Do you remember the relatively recent debacle at a warehouse in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia? It was a sheer miracle that saved an employee at the warehouse, as a huge rack measuring 25 feet in height came crashing down on him. To make matters worse, the racks were stacked with bottles of beer and vodka, which added to the chaos as shards of glass and fumes of alcohol made rescue operations hazardous, to say the least.
What could the warehouse managers (who makes decisions to include protection?) have done to avoid this catastrophe?
They could have invested in the right racking protection! At Logkraft, we go the extra mile to provide our clients with Rack Safety Audit and Repair to maximize durability and minimize losses.
There are a number of aspects one needs to consider when choosing the right protection. Before delving into its intricacies, it is important to assess the type of racks in the warehouse as protection is rack-specific.
There are two main types of racks: pallet racks and cantilever racks. Pallet racks are the most common type of rack, and can either be selective or drive-in. Cantilever racks are less common, but they're ideal for storing long, bulky items.
Depending on the type of rack, there are three main types of protection: end-of-aisle guards, post protectors, and base plates.
End-of-aisle guards protect the ends of rows of racks from impact damage.
Post protectors wrap around the posts of racks to cushion them from collisions.
Base plates attach to the bottom of posts and help distribute weight evenly across the entire rack.
Another crucial aspect in the selection of the right protection is the material with which it is manufactured. The most commonly used materials are steel and polycarbonate. Steel is more durable and provides better impact protection. However, it is more expensive. Polycarbonate is less durable but much lighter and more affordable. Ultimately, the best material will depend on specific needs, products, and budget.
With the many racking protection options available in the market, it can be difficult to pick the right solution for a particular warehouse. The touchpoints below should enable one to pick the right racking protection:
1. Type of equipment: There are different types of racking protection designed for different types of equipment. Choose a product that is designed for the type of equipment in the warehouse.
2. Warehouse size: The amount of racking protection required is always directly proportional to the size of the warehouse.
3. Budget: Racking protection can vary significantly in price. Therefore it is important to find something that fits the budget.
4. The level of protection required: There are different levels of racking protection, which should be taken into consideration to ensure comprehensive protection of the warehouse in all conceivable situations.
Different Types of Racking Protection:
Mesh Guarding
When it comes to choosing the right racking protection for a warehouse, one of the key considerations is mesh guarding.
Mesh guarding is a type of physical barrier that protect racks from damage. It can comprise a variety of materials such as plastic, metal, or even chain-link fencing.
One of the primary benefits of mesh guarding is the high level of customizability, which works well when the warehouse has racks of varying dimensions. It also permits air circulation and visibility to enhance safety in the warehouse.
Column Protectors
Most warehouses use column protectors to reinforce building columns, which drastically
reduces the damage caused by mishaps. However, choosing the right column protectors can be quite tricky if the below aspects are not considered thoroughly during the decision-making process.
Material: Most column protectors are fabricated with either steel or polyethylene. Steel is preferred for its durability, while polyethylene is a less expensive option.
Size: While choosing the right protector, one must ensure that it is big enough to fit around the column, but not so big that it hampers movement around the warehouse.
Number: It is recommended to have one protector per column for warehouses that hold a large number of columns.
Corner Guards
Corner guards are designed to prevent damage to racks from impact, whether it be from a forklift or other equipment. They can also help protect in-warehouse employees from injuries in case of accidental collisions.
How to choose the right corner guard?
Material: As always, the right material can vastly enhance the level of protection in the warehouse. However, when budgets are tight one must consider a tradeoff to acquire suitable protection within the spending limit. There are a variety of available options, of which plastic, metal, and foam are the most common. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the one that will best suit the warehouse’s needs.
Traffic: The number of corner guards required will depend on the size of the racks and the traffic around the warehouse on a daily basis. It is recommended to procure more than one set of corner guards in case of high traffic.
Anti-Collapse Cages
An anti-collapse cage is an excellent option to prevent warehouse racking from collapsing. These cages surround racks and provide a barrier that prevents items from falling out and causing damage.
Choosing the right anti-collapse cage:
Dimensions: The size of the cage needed can be calculated by measuring the length and width of the space available, as well as the height of the racks.
Material: The strength of the material required is directly proportional to the weight of the inventory on the rack. A heavy-duty rack will require a sturdier cage, and vice-versa.
Installation: Some cages require professional installation, while others can be installed in-house. While we advise you to seek professional assistance while setting up heavy-duty racks, lighter racks can be secured by staff within the warehouse.
The right racking protection depends on a slew of shrewdly selected attributes. From material and design to size and installation, each factor plays an important role in the overall performance of a warehouse’s safety system.
At Logkraft, we specialize in enabling our clients to choose the best racking protection to ensure the safety of their employees, while preventing enormous losses to the organization.
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