If you work in or run a warehouse, you know how important it is to have a reliable, organised and efficient storage system. Pallet racking in Melbourne is a popular and effective way to store pallets vertically in racks, which maximises floor space and storage capacity. However, with the number of pallet racking options on the market, choosing the right type of racking for your specific warehouse and goals can be challenging. This article will cover everything you need to know about pallet racking, including the types of pallet racking available.
Types of Pallet Racking
There are a few different types of popular pallet racking in Melbourne, each with its own advantages and limitations. The most common types include:
- Selective Rack – This is the most versatile and widely used type of pallet racking. It allows direct access to every pallet and is ideal for warehouses that require high selectivity and low to medium storage density.
- Drive-In Rack – This type of pallet racking allows forklifts to drive into the rack structure and deposit pallets onto rails. It’s suitable for storing large quantities of identical items and generally has a high storage density.
- Push-Back Rack – This type of pallet racking uses a series of nested carts on inclined rails to push back previously loaded pallets as new ones are added. It’s ideal for storing products with multiple SKUs and has a moderate storage density.
- Pallet Flow Rack – This type of pallet racking uses inclined rails with roller tracks to move pallets from a loading end to the unloading end by using the force of gravity. It’s ideal for warehouses with a high throughput of perishable or time-sensitive items and generally has a high storage density.
Design & Planning of Pallet Racking
Designing and planning pallet racking in Melbourne for a warehouse requires careful consideration of various factors, such as load capacity, safety, accessibility, layout and budget. In Australia, the design and installation of pallet racking must comply with the Australian Standard AS4084-2012. This standard specifies the requirements for the design, manufacture, testing and installation of pallet racking, including the use of appropriate materials, components and configurations.
Your pallet racking plan and layout should also take into account the size, weight and shape of the current pallets you use or are planning on using, the frequency and accessibility of the inventory, the available floor space and height, and the expected growth of your warehouse and operations in the near future.
Load Capacity & Space Utilisation of Pallet Racking
The load capacity you choose and the space utilisation of pallet racking depends on a few factors, such as the type, size and spacing of the components, the quality and condition of the materials, and importantly, the environmental and operational conditions of the warehouse.
To ensure the safe and efficient use of pallet racking, you should follow the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions for the load capacity of the beams, uprights, connectors and other components. You should also check the load capacity labels on your racking system and avoid overloading, damaging, modifying or misusing it. Modifications to pallet racking are not only dangerous, but extensive mods to your pallet racks could void the manufacturer’s warranty, which can be costly if you need replacement pallet racks.