There are two types of pallet racking in the industrial market: conventional Industrial Racking and APR (adjustable pallet racking). Pallet racking is the most common and most advanced industrial steel storage solution.
If we are discussing industrial racking in general, what we usually think about is conventional pallet racking or APR (adjustable pallet racking).
Whenever we need to maximize our warehouse space and increase our capacity, choosing a traditional pallet racking system is usually the most convenient, fastest, and most economical method of achieving our goal. Industrial steel pallet racking, on the other hand, is a standardized solution, widely available on the market, and can be sourced and installed very easily.
This storage method also referred to as chaotic storage, is designed to organize a large number of different references with smaller quantities of each reference. Conventional pallet racking, also known as adjustable pallet racking, allows for direct access to all loading units at any time.
A pallet racking system, as its name suggests, contains goods that are packed on pallets that are then stored on the racking using appropriate handling equipment (Forklifts). The dimensions of the pallet racking system are dependent, among other things, on the characteristics of the pallets and loading units.
This is due to the way that the system is designed, allowing it to adjust the loading levels in the height, allowing it to be combined with a manual picking area at lower levels.
BENEFITS OF USING INDUSTRIAL PALLET RACKING
It allows a logical distribution of the warehouse space and easily adapts to the volume and the weight of loading units.
The loading units can be manipulated independently one of the other and are accessible all the time.
Is a flexible storage system that can easily be adapted to the user’s requirements to accommodate various load sizes.
Is a scalable solution. It can grow along with the customer’s expansion.
Modern pallet racking is built up of high-quality steel roll-formed profiles. The vertical open profiles, perforated on its front in the whole height, are assembled together in pairs conforming to the frames that transmit the loads onto the floor slab. On these frames are installed the loading beams that support the pallets.
Depending on the type of handling equipment used, a https://rackingstore.uk/category/industrial-shelving/Industrial Shelving system can be classified into wide aisle, narrow aisle, or very narrow aisle (VNA) systems. Tolerances, deformations, and clearances vary from one group to the other:
1) According to EN 15620, class 400 is a wide aisle.
Forklift trucks must have aisles of sufficient width to move across the aisle and to make 90o turns for loading and unloading.
2) According to EN 15620, a narrow aisle is classified as class 400.
For use with more specialized lift trucks, pallet racking with narrow aisles is preferred.
3) According to UNE 15620, very narrow aisles (VNA), classes 300 A and 300 B, are very narrow.
Trucks cannot make 90° turns for loading and unloading in these aisles since they are of sufficient width to accommodate the truck and the unit load width.
– Likewise, 300A or man-up involves raising and lowering the truck operator with the unit load.
– Truck operators remain at ground level in a 300B or man-down situation.
Other pallet rack systems can be constructed using pallet racking components, including drive-in or drive-through pallet racks, push-back pallet racks, pallet flow systems, and mobile racking. Alternative storage solutions to conventional pallet racking can be designed and implemented based on storage requirements, available space, lift trucks used, and turnover of loading units.
In addition to being considered as part of a storage system, pallet racking is also regulated as work equipment by local health and safety laws. This means that inspections, maintenance, risk assessments, and training for pallet racking users must all comply with local health and safety laws.
Assume that employees and workers are properly trained in the use of steel storage systems and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and maintenance. It is not permissible to use unsafe work equipment.
Aside from health and safety regulations, there are technical norms that must be followed and applied regarding Heavy Duty Shelving , such as calculations, inspections, etc.
– The European Standard EN 15512 specifies structural design principles for adjustable pallet racks.
– Deformations, tolerances, and clearances according to EN 15620.
– Specifies the storage equipment in accordance with EN 15629.
– The EN 15635 standard specifies how storage equipment should be used and maintained.
It is important to rely on a competent and experienced partner and supplier to meet all technical and safety requirements. The implications in terms of productivity and safety are serious.