Before finally making a purchase of warehouse shelving and pallets for racking, check out these preparations first to ensure high quality and utmost safety.
Prepare warehouse plans beforehand
So you already have a list of all the commodities you will use the pallet racking and shelves for. But do you have the final plans? These plans include the layout, floor plan and warehouse design.
Racking and shelving systems are industrial equipment meant to be installed, erected and inspected by warehousing specialists that have extensive experience in this business. These are no Lego blocks that can be reassembled, relocated and reinstalled easily.
By equipping yourself with plans, you already get to “place” every piece on the proper locations even before the materials enter your warehouse.
- Layout Plan
A layout of the warehouse gives the specialist/consultant a clear view of what area to fill in and how to execute installation. Oftentimes, the type of flooring and wall are also specified in the final layout.
- Floor Plan
The floor plan covers the actual placement of the vertical racks and shelves so you and the warehouse specialist will know the amount of materials needed, the exact measurements, and the order of installation and assembly for faster processing. As much as possible, include here a rough floor sketch of the passage ways (not the blueprint, for safety reasons) of the entire business establishment (should your warehouse stand alongside the main store), so they can maximize the area for strategic transportation and foot space.
- Warehouse Design
The warehouse design includes ventilation, roofing and foundation materials, temperature control, visual preference (should you need it as commercially appealing as possible for clients and guests) and elevation. The information here give a clear picture on what materials you need, what the most appropriate layout to eliminate spoilage and unwanted exposure is, and what type of racking fits the already existing design.
Commonly, the types of rack your warehouse specialist might suggest are mezzanine floors (for necessary elevation), selective, drive-in (for easier forklift mobility), narrow aisle (advised for light and small- to medium-sized commodities), and double deep.
By bringing these plans to the racking and shelving dealer of your choice, you can avail their free consultation at their maximum capacity. Thus, you are minimising risks in the process.
Know your local OHS Standards
There are international guidelines for occupational health and safety management systems (OSHMS) under the Occupational Health and Safety and Health standards that are imposed by Standards Australia, the regulating body in the country, and subsequently certified by globally recognised bodies.
These guidelines constitute the standards applied from the installation of racking and shelving systems, actual operation and manning, repair and maintenance of the storage facility down to the inspection. Some cities require business establishments to meet these standards first (through application and written plan) before given permit for warehouse operation, so you better visit an authorised office before anything else.
These standards are very particular with used pallet racking. By guaranteeing compliance, you are not just following legal actions, but you are also making your business a candidate for ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and OHS certifications, the highest certifications commercial and public establishments aim to achieve.
Not following these standards may put you in real trouble, even to the extent of losing your business license.