Although forklifts are valuable equipment in a warehouse,
they account for 70% of pallet damage, according to Polymer Solutions International.
Pallet damage is costly and can take a toll on your bottom line by increasing
repair and replacement expenses. Fortunately, warehouses can take measures to
prevent pallet damage to lower costs and increase profitability. Learn six
simple and effective ways to protect pallets from forklift damage.
Use the Right Pallets
An inappropriately sized and weighted pallet is more
vulnerable to forklift damage. Therefore, ensure that your pallets are suitable
for the weight and size of your products. Also, correct weight distribution is
vital to guarantee the pallet operates optimally and remains stable on the
forklift.
Notably, the type of pallets you buy affects the pallets'
performance and susceptibility to damage. Plastic pallets are sturdier and durable
compared to wood and can withstand heavy use. Pallets with features like
beveled edges and reinforced legs and decks reduce forklift damage.
Declutter Your Warehouse
Decluttering protects pallets from forklift damage and
promotes workers' safety, enhances your warehouse's aesthetics, and streamlines
operations. Decluttering ensures that operators have ample space for navigating
the warehouse without bumping into other pallets, debris, and equipment.
Forklifts can shake when driving over debris, compromising the driver's safety
and causing undue pressure on pallets.
Handle Pallets Properly
Develop policies on the appropriate forklift and pallet
handling to foster responsibility. For example, enacting speed limits for
forklifts allows the safe handling of pallets and lessens short forking and
incorrect tine spacing. Decelerating when picking up, setting down, and
stacking pallets can go a long way to prevent pallet damage. Speed limits also
reduce forklift issues and prolong their life.
Invest in Training
First, hire trained and licensed operators since they use
the forklift efficiently and safely to reduce accidents, incidents, and asset
damage. Untrained operators are likely to operate forklifts haphazardly and
harm pallets in the process.
Second, provide ongoing training using pallet manufacturer
manuals, videos, and online resources. Training helps operators develop and
maintain good pallet handling techniques such as lifting pallets rather than
pushing them, stacking pallets evenly, and avoiding short forking.
Poorly stacked pallets, for instance, can damage the pallet
and product since the edges of the bottom pallets carry more weight than
recommended. Similarly, while short forking saves time when moving pallets, it
harms the pallets since only a small part of the tines hold the pallet. As a
result, the pallet's front endures the pallet's weight, leading to improper
weight distribution that may crush products.
Label Your Equipment
Label your racks with their maximum weight. Similarly, let
operators understand the capabilities of their forklifts to avoid overloading
and damaging pallets. Color tines to increase visibility and ease the loading
process.
Coloring also helps to monitor pallet damage caused by
forklifts since a conspicuous mark is left on the pallet when a forklift hits
it. As such, you can repair any damages promptly and train operators
accordingly, depending on the frequency of
accidents.
Maintain Pallet Racks
Pallet racks are invaluable in any warehouse or distribution
center as they maximize storage space, increase efficiency and productivity,
and promote the safety of both workers and goods. Nonetheless, pallet racks
need frequent inspection and maintenance to keep them functional and protect
the pallet and goods. Forklifts may damage pallet racks when cornering,
lifting, or setting a pallet down.
A damaged rack can hurt the pallets it holds and cause
safety risks for workers. Therefore, inspect your racks regularly for damage or
signs of wear and repair or replace them as needed. Using the racks
appropriately will increase their life and reduce costly repairs.
Pallet racks offer safe storage for pallets and contribute
significantly to preventing damage. Contact Lone Star Pallet Rack
for new
and used pallet racks in Texas. We offer a broad selection of pallet racks and
install them
professionally.
