Nothing increases the storage capacity of a warehouse more than the pallet rack. When you stack upwards, you are giving your warehouse a cleaner look that leads to greater efficiency and more space.
Pallet racks are simple pieces of equipment that are safe and easy to maintain. All you have to do is know is how to use them and keep them in good working.
Pallet Rack Capacity
Understanding the weight capacity of your pallet rack is important because it will not only keep you safe from potential collapses, but it will also give you an idea of how much freight you can store in your warehouse at any given time.
The pallets racks that we sell here at Murray Materials handling have the following capacities:
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Standard Duty Uprights: 19,300 lbs.
- Heavy Duty Uprights: 30,000 lbs.
Pallet Rack Safety
If you’re not using a pallet rack in a safe manner, you’re not using it right. When people hear anything about warehouse safety, they usually roll their eyes because what they are about to hear is probably going to sound like common sense. But warehouse injuries and deaths do happen.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 16 people died in warehouse accidents in 2014. Per every 100 warehouse workers, over five every year will suffer some type of injury.
So when it comes to pallet rack safety, make sure you instruct your workers to:
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Never, for any reason, climb on the racks.
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Not overload them beyond their maximum capacity.
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Avoid hitting them with forklifts and pallet jacks.
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Always load freight onto them properly.
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Inspect them frequently for damage and wear.
In a lot of cases, workers are afraid to report damage to pallet racks because they fear that they will get into trouble. This leads to a lot of pallet rack damage going unreported, which can be dangerous. To remedy this situation, it may be a good idea to post a box somewhere in the warehouse where employees can anonymously report damage when it occurs.
Pallet Rack Maintenance
Just like any other product, pallet racks will last longer if they are properly cared for. If you neglect to maintain them properly, you will likely be replacing them far more often.
You should inspect your pallet racks often for any dents and bending in the uprights. This will help keep your workers safe and give you a good idea of when you need to replace them. Pallet racks are usually damaged by forklifts and pallet jacks, with most of the damage occurring on corners and on the lower four feet of the rack. You can also invest in post protectors or guardrails to help protect your uprights from potential damage.
In order to prevent pallet rack damage, you can try:
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Widening your aisles to give your workers more room to maneuver.
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Providing adequate lighting to avoid collisions.
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Reviewing your training policies with forklift drivers.
- Keeping aisles clear and free of obstacles.
Don’t Sacrifice Quality for Price
You can probably save some money in the short term by buying cheap pallet racks, but you will likely be replacing them sooner rather than later. The heart of your warehouse is in the equipment that you invest in, so always go for the best. At Murray Materials Handling, we carry high quality products at a price that is affordable for everyone.
Give us a call today and let us know what you need.
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