Incorporating a pallet racking system into your warehouse stock organisation can save you from having to move to a larger, more expensive warehouse. Pallet racking can increase your storage capacity, as the steel structure can support large and heavy goods. Industrial warehouse pallet racking also allows businesses to expand on their warehouse storage capacity by making use of the height of the building.
Having an organised pallet racking system can increase efficiency and workflow by making the most of the workspace you have. Having a storage solution that improves the aesthetics of your warehouse storage space can encourage employees to tidy up after themselves and to keep on top of stock organisation. This will also declutter warehousing space and improve stock presentation, which can speed up the process of stock-taking. An important benefit of pallet racking systems improving the presentation of a warehouse is that it can improve employee safety by preventing stock obstructions within the shop floor.
Should I Purchase Brand New Pallet Racking or Used Pallet Racking?
It ultimately depends on your individual circumstances, budget and the size of your warehouse space. If you have a smaller warehouse, it may be more worthwhile to buy a brand new pallet racking system that will be designed to your needs, to make the most of the available space. If you have a larger warehouse capacity, it may work well for you to buy used pallet racking that is of good quality and that you could potentially re-sell later. The two main factors in your choice will be the amount of storage that you need and the budget that you have for your warehouse storage solutions. Either way it is important you buy from a reputable company that carry out pallet racking safety inspections on their pallet racking before they sell it especially used racking.
Is It More Cost Effective to Buy Brand New or Used Pallet Racking?
Although a used pallet racking system may have a lower price, the system will not be as bespoke or tailored to your warehouse storage needs. However, when you come to sell your pallet racking, buying used pallet racking will lose less value than buying brand new warehouse storage. If you are on a tight budget, it may be better to choose used pallet racking rather than having to reduce the amount of brand new pallet racking you order to save costs.The choice of whether to buy brand new or used pallet racking solely depends on your business needs. How much storage do you need? How big is your warehouse storage budget?
Top Tips for buying Used Pallet Racking
1. Buy from an experienced supplier
Many supplier websites show a larger range of stock than is actually available and they may not be entirely truthful in their description of the standard of the products they are selling. Using a reputable, experienced supplier will ensure you are getting a high quality used system where the history is known.
2. Check that the used pallet racking conforms to industry standards
Safety is paramount. It is important to check for loose components, broken planks, damaged or missing support blocks, improvised joints, poorly welded beams, and rusted components.
If you buy from a reputable supplier, they will carry out safety checks on all racking they sell. It is also really important to maintain your racking once it is installed and to have it inspected regularly by a qualified inspector to ensure its’ continued safety.
3. Get advice on the suitability of the type of system
It is important to choose the right kind of pallet racking system for your business. A good supplier can offer you advice on what would suit your needs. The efficiency of the racking system and how it will help your operations flow smoothly are as important as the initial outlay cost-wise.
4. Replacement Parts
It is important to consider the cost of replacement parts for your used racking. If you select an uncommon brand or a type that is no longer available new it can prove to be expensive to maintain and repair and difficult to source replacement parts.
5. Structural Integrity is more important than aesthetics
Finally, it is important to remember that used racking may not always look pretty but as long as it has been found to be structurally safe and secure it can offer the best value for money on the market.
6. Invest in Rack End Protection Heavy Duty Barriers
Even experienced forklift drivers make mistakes. Accidents that involve knocking or crashing into pallet racking can not only damage valuable goods but may damage the racking itself. If racking is sufficiently or repeatedly damaged, it may become structurally weak and unsafe over time.
In order to prevent this, many companies invest in heavy duty barriers to protect the rack ends. These rack end protection heavy duty barriers are fitted to the ends of your racking and provide an added buffer between a forklift or other vehicle and the racking.
7. Use Timber Decking
If you’re used to storing goods using only pallets then you may be interested in investing in timber decking. Timber decking acts like a permanent pallet and allows you to store items without them being on a pallet. This is a great time-saving investment if you currently need to attach goods to a pallet before storing them. The downside is that you can’t then transport them on a forklift without attaching them to a pallet. Timber decking is great for small items that need temporary storage or for goods which don’t require pallets for transport. It also allows you to store goods in a more productive way, rather than storing them pallet by pallet.
8. Invest in a Camera System
There is often need to find out what goods are on your racking or to see if there is free space. When you have a large warehouse with pallet racking built up several levels it can be difficult to view the upper and especially the top level.
For convenience, and as a quick measure, many forklift drivers and order pickers will climb the racking to find out. This might be an effective way to investigate but can also be highly dangerous. It may also break company rules regarding pallet rack safety and therefore not be an option.
In order to find out what is up there, you may have to locate paperwork or check a computer to get an idea, but with a camera system, the job can be done in seconds. Camera systems are attached to each forklift, with the camera on the forks and a monitor in the cab. It allows drivers to easily see the state of the racking at high levels and also assists in the loading and unloading of pallets or goods with the added advantage of an improved view.
9. Discourage Climbing
Discouraging climbing and promoting pallet rack safety will help you meet health and safety targets and keep your staff safe.
It is tempting for order pickers and forklift drivers to climb pallet racking. It is easily done and can provide a quick answer to a query on where goods may be located, available space as well as a way to retrieve and store goods.
There are several methods you can employ to discourage climbing and create a safer environment for your staff. Rolling stair ladders can be made available throughout a site to provide access to goods located above the ground level. They can be moved by one staff member and will last many years. The downside to rolling stair ladders is that though they might reach a lower level, they can’t always get to goods on the higher levels. They also take time to locate and so may not be used in favour of a quick climb. There may also be an issue of storage, as rolling ladders can take up valuable space.
By installing netting or other guarding at upper levels, you can prevent access to anyone tempted to climb. This option is effective as long as it is not used in places which will prevent forklifts or pickers using ladders from accessing the goods.
Training staff in pallet rack safety and reiterating safety measures may change the practice of climbing. Warning signs may be placed on racking and throughout a site to remind workers of safety issues and of company policies if you have one in place that forbids any kind of climbing. Warnings and disciplinary procedures may also deter employees from climbing.
If you need further advice or have any questions regarding pallet racking, give us a call on 0800 085 8177 or fill in our contact form and our team will get back to you.