Drive-Thru Pallet Racks: Keeping People Safe While Saving Space

Drive-in and drive-thru pallet racks are a cost-effective solution for busy warehouses that move a lot of freight and cannot afford to waste space. The construction of the system is perfect for facilities that carry large volumes of similar products as well as seasonal items that are changed out for new merchandise regularly.

However, the rush to handle large amounts of freight is a safety concern in a busy, crowded warehouse, and a new pallet rack may become an additional worry if the setup and training are not performed properly. Read on for some safety tips to mitigate risks.

Keep Traffic Moving

Discuss the layout with the supply company and the warehouse manager to create a system with a sensible traffic-flow pattern. It is possible with a drive-thru system to create lanes that run in a single direction to prevent the need for forklifts to turn around or back up. Use one side of the rack for loading and the other for unloading to keep freight moving without delay.

Make Everyone Visible

Keep the lanes as wide as needed and avoid the temptation to reduce or eliminate lighting over the racks. Many facilities will benefit from upgraded lighting when they are installing pallet-rack units. Forklifts with their own lighting and painted in bright colors that are different from the color of the racking are easier to see.

Focus on Organization

Store high-flow and low-flow products in separate areas to ensure slow-moving products are not blocking more desirable merchandise. Shifting material around to reach other items wastes time and increases the risk of inventory damage as well as the risk that a busy employee will defy OSHA regulations and leave items on the floor. Swerving around unexpected hazards is a common cause of truck and pallet-rack accidents.

Use Automated Solutions

Improve safety with wireless cameras so forklift drivers have a better view around their equipment. Automated systems allow a camera operator to use a robot to retrieve items. With this system, the robot travels a rail beneath the pallets, finds and lifts the desired packages and retrieves them for the operator.

Remember Simple Solutions

Many of the simplest safety precautions are available during the construction of the pallet rack. By adding aisle guard railing, rub rails and other features to the racks, many of the most common accidents can be avoided or at least the level of damage reduced. Pallet rack anchors, safety clips and safety netting are just a few of the additional accessories available for use with pallet racks to help warehouses maintain better safety records.

Rely on Experts

Whether purchasing new or used pallet racks, it is always important to work with a reputable and experienced company. Discuss the weight, size and other important factors of the inventory the racks will store. The expertise of the people at the supply company guarantees that loading, unloading and storing freight is possible without crushing pallets, collapsing racks or damaging merchandise.

A final tip to remember is that even the safest racking system will become dangerous over time if the correct repair, inspection and maintenance schedules are not employed. Even if pallet racks have been in use at the facility for a period of time, it is a good idea to seek out professional advice whenever upgrading or expanding a current system. Some concerns are universal to all storage facilities, and others are unique.

At Lone Star Pallet Rack, we are always available to help businesses create the most efficient, durable and reliable system possible. Contact us today for advice, the answers to any questions you may have about pallet racks or for a quote on any system.​