Pallet racking, its benefits of usage and safety considerations

Pallet rack is a material handling storage aid system designed to store materials on pallets. Although there are many varieties of pallet racking, all types allow for the storage of palletized materials in horizontal rows with multiple levels. Forklift trucks are usually an integral part of any pallet rack system as they are usually required to place the loaded pallets onto the racks for storage. Since the Second World War, pallet racks have become an essential and ubiquitous element of most modern warehouses, manufacturing facilities, retail centers, and other storage and distribution facilities.All types of pallet racking increase storage density of the stored goods. Costs associated with the racking increases with increasing storage density.

 

 

 

 

Benefits of pallet racking

Space Saving

One big benefit of pallet racking is that it is a great space saver. The way the racks are constructed allows businesses to make up of the vertical space instead of valuable floor space. Any opportunity to save space and still accomplish your goals is always welcomed. The way that a pallet racking system is set up makes it feasible for forklifts to reach up into the air and cut down pallets at whatever point they require one. The stacking capacity of the racks is the thing that spares space and will spare cash

 

Safety

The racks are constructed of high quality materials and then tested extensively to ensure they are stable and can handle the weight of the pallets.

 

Durability

The top notch steel and joining materials utilized with bed racking frameworks guarantees that you will have the capacity to utilize them for a long time. They are particularly intended to withstand the rigors of pallets going in and being taken out, and to hold the heaviness of beds being put away.

 

Accessibility

The way that pallet racking systems are set up makes them easily accessible by forklifts from both ends and on either side. Accessibility is a big factor when production in a manufacturing plant may be at risk. It’s important for fork trucks to be able to maneuver around the racks with relative ease, so that they can get what they need precisely when they need it.

 

Convenience

A pallet racking system is also a convenient system. It is set up for efficiency and usually delivers, as long as the warehouse or plant sets it up and utilizes it properly. They are designed to help companies store more stuff, get things done faster and increase the safety factor all at the same time. The lowly pallet is one aspect that not a lot of people consider, but setting up a system that works in any area will always enhance the overall business

 

Safety considerations

Because of the size and weight of pallets, important safety factors have to be considered at all times.

Pay attention to any loose components in the pallet rack system, and take the time to report any damage in the pallet rack frame; such frame damage could cause the pallets to fall.

It is particularly critical to have exceptionally obvious cautioning signs if the bed rack framework is utilized as a part of retail situations, for example, wholesale focuses, where the general population is available.

 

 

Use only quality pallets that are not damaged. To save money, or perhaps from neglectful management, some warehouses use pallets until they become faulty and dangerous. Regular inspection of pallets for broken or fractured planks or stringers, protruding nails, and missing support blocks is essential. Damaged pallets can cause loading and unloading problems; for example, loose stringers can get hung up on the pallet racks, which can cause loads to fall from high positions. Also, faulty pallets can cause obstruction problems in flow systems by jamming certain pallet rack designs.

Always ensure that the proper motorized equipment is being used for the application.

Do not obstruct the end of aisles by staging pallets in these areas. Doing so can cause severe and potentially fatal injuries and accidents.

Never overload or exceed the recommended load specifications for a racking system. Overloading may cause a catastrophic failure of your storage rack system.

Rack audits (safety checks) should be performed on a regular basis by a qualified inspector familiar with RMI design and safety standards to make sure all aspects of system are up to 100% operationally safety.

Food products must follow FDA regulations and use approved pallet racks. Your location may also require different equipment configurations.

 

Types of pallet racking systems

There are many different types of pallet racking systems available and can often be difficult to know what type to choose.

Selective Pallet Racking

Selective Pallet racking is the most commonly used racking system in warehousing.

 

Double Deep Racking

Double deep racking is similar in style to selective racking, basically double deep racking is two rows of selective racking one row behind the other.  It allows pallets to be stored two deep. The racks are designed in such a way that despite being two deep they are still accessible from the aisles.

 

Narrow Aisle Racking

Narrow aisle racking is selective racking with much narrower aisles than selective racking.  Narrow aisle racking is beneficial for warehouses that operate with man-down or man-up lift trucks that are easily able to navigate their way through the narrow aisles. These types of racking systems are a great way to maximize the amount of space that you have in the warehouse.

 

Drive-In Racking

Drive-In Racking is designed for maximum use of floor space.  Drive-in is very similar in principle to block stacking with the exception that the product is not stored on top of the bottom pallet.  The racking actually holds the pallet above the pallet below.  Drive-in racking is designed in lanes, the depth of the lane and the how many pallets high is determined by the product. It is   particularly efficient if the product profile is high stock of a low number of sku’s.

 

Carton Flow Racking

Carton flow racking are a bed of rollers installed usually in double entry selective racking.  The bed uses a series of roller/ wheel trays which are designed to easily and efficiently move stock. This type of racking is used by businesses that need stock to be hand-loaded.

 

Heavy Duty Racking

Heavy duty racking is designed to hold and store heavy duty items, such as large pieces of steel. This type of racking is also able to accommodate wide loads.

 

Cantilever Racking

 

Cantilever racking is used for predominately storing long products like steel rods, plastic piping, lengths of timber etc.  The racking is a series of columns with arms protruding designed specifically for long product. 

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