Key factors in the design of stacking racks
Stacking racks, industrial shelving and other structures that will be used for storage should be designed and constructed with safety as the priority. The right materials should be carefully chosen to ensure that they can accommodate bulky and heavy loads. The requirements of a warehouse can change over time particularly when the business grows or if a new product is introduced. By choosing the right construction materials on the basis of their durability and function will minimize the need for upgrading in the future. Since loading and retrieval is frequently done through a forklift system, it is important to ensure that the corners of stacking racks are protected from damages due to impact. When pallets are loaded to the upper levels of the racks, it is important for the lower levels to have adequate strength to support the weight above. The stability of the racks must always be maintained to avoid collapse when extremely heavy items are loaded.
How stacking racks should be positioned in the warehouse
In order to save on warehouse space, most stacking racks are built near walls; however, it is important to ensure that the retaining wall will be able to withstand the pressure of stacking racks laid against them. A gap of approximately 450mm should exist between the wall and the stack so that its condition can be checked regularly. Extra precautions must be considered if the retaining wall is near railroad tracks or road traffic because constant vibrations can compromise the structural integrity of the wall as well as the stacks that are built against it. In cases when extremely heavy loads are stored in the stacking rack, it is important to ensure that weight is even all throughout the racks. Unfortunately, this safety precaution is often overlooked particularly when there are space constraints. Care should always be taken not to overload the racks otherwise it can be detrimental to the safety of warehouse personnel. If it is necessary to introduce other materials in the stacking rack like pipes, tubing, coiled cables and sheet materials, additional support might be necessary to avoid the risks of movement.
Segregation is also important when storing different items in the stacking rack. If there are highly flammable materials and chemicals that need storage, they should not be stored in the same area as your products and raw materials. The primary objective with stacking rack is to add more storage density to the warehouse and it should be used properly to avoid any hazards. They are great for bulk storage but they should never be utilized for hazardous objects that should be stored in a safe and secure separate location.