Your Pallet Rack Guide

If you have a warehouse, you need to understand pallet racks. Pallet racks make it easy, safe, and convenient to store your products before selling or shipping them. If you would like to know more about pallet racks and your warehouse, keep reading.

What Types of Pallet Racking Systems Exist?
Many types of pallet racking systems are available, but the one you want depends on your business. For example, if you need to access everything easily, a selective pallet rack is a great choice because all the pallets sit in the front so you don't have to move products around to find what you want.

However, if you have stock you won't need for a while, a double-deep system may work. This boosts how much you can store, but you will have to move products to reach the items in the back.

If you need to store a lot of products, you may also want to consider a back racking or pallet flow rack. Back racking uses mechanical carts, and a pallet flow rack uses gravity to send pallets in the back forward when you remove the front pallet.

How Can You Reduce Accidents and Mistakes?
One way to reduce accidents is to ensure your system is durable and sturdy, so make sure your pallet rack has the right parts. Regardless of the system, most pallet racks need uprights, beams, wire deck, and row spacers. In addition, they need regular maintenance and repairs.

Uprights serve as the legs that support the racking system, and beams better secure the legs and support the wire deck, which holds the pallets. Row spacers are necessary when racks sit back-to-back, and they provide more stability.

To prevent accidents and possible injury, use forklifts when needed. A pallet alone can weigh 70 pounds or more, so even when moving an empty pallet, consider using a forklift. If you manually handle pallets, don't stack empty pallets higher than four feet.

In many cases, human error increases the risk of accidents and mistakes. Whenever you handle pallets, make sure you have appropriate protective equipment, don't use the pallet as a man lift, and don't use damaged pallets.

Don't forget to ensure you and your employees follow all OSHA guidelines. This may include clearly marking hazardous materials and properly grounding and securing electrical hazards. Personal protective equipment, guard rails, and good ventilation keep employees safe and healthy.

How Can You Improve Operations?
Optimizing space usage is a great way to improve operations in your warehouse. Do this by making long rows of racks, and don't forget about building vertically. Build your pallet as high as the ceiling allows it, but make sure you have appropriate equipment for reaching those high pallets.

Make sure you also have skilled and trained employees to drive the forklift. You can also maximize space by minimizing aisles. Make sure you check with local safety recommendations (and the forklift manufacturer) to ensure you are still complying with regulations.

Another way to improve operations is with technology. A warehouse management system can better monitor your products, deliveries, and shipments. Organize your pallets so items that get sold or shipped together sit together. Naturally, you should also keep items you need frequently in an easy-to-access location.

Pallet racks come in many options, but any choice can boost the efficiency of your warehouse. By making the right choices, you can improve operations, reduce the risk of injury, and make employees’ jobs easier. If you would like to know more about pallet racking systems or if you need a quote on a new system, contact us at Lone Start Pallet Rack today.