Australian Standard AS 4084:2012 and Am I Compliant?

28 February 2020

UPDATE MAY 2023 - new Australian Standard released AS 4084:2023.

Click here to read about compliance with AS4084:2023

What is AS 4084:2012?

AS 4084:2012 is the Australian Standards document for steel storage racking, outlining the specifications, procedures and guidelines that must be followed. Is APC's racking compliant with the standard? How do you know if your racking is meeting current standards?

The objective of the standard is to ensure any steel storage racking sold within Australia is compliant with the specifications listed. The standard applies to “adjustable, static pallet racking made of cold-formed or hot-rolled steel structural members”. This covers all of APC’s static racking including Selective Pallet Racking, Double Deep Pallet Racking and Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking.

Is APC compliant with AS 4084:2012?

APC offers our clients a complete Warehouse Design and Engineering Service. Our engineering team utilises the latest structural analysis software to perform non-linear, second-order analysis on each racking system we design, manufacture and install. To ensure the software analysis of our racking designs are accurate, APC’s Research and Development Team perform a wide range of independent physical testing, where the results are directly imputed into our structural analysis software. This extensive physical testing and modelling procedure is undertaken so the requirements of AS 4084:2012 and other relevant standards are met within all our designs. For more information on our design process, click here.

Is your racking compliant with AS 4084:2012?

After your racking installation is complete, the installer will sign the structure off as being compliant with all relevant Australian Standards. However, as listed in section 8.2 of AS 4084:2012, it is recommended that a racking safety audit is carried out annually.

"Inspections shall be carried out on a regular basis, and at least once every 12 months."

APC’s Racking Inspection Services (RIS) include a full visual inspection of your racking to assess each component for strength, corrosion, serviceability and overall condition to:

· ensure the correct application and use of the equipment;

· ensure that safe working loads are adhered to;

· ensure that the racking installation has not been altered;

· examine the extent of damage due to impact in the racking installation;

· examine the out of plumb of the racking;

· examine for any dislocation and deformation of sections and connections for uprights and beams; and

· examine connectors for deformation or signs of cracking at the welds.

The amount of damage and structural defects that can develop over a year of racking use can vary, with even a seemingly minor piece of damage or machinery impact having the ability to compromise the racking structure in the years to come. If left unresolved, a minor racking repair could lead to a total installation failure or collapse, leading to a loss of stock, damage to equipment, loss of warehouse operation time and potential danger to employee safety.

An APC Rack Inspection is simple and easy to arrange and will ensure your racking is still meeting all relevant standards including AS 4084:2012. For more information on APC’s RIS, click here, or get in contact with our team.