Can I install pallet racking myself? It’s a question we get asked a lot, particularly by smaller operators or businesses that have picked up racking second-hand. On paper, it can look simple. In reality, it’s one of those things that very often gets done incorrectly.
There is a practical limit to what you should be installing yourself. Once a racking installation reaches a certain size or value, we strongly recommend using a QBCC-licensed installer, whether that’s QLD Storage Systems or someone else. At that point, the risk of getting it wrong far outweighs any short-term saving.
Supply-Only and DIY Installations
If someone is determined to install racking themselves, we do provide instructions and guidance. We also ask for evidence that it’s been installed correctly, usually photos, or we’ll attend the site and inspect it afterwards.
Even then, it’s common to see issues straight away. Frames installed the wrong way around. Levelling plates missing. Anchor bolts either not installed or drilled incorrectly. These aren’t rare problems. They’re the norm with DIY installation.
What Happens at the First Inspection
What we see time and time again when people have sourced racking themselves is that these issues don’t get picked up until the first racking inspection, twelve months or longer later. At that point, something always comes up.
The business ends up paying twice. Once to install it themselves, and then again to have it pulled apart, fixed, or in some cases completely redone so it complies.
Buying Racking at Auction
It’s also very common for people to buy racking at auction, install it themselves, and think they’ve done well. Then twelve months later, when an inspection is required, we walk in and we’re confronted with something that frankly resembles Frankenstein.
At that point, it’s not a matter of adding a SWL safety sign. The system doesn’t comply, it needs to be repaired, reinstalled or completely dismantled with a full replacement.
It’s also worth noting that second-hand racking itself isn’t the problem. When sourced from a reputable supplier, second-hand racking can be a very cost-effective option and still meet current Australian Standards. At QLD Storage Systems, second-hand racking is inspected, matched by brand, and supplied with known load ratings, allowing businesses to save significantly compared to new without compromising on safety or compliance. The key difference is knowing the history and condition of the system, rather than installing unknown racking purchased at auction.
Why Safety Signs Come Last
We don’t issue safety signage on supply-only jobs until we’ve seen evidence that the racking has been installed correctly, or we’ve inspected it ourselves. Quite often, someone will call and ask if they can just buy the signs. When we look at the racking, it becomes clear that signage is the least of the problems.
Safety signs don’t fix structural issues. They don’t correct poor installation, missing anchors, incorrect levelling, or non-compliant components. Racking compliance is a key component of being able to receive your SWL signage.
Changes to Standards and Environmental Factors
A lot of people also don’t realise that the standards changed in 2023. Things like racking protection, beam deflection, corrosion, and environmental exposure now matter more than they used to.
In Queensland, with high UV levels and a predominantly coastal environment, corrosion becomes a serious issue, particularly with older racking. These are the sorts of things people don’t think about when they try to do it themselves.
Talk to a Professional Before You Start
This is where we would strongly encourage people to talk to a professional before installing racking themselves. It doesn’t have to be us, but it should be someone who is licensed and understands the standards.
Getting proper advice at the start is far cheaper and far less painful than finding out twelve months later that the whole thing needs to be fixed.
Contact The Experts Today
If you’re considering installing pallet racking yourself, or you’ve already got racking in place and aren’t confident it’s been installed correctly, it’s worth getting it checked before it becomes a problem. QLD Storage Systems can provide professional installation, supply-only support, and independent inspections to ensure your racking is safe, compliant, and built to current Australian Standards. Whether you’re using new or second-hand racking, speaking to an experienced team early can save you time, money, and the cost of fixing issues later. Contact QLD Storage Systems to discuss your setup and get the right advice before you start, not after the first inspection.
About Mennolt Regtien
Mennolt Regtien brings more than 20 years of hands-on experience in the storage and pallet racking industry in Australia, backed by a broader career spent helping businesses grow, improve productivity and solve operational challenges. Before moving into pallet racking and storage systems, he spent around 10 years consulting to small and medium businesses on growth and development, and earlier worked in venture capital and startups, including helping Australasian companies expand into Asian and US markets.
His experience helps him look beyond the racking itself to understand each client’s wider business goals, identify operational issues quickly, and recommend storage solutions that support both efficiency and future growth.
