Pallet racking is an important part of many warehouses, helping businesses store large quantities of stock while making good use of available space. However, busy warehouse environments can also expose racking to accidental impacts from forklifts, pallet trucks and other equipment.
One way to help protect pallet racking is by using racking safety guards. These protective products are designed to help reduce the risk of damage to racking uprights and other vulnerable areas.
In this guide, we look at how pallet racking safety guards can help protect your warehouse and why they are an important consideration when planning a storage system.
What Are Pallet Racking Safety Guards?
Pallet racking safety guards are protective barriers or guards fitted around parts of a racking system that could be vulnerable to accidental impacts.
Racking uprights are particularly important because they form part of the main structure of the racking. In a busy warehouse, vehicles and handling equipment may operate close to these uprights, increasing the possibility of accidental collisions.
Warehouse Storage Products offers several types of pallet racking guard protectors, including U Shape and L Shape options.
Why Do Pallet Racking Uprights Need Protection?
Warehouse vehicles can operate close to pallet racking throughout the working day. Even a relatively small collision can potentially damage a racking upright.
A damaged upright can affect the condition of the racking system, which is why preventing impacts where possible is an important part of warehouse safety.
A Pallet Racking Upright Guard Protector provides a physical layer of protection around the upright. The Warehouse Storage Products version is made from 4mm steel and is designed to withstand impacts from forklifts and other machinery.
How Do Racking Guards Help?
Racking guards can help by creating a protective barrier between warehouse equipment and the racking structure.
Instead of an impact being directly against the upright, the guard is positioned to take the force of an accidental collision.
This can help reduce the likelihood of damage to the racking and may also help businesses avoid unnecessary repair or replacement costs.
U Shape Pallet Racking Guards
A U Shape Pallet Racking Guard Protector is designed to provide protection around the base of a pallet racking upright.
The product available from Warehouse Storage Products is made from 5mm steel and is designed to withstand impacts from forklifts and other machinery.
Its U-shaped design provides protection around the upright while allowing it to remain accessible as part of the racking structure.
L Shape Racking Guards
Another option is an L Shape Racking Guard Protector.
L-shaped guards can be positioned around vulnerable areas of racking to provide additional protection against accidental impacts.
The right shape of guard will depend on the design and position of your racking, so it is important to consider the layout of your warehouse before selecting a product.
Racking Safety Barriers
For larger areas of protection, Pallet Racking Safety Protection Barriers can be used.
Rather than protecting only one upright, safety barriers can provide a wider protective zone around sections of racking. Warehouse Storage Products offers pallet racking safety protection barriers that include corner guards.
These can be particularly useful in areas where forklifts or other warehouse equipment regularly operate close to racking.
Where Should Racking Guards Be Used?
The location of your racking and the movement of equipment around the warehouse should be considered when deciding where protection is required.
Areas that may need particular attention include:
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Racking positioned beside forklift routes
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Corners and ends of racking runs
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Areas with frequent vehicle movement
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Racking close to loading and unloading areas
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Sections of racking located near busy warehouse walkways
A warehouse layout assessment can help identify areas where additional protection may be beneficial.
Racking Guards And Warehouse Safety
Racking guards are only one part of maintaining a safe storage system. Pallet racking should also be regularly inspected for signs of damage, and any issues should be dealt with appropriately.
Warehouse Storage Products also supplies beam safety locks and safety locking pins, which are designed to help keep pallet racking components secure.
It is important to make sure that your racking is correctly installed, used within its specified load limits and regularly checked for damage.
Choosing The Right Racking Protection
When selecting racking protection, consider:
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The type and size of your pallet racking
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Where the racking is positioned
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The amount of vehicle traffic nearby
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The areas most vulnerable to impacts
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The type of protection required
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The dimensions of the guard
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The material and construction of the guard
Choosing suitable protection can help you create a more secure and organised warehouse environment.
Protect Your Pallet Racking
Pallet racking is a valuable part of warehouse storage, so protecting it from accidental impacts is important. Racking guards can provide an additional layer of protection around vulnerable areas, helping to reduce the risk of damage from warehouse equipment.
Warehouse Storage Products offers a range of pallet racking guard protectors and safety protection barriers, giving businesses different options depending on their warehouse layout and requirements.
By combining suitable racking protection with regular inspections and responsible warehouse practices, businesses can help keep their storage systems in good condition and maintain a safer working environment.