Pallet racking is undoubtedly an extremely useful installation in your warehouse operation, but it does come with consideration about how you access those items on your raking and whether you need commercial storage shelves.

Naturally if you use forklifts that is one thing – but what if your operation does not have access to that form of equipment. Forklifts can break down on occasion leaving you with a bit of a wait on those all-important orders. Obviously, that is a high-pressure moment.

Why not think of a good back up plan that doesn’t involve jeopardising your pallet racking structure or the health and safety of employees.

Don’t Reach Overhead

No matter what, the first rule of pick club is – Don’t grab it overhead if you have to.

Statistically, the highest volume of injuries around pallet racking comes from reaching above to retrieve an item that should not be reached for. It is the most simple rule to be taught but many still ignore the rule – resulting in many people becoming injured.

If it is a heavy item then it should always be kept to the floor level or a lower level of the pallet racking. If these items require movement then a pallet dolly or jack would be an ideal object to keep around to safely do the job.

Proper Sizing

Whilst not always an option, keeping pallets small helps a lot in keeping them mobile.

It’s always recommended to keep your heaviest items in the largest pallets which would require assistance to move them, and keep the rest of the pallets small to be picked and placed on trolleys if required. You may end up with more pallets on your shelves but it helps to keep injury risk to a minimum as well as keep things productive.

Obviously

This should never have to be stated but there is always one instance where someone will attempt to climb the pallet racks to get a product, even if it is just a small one.

Generally, everyone in your workplace should know the rules in not climbing the racking, but when it comes to time someone will always try to cut a very dangerous corner here and there. Nobody should ever climb the racks for any size product, your commercial storage shelves should be set to a sufficient height.

When planning out your pallet racking it is best to think ahead for any circumstances that can hold up productivity, and find the right product for your size warehouse is of big consideration. Contact the team at Monarch Shelving today for the best options in quality pallet racking and commercial shelving.