Standard does not conform to the Standard. The Standard calls for a minimum 90mm (nominal) wide upright.

Additionally, the Standard refers to the racking as an "installation". Therefore, even if the rack design conforms to the Standard, the rack as an "installation" may not. Specific factors which may affect the conformance of the racking installation may include (but are not limited to) floor fixings, damage, alignment, plumb of uprights and signage. Recently, Workplace Health and Safety inspectors have been issuing infringement notices for having a lack of load signage and this trend is likely to increase.

Is There a Requirement by Law to Follow the Standard?

In most states of Australia, Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and Acts require Plant and Equipment (which may include Steel Storage Racking) to meet the Australian Standards.

Why Use Colby Pallet Racking?

Colby Pallet Racking has earned itself the reputation of being the biggest, strongest and safest rack available in Australia. Colby pallet racking is manufactured in a world class facility, designed to produce equipment of the highest quality that will deliver superior "life-cycle" value at a competitive price. All of Colby's pallet racking products conform to and exceed both AS 4084-1993 and FEM 10.2.02; and are installed accordingly. FEM 10.2.02 (Federation Europeenne de la Manutention) are the more stringent and industry respected standards of Europe.