Your handy guide to warehouse racking

As your business grows, space becomes an important resource. Warehouses can make a huge difference to your bottom line. There's a great convenience in keeping your inventory and equipment safely under one roof. Racking is a key part of what makes a warehouse an efficient means of storage. If you're a first-time buyer or renter or simply need a refresher, here's a helpful look into warehouse racking.

Warehouse racking basics

Also known as "pallet racking", this is a popular storage system used in warehouses. They are typically steel structures made up of upright frames, beams and connectors. They extend high up towards the ceiling. Forklifts place and retrieve pallets wherever necessary.

Benefits of warehouse racking

Warehouse racks help enhance your warehouse. Because they stack vertically, they're space saving. The way they're set up also allows for greater accessibility to your stored items. If made from high-quality materials, they're durable. They're quite affordable and can be easily expanded as your storage needs increase. Overall, they're a fantastic way to make your warehouse operations more productive.

Types of warehouse racks

It's simple to put your racking system in place. Here are the types of racks you get:

• Selective pallet racks
• Double-deep racks
• Back-racking/Push-back racks
• Pallet flow racks
• Drive-in/Drive-through racks
• Roll-formed cantilever racks

While each is easy to assemble, be sure to do it under the supervision of a professional.

Regulations around racking

Now that you've chosen your rack type, you may be wondering about regulations. As a responsible business owner, it's important to keep your employees and warehouse safe while obeying the law.

Unfortunately, there are no clear-cut regulations around warehouse racking. As the Shelving & Racking Company and South African rack inspector, Anna Kosinskaya notes, there is little mentioned about this in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993. This act was put together to ensure safe working environments. Regardless, there are still red flags you can identify - and mitigate.

Health and safety concerns

In 2018, dramatic CCTV footage of a warehouse collapse went viral. A worker accidentally bumped into a rack with his forklift. Almost immediately, the entire rack of goods collapses on him and sets off a domino reaction throughout the warehouse. You can watch the full video here:

While the incident is the worst-case scenario, mishaps do happen. When setting up and maintaining your racks, you should take care of the following:

• Dusty shelves: These can trigger an allergic reaction in your workers.
• Poorly packed shelves: These could result in a falling hazard.
• Damaged or rusty racks: These could break which can result in an accident.
• Rack misuse: Not following the manufacturer's guidelines could be fatal.
• Loose floor fittings: These loosen as you use your racks, making your rack unsteady.

However, by taking the right precautions, you can make your warehouse a safe place for all.

Get the most from your racking

1. Ensure your racks are properly installed by a licensed professional.
2. Train your staff so they understand how much to load onto a rack, how to care for racks and how to operate machinery that is used in tandem with your racks.
3. Keep aisles clear so forklifts and workers can manoeuvre safely through your warehouse.
4. Regularly dust your racks to keep your workers healthy and stored items in good shape.
5. Declutter racks that have unneeded items.
6. Clean all spills near racks that could cause a slip and - ultimately - a collision.
7. Hire an approved rack safety inspector to inspect your racks for damage, overloading and to check their integrity.
8. Do keep your warehouse well lit. This will help prevent bumps and future injuries or damage.

As a leading industrial property brokerage, Annenberg Property Group is at the forefront of warehouse trends, regulations and upkeep tips. Trust our expertise to help find the right warehouse for you. We have a number of facilities available for sale or rent. Contact us to learn more.