There is a great deal of coordination and logistics required to maintain a warehouse operating efficiently. Ensuring your warehouse racking system is in good condition is one of the most important aspects of warehouse management. This includes routinely inspecting it for damage and preventing accidental damage.
However, there are certain things that should never be done with warehouse racking systems. In this article, we will discuss several things you should avoid doing to maintain the safety and security of your racking. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure the longevity of your warehouse’s most valuable asset.
1. Frequent Inspecting
When it comes to your warehouse, only the finest will suffice. Monthly rack inspections should be conducted by trained personnel, and a specialised company should conduct a comprehensive annual inspection every other year.
The consequences of a failed rack can be severe, ranging from equipment and inventory damage to even mortality. An inspector looks for blemishes and gaps that could cause a fire hazard or other issues with load capacity labels; they ensure they are displayed accurately on every item to prevent overloading.
2. Using the improper form of shelving for your products
This can result in destruction and instability. When repairing a racking system, it is essential to remember that welding repairs are not recommended unless performed by a certified welder under supervision. Numerous requirements must be met for the homemade welding procedure to operate safely and with minimal risk, which makes obtaining approval extremely challenging.
3. Not maintaining unobstructed aisles
This is essential for the safety and efficiency of rack access. When you have a warehouse racking system, floor markings with coloured tape are a fantastic way to keep walkways clear and prevent workers from accidentally entering an unsafe area.
They can also aid production in busy warehouses by designating specific waiting areas to keep part queues organised, thereby accelerating floor turnover times!
If you intend to use a forklift for conveyance, aisle widths must be considered. A standard pallet rack can only accommodate a piece of equipment if its dimensions correspond to those required to prevent accidents during the loading and unloading of products from these racks.
4. Dropping Objects
Are you susceptible to plummeting objects?
In warehouses, stacking elevated storage rack systems is a common material practice. The greater the height of the shelves, the greater the likelihood that they will collapse, causing injuries or worse!
To combat these dangers, workers need secure racking systems that protect both those on top and any other goods stored nearby; however, with so many options available, it may be difficult to determine which one is optimal for your specific requirements.
5. Failing to instruct employees in secure rack usage
This could result in injuries or deaths if not performed properly.
A readily accessible manual will maintain safety guidelines at the forefront of people’s minds and provide an easy reference point. Additionally, written policies protect employers and employees against accidents, claims, and liabilities if something goes awry on either end! It is impossible to exaggerate the significance of racking inspection training for employees.
Without appropriate knowledge, employees may make fatal errors. Inspections of your warehouse racking system can be a tedious and time-consuming procedure.
You do not need to expend so much effort when employees who have been trained to conduct these inspections independently are self-sufficient and can work remotely without fretting about whether or not safety standards have been met!
This is not to suggest that you should never have your racking inspected by a certified inspector –OH&S requires annual inspections at a minimum.
6. Warehouse Racking
As a supplier of pallet racks for Bowen Storage, we have witnessed some horrifyingly hazardous situations during inspections.
Pallet platforms are vital to the efficiency and security of a warehouse. Maintaining their integrity and understanding how to use them safely will ensure the safety of your employees, reduce downtime, prevent accidents, and maximise warehouse productivity overall!
7. Loading the Racks to Capacity
When you consider what happens when pallet racking systems are overloaded with merchandise, it is easy to see how rapidly they can become broken or damaged. The most likely scenario is that the pallet racking system will support a burden that exceeds its capacity, causing it to collapse and potentially send everything it was holding tumbling to a hard floor.
Although racking systems can be a wonderful way to organise your warehouse, there are a few things you should avoid doing. You could damage your products or injure your employees if you are not vigilant. To maximise the effectiveness of your warehouse racking, review our website and the services we provide. We can assist you in designing, installing, and maintaining a safe and effective racking system that meets your requirements. Alternatively, contact us today for additional information.
If you found this article interesting, you may also be interested in reading the following:
- Preventing a Pallet Racking Collapse in Your Warehouse
- Rack Safety Inspections
- 8 Ways to Measure and Enhance Warehouse Efficiency
© 2023 Bowen Storage. All Rights Reserved.
