{"id":4600,"date":"2014-06-05T16:42:39","date_gmt":"2014-06-05T21:42:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/?p=4600"},"modified":"2023-06-11T18:35:54","modified_gmt":"2023-06-11T23:35:54","slug":"5-common-mistakes-people-make-with-pallet-racks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/2014\/06\/05\/5-common-mistakes-people-make-with-pallet-racks\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Common Pallet Rack Mistakes"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Pallet<\/p>\n

When it comes to warehouse storage, pallet racks<\/a> provide an optimal, easy-to-maintain solution. They\u2019re the most common way of storing pallet loads in the world, and they\u2019re used in the vast majority of warehouses, manufacturing facilities, commercial operations and even retail stores. Whether you\u2019re dealing with selective, pushback, drive-in or other types of racks, the issues are frequently similar.<\/p>\n

Safe pallet rack operation<\/a> involves understanding how to properly use racks; an otherwise safe rack can become dangerous and expensive if used incorrectly. Here are 5 common mistakes people make with pallet racks\u2014and what you can do to ensure you don\u2019t make any of them in your warehouse.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1) Don\u2019t Climb the Pallet Rack<\/h3>\n

We all get busy from time to time (especially in a warehouse environment where there is a great deal of commotion). To save time, people sometimes climb pallet racks<\/a> to pick orders or do other things. While it may be tempting for a busy picker to climb up and get that one needed box when the floor level pallet is spent, this is extremely dangerous<\/em><\/strong>. Racks aren\u2019t designed for climbing; they can have broken planks, protruding nails, and fractured stringers that can give way under a person\u2019s weight or puncture a hand looking for a hold.<\/p>\n

\"bay<\/p>\n

2) Don\u2019t Overload<\/h3>\n

Knowing your pallet rack\u2019s capacity before<\/em> you load is critical toward ensuring worker safety. If, for instance, your pallet wasn\u2019t designed for a heavy load, a collapse<\/a> could be inevitable. Be certain that your rack can hold your load, particularly in the upper levels (if you don\u2019t see weight capacities posted on your rack, check the manufacturer specs). Even better, store the heaviest loads either in lower bays or on the floor. Slot your storage so that if you have mixed loads, the lightest pallets are in high bays, and the heavier ones lower.<\/p>\n

3) Avoid damaging your pallet racks<\/h3>\n

Pallet racks can be subject to all sorts of abuse in the warehouse: overloading\/misloading, collisions with heavy forklifts, etc. For this reason, even the toughest rack needs some cautious handling, processes, guarding equipment and other help to remain in service.<\/p>\n

Preventing and reducing pallet rack damage<\/a> involves training forklift drivers on proper driving and loading procedures, restricting forklift speeds, keeping the warehouse free of clutter, widening the aisles, conducting regular rack inspections, ensuring that your beam clips are engaged and more. Focus both on training and guarding products like steel guard rails, bollards and upright frame protectors. One collapsed rack bay can cost more than a simple training program or a full warehouse of frame protectors.<\/p>\n

You should also take the environment of your rack into account. For instance, seismic zones have a different set of standards. Racks that are installed outdoors or otherwise exposed to wind can have their capacity ratings reduced. Racks installed on inadequate or non-level floors can also be compromised.<\/p>\n

4) Don\u2019t overlook height-to-depth ratio<\/h3>\n

When designing pallet racks, people tend to pay attention to the easy parts (beam capacity, the capacity of a pair of beams, etc.) to ensure a safe and reliable rack system. But there is another factor that many don\u2019t understand and often overlook: height-to-depth ratio<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Rack Manufacturers’ Institute<\/a> (RMI) defines the height-to-depth ratio for a rack row as \u201cthe ratio of the distance from the floor to the top beam level divided by the depth of the frame\u201d \u2014 this ratio cannot exceed 6-to-1. Because steps such as special anchors and base plates or overhead rack ties may be necessary, it\u2019s important to consult professional rack engineers to ensure the rack is safe. Typically, if there is any question on this type of ratio, it\u2019s best to consult your rack provider.<\/p>\n

\"pallet<\/p>\n

5) Avoid Incorrect or Unsafe Rack Loading<\/h3>\n

Pallet rack loads aren\u2019t just simple weight versus structure. The dimensions, shape, and size\/density of the load as it sits on storage racks is absolutely critical to safe, effective warehouse storage. To avoid incorrect or unsafe rack loading<\/a>, it\u2019s important to consider not only the weight, but also what type of load will be sitting on a wire deck, how it sits, and how that might affect the capacity.<\/p>\n