Optimizing Safety with Pallet Rack Design and Maintenance
When it comes to selecting and installing a pallet racking system, the one that delivers operational efficiency without compromising on safety should always be your go-to choice. At Trimet Storage Solutions, we believe that the potential hazards often associated with pallet racking systems can be greatly minimized by focusing on three core areas: meticulous design, precise installation, and comprehensive employee training.
Pallet Rack Hazards: More Than Just Collapses
It’s common to associate pallet rack dangers with total or partial system collapses. However, other frequent risks can include falling materials, pallet dislodgement, impediments in emergency response, traffic of material handling equipment, and ergonomic issues.
Designing for Safety
An effective and safe pallet racking solution begins with careful design:
- Getting Load Information Right: Understanding load dimensions and weights is crucial in choosing the right racking beams and end frames. Remember, load support on the beams should always consider Uniformly Distributed Loads (UDL).
- Ensuring Adequate Aisle Space: The type, brand, and specific model of forklift used will define the minimum aisle width necessary. Avoid compromising on this to prevent productivity loss and potential system damage.
- Investing in Safety Accessories: From mesh decking and safety bars to rub rails, post protectors, and row-end barriers, numerous accessories can help improve load stability and protect the system from damage.
- Allocating Suitable Beam and Frame Sizing: The sizes of your beams and frames should suit your pallet dimensions. Overly deep pallets for the end frames could cause obstructions and collisions.
- Implementing Safe Pedestrian Zones: Good design should also consider people’s movement. Implement barricades and clear floor markings to direct foot traffic and avoid collisions.
- Appropriate Depth-to-Height Ratio: Generally, the height of your racking system should not exceed six times its depth to ensure stability.
Installation: Stick to the Plan
Once you have a solid design, follow the manufacturer and engineer’s specifications for a safe installation:
- Anchoring: It’s essential to anchor frames to the floor as specified in the engineer’s design.
- Maintaining Beam Elevations: The capacities of your system depend on the beam elevations provided by the engineer. Any changes should be engineer-approved.
- Installation Details: Ensure the rows are square to the building construction and each other. The end frames should be shimmed to be plumb and level.
- Inclusion of Safety Pins: Don’t forget to install safety pins, which prevent beams from accidental dislodgement.
Training Employees
Equip your employees with knowledge on the safe use of the system and the material handling equipment. Regular meetings documented Safe Work Procedures, and certified training are key in this regard.
Avoid Overloading and Adjusting
Overloading the racking system, despite it having a safety factor, is not safe. Overloading a single beam level or bay gradually reduces the system’s strength, eventually posing a risk of collapse.
Also, as businesses grow, it’s common to find employees tampering with the racking system. However, such alterations can compromise the system’s capacity and are a significant safety risk.
Maintenance Matters
Regular inspections are a must, and any damaged components should be replaced or repaired immediately. Make sure to document all your inspections, damages, and repairs to demonstrate due diligence in maintaining a safe work environment. And remember, cleanliness is key—always keep your aisles free of clutter and debris.
At Trimet Storage Solutions, we prioritize safety in every aspect of pallet racking design, installation, and maintenance. By focusing on these details, we can help you create a safe and efficient warehouse environment. To learn more about our pallet rack design and maintenance services, today.