Start with the structure that supports everything else.

• Column protectors, aisle guards, and other safety accessories are present and appear secure and undamaged.
• No fresh impact marks, scraped paint, or displaced frame sections.
• Frame bracing and connections appear present and undamaged.
• No visible bending, twisting, dents, tears, or punctures.

Look closely at the connections carrying your loads.

• Beams appear level, seated, and free from visible deformation.
• Required locking devices and safety clips appear present.
• Loads are not visibly warping beams.

A consistent review starts at ground level, too.

• Baseplates appear flat and in full contact with the floor.
• Anchors and visible hardware appear present and securely lagged to the floor.
• No obvious shifting around the base of the upright or visible warping of the baseplate.
• Concrete around anchors shows no obvious cracking, spalling, or breakout.

Check the parts that are easy to overlook.

• Decking and supports appear properly seated and undamaged.
• Pallet supports, row spacers, wall ties, flue spacers, and other accessories are present where expected.
• No makeshift or visibly incompatible components are being used.

Look beyond the rack to what it is holding.

• Loads appear stable and centered.
• Pallets show no visibly broken boards or instability.
• Posted capacity information is visible where required.

Keep the bigger warehouse picture in view.

• Aisles and egress routes are clear and posted.
• Rack ends and high-impact areas have appropriate protective equipment free from damage.
• Lighting provides sufficient visibility for safe work.
• No leaning product, debris, or obstructions in aisles creating an obvious hazard.