It’s important to recognize damage to wooden pallets because the safety of using these pallets decreases with each bit of damage. Because wooden pallets must meet certain industrial regulations, these pallets often are scrapped well before the usefulness expires. Many companies toss older pallets for fear of damage or unsafe conditions, but recognizing damage is key to saving money on investing in new pallets. When you purchase or rent used pallets in Atlanta, always inspect your pallet deliveries for damage before using the pallets.
Moisture Damaged Pallets
Unlike plastic pallets, wooden pallets absorb and give off moisture. Pallets that aren’t inspected regularly for moisture damage could become weakened over time and pose a safety risk. A reputable pallet company will inspect each and every refurbished pallet before selling to customers, but if you rent your pallets, there’s always a chance that human oversight will allow a moisture damaged pallet onto a delivery truck. If you notice that that the wood appears rotted, splintered, or discolored, do not use that pallet and return it to the pallet company.
Splintered or Broken Pallets
Moisture damage can cause splintering and breakage of wooden pallets. However, weight bearing pallets are also at risk of prematurely breaking or splintering. When you buy or rent used pallets in Atlanta always check your delivery for pallets that may have splintering or breakage. Remember that breakage is easier to see, but splintering can be thin and hard to notice. A quick inspection of your pallets will ensure that your employees or customers are safe when around the pallets. Splintering can also cause the slats of some pallets to become loose or not hold to the fasteners correctly, so always inspect for strength of your pallets before use.
Insect Damage to Pallets
Depending on the type of wood used to make the pallets, there could insect damage. If you notice holes or areas where the wood appears bored through, consider sending the shipment of pallets back to the company and ask that they check the delivery for insect damage. Wooden pallets must be heat treated, but there are times when imported pallets from other countries arrive with insect problems. The pallet company may not even realize there is a problem with insect damage on used pallets. Atlanta is a hub for pallet exports, so it’s unlikely that you’ll experience too many problems with pallets from Atlanta, but it’s always a good idea to know what damage looks like so you can prevent an accident.
When you purchase or rent used pallets in Atlanta, always inspect your pallet deliveries for damage before using the pallets. To know more information contact Premier Pallets, Inc.
