Warehouse Safety: 5 Steps to Implement a Warehouse Safety Plan
Learn the 5 basic steps to implement a warehouse safety plan. Plus real-world checklists to help you maintain a safety warehouse system.
Warehouse Racking Systems: Beginner’s Guide to Rack Systems
The beginner’s guide to warehouse racking systems and everything you should know to get started. Why use racks, the types of racks, and more!
A warehouse racking system is essential in the modern world of logistics and warehousing. Efficient storage and movement of goods are critical for any business dealing with physical products. Setting up a warehouse racking system helps optimize storage space while facilitating the movement of goods, resulting in a streamlined supply chain. In this article, we will discuss racking systems for warehouses, their types, benefits, requirements, and set-up procedures!
Table of Contents
What is warehouse racking?
A warehouse rack system is a storage system designed to organize and store products in a warehouse or distribution center. These systems consist of vertical frames and horizontal beams that support shelves. Racking systems for warehouses are available in different sizes and configurations, making them adaptable to various warehouse layouts and product types.
How are racking systems for warehouses used?
Warehouse racking is used to maximize storage space and organize products. These systems provide easy access to stored products, making it easier to pick, pack, and ship them. Warehouse rack systems also make it easier to manage inventory and monitor stock levels. By utilizing a warehouse racking system, businesses can optimize their warehouse space and improve overall efficiency.
Benefits of Using Warehouse Racking
Using a warehouse rack system offers many benefits, including:
- Increased Storage Space: Racking for warehouse maximizes vertical space in a warehouse, allowing for more storage capacity.
- Improved Organization: Racking systems help organize products and make them easily accessible, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
- Increased Productivity: Warehouse racking systems make it easier for employees to locate and retrieve products, reducing picking and packing times.
- Improved Safety: Racking for warehouse increases safety by reducing clutter and providing a clear path for employees to move around the warehouse.
Warehouse Racking Types
There are several types of warehouse racking available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the most common types of pallet rack systems include:
Selective Racking
Selective racking is the most commonly used types of warehouse racking. It consists of upright frames and horizontal beams that support shelves. Selective racking allows for easy access to products and is ideal for warehouses with a high product turnover rate.
Double Deep Rack
Double deep warehouse racking types are similar to selective racking, but it allows for two pallets to be stored back-to-back, maximizing storage space. This type of racking is best for warehouses with limited floor space.
Carton Flow Rack
Carton flow rack is a gravity-fed system that uses rollers or wheels to move products to the front of the rack for easy picking. These types of warehouse racking are ideal for warehouses that deal with high-volume, low-SKU products.
Cantilever Rack
Cantilever racking is ideal for storing long and bulky items such as lumber or pipes. It consists of vertical columns and horizontal arms that support the stored items.
Multi-Tier Rack
Multi-tier rack is a racking system that allows for multiple levels of storage. It is ideal for warehouses with high ceilings and limited floor space.
Drive-In Racking
Drive-in racking is a system where pallets are stored on rails that allow forklifts or other material handling equipment to enter and retrieve products. This type of racking maximizes storage space, but it is not ideal for warehouses with a high product turnover rate.
Pallet Flow Rack
Pallet flow rack is a gravity-fed system that uses rollers or wheels to move pallets to the front of the rack for easy picking. This type of racking is ideal for warehouses that deal with high-volume, low-SKU products.
Push Back Rack
Push back rack is one of the warehouse racking types that allows for multiple pallets to be stored in a single lane. When a pallet is added, it pushes the other pallets back, maximizing storage space. This type of racking is ideal for warehouses with limited floor space and a high product turnover rate.
Warehouse Racking Requirements
When setting up industrial warehouse racking systems, it is important to meet certain warehouse racking requirements to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific warehouse racking requirements, which include:
- Load Capacity: Industrial warehouse racking systems must be able to support the maximum weight of the products being stored.
- Stability: Racking systems must be stable and not tip over or collapse when loaded.
- Accessibility: Industrial warehouse racking systems must provide easy access to products for employees and forklift operators.
- Clearance: Racking systems must have adequate clearance from sprinklers, lighting fixtures, and other equipment.
- Labeling: Racking systems must be properly labeled to indicate weight limits and other relevant information.
In addition to meeting OSHA standards, some local jurisdictions may require a warehouse racking permit before installation.
Set Up a Warehouse Racking System
When setting up the best racking system for warehouse, it is important to calculate the load capacity of the shelves to ensure that they can support the weight of the products being stored. This can be calculated by taking into account the weight of the products, the dimensions of the pallets, and the number of pallets being stored.
Other considerations when setting up a warehouse racking system include spacing between racks, aisle width, warehouse rack labeling and organization, and the layout of the racking system.
Spacing Between Racks and Aisle Width
Spacing between racks should allow forklifts to maneuver easily, while the aisle width should be wide enough for forklifts to move around without damaging the racking system or other equipment.
Warehouse Rack Labeling & Organization
Warehouse rack labeling and organization should be clear and consistent to make it easy for employees to locate products.
Layout of the Warehouse Racking System
The layout of the racking system should be optimized for the specific needs of the warehouse, taking into account the size and weight of the products being stored, as well as the flow of goods in and out of the warehouse.
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Warehouse Racking Cost
How much does warehouse racking cost? The warehouse racking cost will depend on several factors, including the type and size of the racking system, the materials used, and the installation costs. Selective racking is typically the most affordable option, while more complex systems such as drive-in racking or pallet flow rack can be more expensive.
Best Racking System for Warehouse
The best racking system for warehouse will depend on several factors, including the size and weight of the products being stored, the layout of the warehouse, and the specific needs of the business. For example, a warehouse that deals with high-volume, low-SKU products may benefit from a carton flow rack or pallet flow rack, while a warehouse that deals with long and bulky items may benefit from a cantilever rack.
Seek Experts Help for Your Warehousing Needs
Setting up a warehouse racking system requires careful planning and consideration to ensure safety and efficiency. Of course, a valid alternative to selecting and maintaining racking systems yourself is you hire a third-party warehousing service provider. A professional warehousing and logistics company can provide services for all your warehousing needs while you focus on growing your business.
A warehouse racking system is an essential component of any warehouse or distribution center. By providing efficient storage and movement of products, racking systems can help businesses optimize their warehouse space and improve overall efficiency. When setting up a warehouse racking system, it is important to meet warehouse racking requirements, get a warehouse racking permit, calculate load capacity, and consider warehouse racking cost. By contacting experts in the field, your business can ensure that its warehouse racking system is safe, efficient, and optimized for your specific needs!
Free Warehouse Design Tools
Warehouse Capacity Calculator
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Pallet Storage Capacity Calculator
The pallet storage capacity calculator quickly determines the total number of pallets your warehouse can store based on rack configuration.
Warehouse Capacity FAQs
To ensure the safety of your warehouse racking system, it is important to have it installed and maintained by qualified professionals. Regular inspections should also be conducted to identify and address any potential issues, such as damage or overloading. It is also important to properly train employees on safe loading and unloading procedures and to use appropriate equipment, such as pallet jacks and forklifts.
Yes, many warehouse racking systems can be customized to fit the specific needs of your business. This may include adjusting the height and width of the shelves or frames, adding additional levels or accessories, or incorporating specialized features such as cantilever arms for storing long items. It is important to work with a qualified provider who can help you design a customized solution that meets your unique requirements.
Regular maintenance and repairs are important for ensuring the longevity and safety of your warehouse racking system. This may include cleaning the shelves and frames to prevent the buildup of debris, inspecting the system for damage or wear, and replacing any damaged or worn components. It is important to work with a qualified provider who can help you develop a maintenance and repair plan and provide ongoing support as needed.
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