Pallet racking is a material-handling storage system designed for the bulk storage of items on skids or pallets. Usually, forklift trucks and electric stackers are used to move or lift material and stored it in pallet racking. Such a racking system enables more effective space usage while also offering easy access to stored products for improved inventory control. Racking systems provide advantages such as effective space utilization, inventory management, fewer damaged items, greater staff productivity, automation, safety, and cleanliness.
Before investing in a racking system, it is essential to evaluate the available floor surface and vertical space, pallet load weight and dimensions, desired capacity, throughput, inventory management type, and cost. Racking systems with great selectivity and low density include selective, double-deep, and extremely narrow aisle racking.
Pallet racks are an important component of warehouses. So, it is also essential to consider the reasons for the damage to pallet racks. Their maintenance, prevention, fixing of damaged parts, etc. is a 24/7 job in a warehouse. So, one should take this seriously or else it may cause safety issues, and affect the quality of operations, and delivery deadlines as well. Let’s look at some of the factors that can damage the pallet racks.
Most common pallet rack damage factors
- Loading the pallet above its determined safety weight can be damaging
- It can also be caused by a forklift driver's poor driving skills. Drivers might hit the entrance boards or against racks with the forks.
- Material of the racks can get damaged. For instance, wood is commonly used to manufacture pallets. Wood deteriorates with time, and this deterioration worsens when it is exposed to a hostile environment, such as a workplace or warehouse that is either too dry, too humid, too cold, or too hot. Rotted wood can then corrode the steel or aluminium racks.
Here are some simple, but effective ways to avoid damage to the racks
Widening of the Aisles:
The width of the aisle is the biggest concern when it comes to protecting the pallet racks. Companies aim to optimise their floor area at all times, which leads to the use of narrow aisles. But this is an inefficient practice since forklifts require space to manoeuvre. The majority of pallet rack examinations have indicated that incorrect forklift operation results in catastrophic incidents. This is due to the fact that the space required to operate is insufficient. So, widening of aisles can help.
Implement Rigorous Surveillance:
Reduce pallet rack damage by having a specialist examine them regularly. At least once a week, do internal walk-throughs and visual inspections. Damaged racks may cause a lot of congestion and inefficiency since they function like ticking time bombs. Surveillance and inspections may save you a lot of money, morale, and legal issues down the road.
Installation of Guardrails:
In your warehouse, a safety guard rail offers both a physical and visual barrier. Any facility's purpose is to be safe and to avoid accidents. That is one of the most significant techniques for avoiding pallet rack damage. Install pallet guards at each frame to help in shock absorption. This will need an initial expenditure, but it will pay off in the long run.
Better Lights at Warehouse:
Sufficient illumination is one factor that substantially contributes to warehouse efficiency. It can reduce pallet rack damage to a great extent. Warehouse managers should prioritise improving the present lighting configuration, particularly in the darker areas of the warehouse. Lighting improves worker safety, encourages attention to detail, and improves worker attitude, resulting in a more productive workplace.
Stabilizing the Pallet Racking:
Most individuals are unaware of how to stabilize pallet racks. Electric Stacker is a boon to the warehouse as helps stabilize the pallet racks. In general, warehouse managers can set them up without bolting them to the floor. This is critical because it might make the difference between minor collisions and your pallet rack toppling completely to the ground – in such circumstances, you risk not just injury but also thousands of dollars in damages.
Summary
These are just a few basic methods for preventing pallet rack damage. Pallet racks are the warehouse's backbone, and in order to have an effective warehouse operation, there must be a good quality check at frequent consistent intervals. However, there must be a strong emphasis on worker training as well.