Racking and warehouse shelving systems are highly functional storage and inventory facilities that are also potentially dangerous to your commodities and workers. This is especially true for stored electronic items and chemical products that might cause widespread damage to your business. If high quality is not ensured, safety is also left compromised.
Buying high quality pallet rack systems doesn’t automatically translate to long lasting quality. The lifespan of any warehouse facility still depends on the maintenance and everyday use. So how can you ensure excellent pallet racking maintenance?
Here are the top tips to help you with your operation.
1. Monitor weight of commodities
Racks and shelves have their weight limits. Not sticking to the specifications will lead to accidents.
The common footplate used for storage measures 12.7 centimetres by 20.32 centimetres that can accommodate up to 36 warehouse shelving spaces. That is approximately 9,000 kilograms of commodities or less than a ton. Sizes may be a consideration but you should always be aware of the weight you are putting on your storage areas.
If you utilize add-on pallets, the weight of the additional rack should be added to the weight capacity of the base rack. Remember that adding new racks only multiplies the surface area and not double the weight capacity (unless additional base cross support and frames are added as well).
Bolted pallets also work differently from snapped-on ones. The former is stronger. Normally, a leeway of 20% of its weight capacity is left unused for snapped-on ones. That is leaving 1,800 kilograms of unused capacity.
2. Use a grid inventory labelling system
By placing label tags of your commodities directly to the frames or braces, transportation and manual movement are controlled; hence, limiting rooms for human errors, abating the possibility of accidents and preventing unnecessary weight and force, which is the primary cause of weakening cross supports.
Inventory is more convenient and faster through this labelling system, so you are hitting two birds in one stone.
3. Use safety accessories for your racking system
Damage the base and the whole vertical stack will go tumbling down. Accidents do happen in warehouses, commonly involving forklifts and human errors. By placing barrier shields on every corner, you are adding buffers for unwanted forces and strength to the structure at the same time.
Column guards are best for posts that are exposed to constant movement, such as those along ways and entrances/exits. They are also recommended for commodities that have corrosive effect, such as acids and chemicals.
To expand your rack’s functionality, wire decking and flow racks can be added on top without adding much burden to the braces. For long span shelving, row spacers can be attached should it be more appropriate to your commodities. Also, make sure that you only use specialized pallet rack ladder to keep your workers safe.
4. Pass regular inspections and certifications
Be proactive. Although inspections are stressful and pricey at times, they are great way to maintain high standards inside your warehouse. Inspections can be done by legal authorities (for locations with legal requirements) or by warehousing experts. They can pinpoint damages, vulnerabilities and recommend repairing/servicing should it be necessary.
Some warehousing experts also provide training for your workers, so it is a must to seek their advice on pallet racking.