Pallet Racking: The Complete Guide 2020


PALLET RACKING:
THE COMPLETE GUIDE 2020

What is pallet racking?

Standard Pallet racking is a system of warehouse storage. It uses racks to enable pallets, on which goods and materials are stored, to be stacked vertically and horizontally for efficient use of space and full selectivity. Typically forklift trucks are used to move pallets on and off racking within a warehouse, with a number of systems available to meet different requirements that allow pallets to be stored and accessed for picking and processing as efficiently as possible.

I NEED PALLET RACKING TO IMPROVE MY STORAGE CAPACITY: WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO PROVIDE?

Avanta UK will survey your warehouse so you do not have to unless you have an existing drawing and can provide the following information: –

Location

Business type and operation

Height of the building including the height to the eaves and the apex height

Width

Type, Size and construction (wood, plastic, UK, Euro etc) of pallets including heights and approx. weights

Load overhang

What is being stored? Unusual Sizes? Perishable? Temperature etc?

Ideally, number of pallets you are aiming to store

Location of Obstructions typically include Heaters, sprinklers, man-hole covers, columns, expansion joints

Location of Fire Exits

Floor loading information including point loadings. Often referred to as the “slab”

Is there existing forklift trucks and / or other handling equipment? If so what type and measurements will be required

Which way round is the pallet handled – Entry face?

Space required for loading / unloading?

Is new handling equipment an option?

Is it a purchase or a lease option of interest for the racking element?

Future proof with Room for growth?

What happens next with my pallet racking enquiry?

Based on the initial information you have provided above we can provide you with an estimate of the number of pallets you could store in your warehouse and some estimated costs.

Prior to a more detailed survey we can discuss the various pallet racking options to suit your business model.

Once we have given you the initial information we can carry out a site survey…

Different Types of pallet racking

There are a number of pallet racking systems available. Each is designed to meet different usage requirements and availability of floor and vertical space within a warehouse as efficiently as possible.

Standard Wide Aisle Pallet Racking

Standard pallet racking frames and beams organised into a wide aisle configuration for a Reach Trucks to deposit and retrieve pallets.

Narrow Aisle Racking

With significantly narrower aisles than other racking types, along with specialist forklift trucks, this system provides high density storage with full pallet access.

Double Deep Racking

With two layers of racks accessed from each aisle, this system increases storage density and is well suited to last in first out (LIFO) operations.

Drive In & Drive Through Racking

Offering multiple layers of racks without aisles, pallets are deposited and retrieved by forklifts driving into or through the row of racks, significantly increasing usable storage space.

Push Back Racking

Using wheeled carriers with inclined guide channels, this dynamic system enables pallets to be stored up to 4 rows deep and is one of the most time and space efficient options.

Shuttle Racking

Using self powered shuttles to move and retrieve pallets, this system provides an incredibly high storage density and is adaptable to meet a range of uses.

Carpet Racking

Designed for the storage of items such as long rolls, this system offers increased depth over standard racking, with adaptable levels to maximise storage capacity.

Flow Racking

A dynamic system that uses inclined gravity rollers to move pallets or cartons from the loading end to the picking face, offering high levels of efficiency and storage density.

What does a pallet racking layout look like?

Below is an example of a double deep racking system.

How Much does pallet racking cost?

We can accurately price pallet racking based on various factors including the number of pallets to store and how long the racking will take to build.

How long does pallet racking take to build?

We have built thousands of miles of pallet racking over the last 20 years and can accurately estimate the installation time once the scheme has been designed.

How do i protect my racking from damage?

Upright Protectors

Significantly reduce your pallet racking repair costs instantly with Avanta Rack Guards. Manufactured from ballistics grade polymer, Avanta Rack Guards simply clip to your existing or new racking without the need for further fixings.

Rack End Barriers

Safety Barriers – have been developed to allow organisations throughout industry to protect pallet racking that could be vulnerable to accidental fork truck damage.

As well as protecting racking and shelving in busy warehouse or factory environments, Barrier Rails segregate and protect fork lift truck battery chargers, vending machines, conveyors, factory or warehouse offices.

How do i protect my staff from falling pallets?

Anti-collapse Mesh

The Avanta Anti-Collapse system is ideal for securing pallet racking in factories, warehouses or to provide safety measures for mezzanine floors.

Panels are available in a range of mesh opening sizes and stand off bracket dimensions to prevent pallets and individual stock items from falling.

Rack Nets

Back of rack safety netting is an excellent way of preventing injury and product damage at the back of single runs of pallet racking. Made from high density Polypropylene the net is lightweight, incredibly strong and almost impossible to damage in normal operation.

What are my deck options?

Mesh Decks

Ideal for use where sprinkler systems are fitted. Mesh also offers excellent ventilation for products stored and is a dust free surface.

Close Boarded Timber or Chipboard

Cost effective option to steel panels in large installations. Also to support pallets where mixed pallet sizes are in use.

Open Boarded Timber

Heavier duty than the chipboard option and can be load bearing. In some instances heavy duty boards can bridge the gap between back to back bays.

Steel Panels

Panels span a pair of beams to provide wide-bay steel shelving. Made from pre-galvanised steel.Provides wide-bay steel shelving. The corrugated profile enhances loading capability. Made from pre-galvanised steel.

Can I use pallet racking accessories to modify my pallet racking?

Pallet racking accessories include:-

Pallet Foot Support – Used in pairs across the beams, to support box or caged pallets which have corner posts, skids or feet.

Pick and Deposit (P&D) stations – are used at the end of racks to assist in load handling between fixed aisle and other trucks.

Coil Cradle – Spans beams to provide location and support for coiled materials – metal strip, for example – or other cylindrical items.

Can i change my pallet racking layout or take it with me if i move?

Adjustable pallet racking as the name suggests can be reconfigured to suit the product or pallet stored as the beams are adjustable and frames can be relocated in for example a narrow aisle configuration if handling equipment permits.

You can add additional beam levels and mesh / timber or steel decks to store boxes as well as pallets in the same run.  Alternatively, adding carton flow beds for items that are to be hand loaded and picked.

Existing pallet racking can be incorporated into a new layout with new racking if required.

Pallet Racking is relatively straightforward to dismantle if using a suitably qualified and trained dismantling team. If disposal is required, this can be arranged by Avanta UK.

Do you need to have pallet racking inspected?

Insurers and Health & Safety Inspectors can insist on a racking inspection every year and within 6 months after a racking installation.
Avanta offers racking inspection and repair services. Our racking inspectors will check a range of items including:

Are the uprights vertical and or show any signs of damage?

Brace and Beam Integrity

Rack Signage correctly displayed?

Floor fixings and foot plates all correctly secured

This is only a small part of the survey. *Please note that Rack safety inspections are in accordance with SEMA guidelines and a rack inspection is chargeable.

Will you maintain my pallet racking?

If your racking is deemed to require a repair to conform then Avanta can carry out those repairs. Avanta uses SEMA manufactured racking and parts, and will utilise repair methods that do not invalidate the warranty.

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