A Step by Step Guide to Install Pallet Racking in Warehouse!
Organizing the optimal placement of shelving in a warehouse isn’t an easy task, And in most cases, this task is only handled by professionals. While installing the pallet racking system in the warehouse, various parameters of the premises, the features of the stored products, and numerous safety requirements are taken into account.
On the other hand, the correct arrangement of the racks allows you to easily find the right product, quickly carry out loading and unloading operations, and optimize the work of employees. This further also provides benefit in the fewer labor costs of the staff, which is more profitable for the business.
Let’s follow the guide to install pallet racking in a warehouse.
Table of Content
- The Principles of Placing Goods in the Warehouse
- Tips for Optimal Storage Racking
- Installation of Racks in Warehouse
- Conclusion!
The Principles of Placing Goods in the Warehouse
For convenient storage and tracking of the movement of products on the shelves, each type of product must be assigned to a specific location on the racks according to a pre-developed wiring diagram. The number of the racks and the amount of material stored on it must be recorded in a journal or record-keeping file. When developing the scheme, the occupancy rate of the warehouse, the volume and frequency of receipt and movement of products, as well as the methods of placement and stacking are taken into account.
Tips for Optimal Storage Racking
The arrangement of shelving structures in the warehouse can be carried out in various ways, depending on parameters such as areas and volumes of premises, types of commercial products for storage.
The options for the location of shelving-type structures are on the Web. These options need to be finalized concerning the individual characteristics of the existing warehouse areas and premises, based on which the racks will be made and installed. There are several specific rules for the installation of racking:
- Compliance with the optimal width of aisles between adjacent rows of shelving. In warehouses, there is usually an intense movement of personnel and equipment because work is constantly being done on unloading, loading, sorting and sending goods for storage. Many operations can be performed only with the use of special lifting mechanisms, which must move freely between the rows. The minimum width of the aisles is 80 cm, which is enough for moving equipment and cargo devices.
- The use of pull-out type cells. This is especially true about front-type racks when the loading and unloading of goods must be done simultaneously.
- All loaders and stackers move along it to approach a certain place in the warehouse. For small warehouses, the width of the main corridor is calculated taking into account the simultaneous movement of two units of loading equipment, and at least three units in large warehouses.
- When placing goods in even rows, the required minimum distance to the fence must be at least 80 cm.
- The required minimum distance from the wall to the shelves should be at least 70 cm, which is quite sufficient when moving warehouse workers to inspect goods, conduct audits and inventories.
- It’s forbidden to obstruct the passageways in the evacuation corridors since in the event of an emergency, employees must freely and freely leave the warehouse. It’s unacceptable to place equipment, pallets with goods, racks and other items in evacuation aisles, even though you want to use free space to the maximum.
- The rear side of the racks should be placed at a distance of at least 20 cm from the fences. Some specific products should not be stored near heat sources. In such cases, they are placed at a distance of 0.8–1 m from the heating devices.
Installation of Racks in Warehouse
The racks are delivered unassembled, all parts are delivered separately. When installing the system, fixing elements are used. Installation work is carried out according to the drawings. The assembly is carried out in stages in compliance with all safety requirements.
First, the frames are fixed to the floors and walls, ensuring the stability of the structures with a check of the quality of the assembly. After installing the racks, they are tested and check the strength of whether the structure must withstand a mass exceeding the rated load capacity. This test is repeated once a year. Using this method, it’s possible to detect and eliminate defects and damage to the system promptly.
Here are the following requirements take into account while placing racks:
- When storing various goods, it’s necessary to strictly comply with the established norms, regulations and fire safety requirements, the implementation of which will prevent fire and create all conditions for a quick evacuation in case of an emergency.
- It’s necessary to install lighting devices at a distance of at least 0.5 m from the warehouse equipment.
- In warehouses, the territory of which isn’t divided into sectors with an area of less than 700m2, evacuation corridors with a width of at least 1.5 m must be provided.
- A diagram of escape routes in case of fire must be posted in a conspicuous place. If possible, it’s necessary to equip storage facilities with automatic fire extinguishing systems. All types of warehouses should be equipped with fire cabinets, fire extinguishers and all necessary tools, which should be located in visible and accessible places. These requirements must be taken into account when arranging rack equipment, which imposes some restrictions on the use of useful areas.
Conclusion!
Installation work on the installation of the racking system should be performed only by professionals. This guarantees the quality of installation of structures and the safety of their use. Remember that the optimal placement of shelving in the warehouse depends on productivity, safety and efficiency of work.