Pallet racking systems are a necessary component of warehouses. The implementation of various accessories enhances the efficiency and safety of these systems.
From improving weight distribution to protecting your investment from damage, the right accessories can transform the racking system into a more reliable, functional structure. Investing in the must-have accessories for your pallet racking system can give your facility’s supply chain the support it deserves.
Wire Decking
Wire decking—constructed out of sturdy steel mesh—sits on top of the beams to create a shelf-like surface. This can be particularly useful for holding pallets that might not sit evenly on the beams or for storing loose, non-palletized items.
The Benefits of Wire Decking
One primary benefit of wire decking is its ability to promote safety. Unlike wooden boards, wire decking has an open mesh design. Its construction is advantageous because it:
- Allows for better visibility of items stored on the upper levels.
- Prevents small items from accidentally falling through the racking.
- Facilitates the operation of sprinklers through the mesh in case of a fire, which enables water to pass through to any flames below.
Maintenance is another aspect where wire decking proves its worth. Its steel construction resists moisture and corrosion, requiring minimal upkeep in the long term. For businesses handling varied inventory or irregularly sized items, wire decking adds versatility to the racking system. This makes it an excellent option for enhancing operational efficiency.
Column Protectors
A damaged column can compromise the entire racking system. Bent or dented verticals may lead to instability, which poses a significant safety risk for employees.
Column protectors preserve the structural integrity of pallet racks. They typically consist of steel, high-density polyethylene, or reinforced plastic to remain durable against collisions. These protectors fulfill their purpose by absorbing the force of impact, preventing knocks from causing structural issues.
Installing These Invaluable Protectors
How should you implement these durable guards? Position them around the base of vertical rack columns to shield them from potential damage caused by forklifts or other machinery moving through the warehouse.
Most models lend themselves to quickly attaching or securing to the bottom of columns without additional tools or modifications to the racking system. While their primary purpose is safety, column protectors also contribute to cost savings. Their robust, easily implemented structures reduce the need for repairs or replacements caused by warehouse accidents.
Safety Bollards
Safety bollards play a significant role in protecting your pallet racking systems from potential impacts caused by forklifts and other heavy machinery, too. Make effective use of these sturdy vertical posts, often made of reinforced steel, by placing them in high-traffic areas, near corners, and at the end of aisles.
The primary purpose of safety bollards is to act as a physical barrier, redirecting or halting moving equipment before it can collide with the racking. Forklift accidents, though unintentional, can greatly damage racks, potentially causing collapses or major operational disruptions.
How Bollards Boost Safety
Bollards serve as a proactive way to mitigate these risks, fostering a safer warehouse environment. Beyond their protective function, bollards are highly visible. Their bright yellow or orange colors serve as a visual reminder for forklift operators to stay cautious when navigating tight spaces.
For any warehouse prioritizing safety and longevity, the installation of safety bollards is a simple yet impactful choice. Furnish your facility with the strongest, highest quality safety bollards available from an industry leader in warehouse storage solutions, like Direct Pallet Racking.
Renowned for the durable, well-crafted pallet racks we design to suit various warehouse layouts and needs, we also supply safety bollards to support your racks and your team members. With our products, your storage system will safely withstand substantial impacts over time.
Row Spacers
Row spacers are another must-have accessory that contribute to the stability and functionality of pallet racking systems. These small add-ons connect back-to-back rows of racks to provide additional support and maintain uniform spacing between rows. This is important because row spacers improve the overall stability of the racking system.
By linking rows together, they reduce the risk of individual racks becoming unsteady or misaligned. This added support is especially valuable in tall or heavily loaded racking systems, where any movement or tilting could result in cascading failures.
Why Spacers Are Effective Solutions
Row spacers improve air circulation between racks. This can be crucial for certain types of stored goods, such as food or chemicals that need proper ventilation. Maintaining consistent spacing guarantees workers and machinery have sufficient room to operate efficiently and safely in the warehouse. Installing row spacers is a cost-effective way to increase your pallet racking system’s structural security and operational efficiency.
Pallet Supports
Pallet supports are an excellent addition to any warehouse that regularly deals with heavy or irregularly sized loads. These horizontal bars run between the front and back racking beams. This provides additional support for pallets that may otherwise rest unevenly.
One of the biggest advantages of pallet supports is the weight distribution they offer. By supporting the pallet’s bottom, the bars prevent the load from sagging or tipping, which might occur if the pallet legs don’t align perfectly with the racking beams. This, in turn, minimizes the chances of product damage.
How Pallet Supports Increase Stability
Pallet supports also contribute to safety by reducing the risk of pallets falling or dislodging. Since they create a more stable base for storing materials, they’re especially useful in environments that frequently utilize forklifts to load or unload goods.
Additionally, for warehouses handling lighter, non-palletized goods, pallet supports can serve as a makeshift shelf for secure storage. Their versatility makes them a valuable accessory, particularly for operations handling diverse inventory types.
Create a Safe and Efficient Warehouse
The accessories mentioned above are practical tools that improve the safety, efficiency, and adaptability of pallet racking systems in warehouses. From wire decking to pallet supports, each accessory addresses specific challenges faced by warehouse managers, such as stability, inventory organization, and minimizing damage.
Selecting the right accessories to invest in depends on your warehouse’s operational demands. By combining a few of these solutions, you can make a custom pallet racking system that improves the functionality of your business.
