Wire Mesh Security Cage

Wire Mesh Security Cages: What Are They?


Wire mesh security cages serve a variety of functions in warehouses, factories, and other commercial buildings. What are they? Their main role is typically to enhance safety and security. In this blog, we will explore the different types of secure cages and propose several potential uses for them. If you are considering a security cage for your business, give us a call on 0800 612 33210 to discuss your requirements.

What Are Wire Mesh Security Cages?

Comprised of panels, posts, and doors, our security cages or steel partitions create restricted access areas for quarantined goods, hazardous substances, or high-value items.

A well designed system with a strong focus on security. The wire mesh cages consist of steel mesh panels made from 2.8mm wire mesh, available in 50x50mm or 25x25mm mesh apertures. These panels are welded to a 20x20mm box section frame, providing structural rigidity. The panels are then secured to 60x60mm posts using an easy-to-use clip that holds them firmly in place.

The three primary uses for security cages are:

  1. Security cages for high-value items
  2. Aerosol cages (gas bottle security cages)
  3. Machinery guarding (steel partitioning around areas with potentially hazardous machinery)

Security Cages for High Value Items

Unfortunately, theft can be an issue that you or your customers may encounter in warehouse spaces. The most common application for our wire mesh cages is to secure high-value items or assets, such as forklifts.

The fully modular system allows for the creation of cages in any required size, offering various door and lock options to meet different security needs. Our lock partner, provides several options ranging from a standard key lock mechanism to digital locks on one side with a quick-release mechanism on the other.

Aerosol Cages

Aerosol cages, also known as gas bottle security cages, feature smaller aperture panels. These are specifically designed to store pressurised canisters, such as deodorant cans. The smaller mesh aperture helps prevent container fragments from escaping and causing harm in the event of an explosion. These cages are essential for meeting the requirements of most insurance companies when storing pressurised containers.

The primary difference between the standard system and our aerosol solution is the mesh aperture. Instead of the regular 50mm x 50mm mesh, we use 25mm x 25mm mesh. This design complies with the RC19 recommendations for the storage of aerosol products.

Machinery Guards

Machinery in factory spaces clearly presents a potential hazard to anyone with access to the factory. An effective way to prevent accidents and ensure safety is to install mesh partitions around specific machinery or areas that pose a risk. You can further secure these enclosed areas with locking mechanisms, ensuring that only authorised personnel have access.

The System

At Shelving & Racking, we provide mesh partitions and cages designed as a fully modular system:

  • Panels available in three standard widths (700mm, 1200mm, and 1500mm) and two heights (1100mm and 2200mm), which can be mixed and matched to meet your specific needs.
  • The  standard 2200mm high posts come with the necessary fixtures and fittings for panel attachment.
  • Option of both swing and sliding doors, available as single or double doors.
  • Additionally, you can select from a variety of add-ons, including locking options, a post splice kit to increase height, and even the option to add a roof.

Of course, our sales team are always on hand to assist with creating your cage. You can send your enquiry by email to sales@racking-ltd.co.uk or call us on 0800 612 3210.

See Why Customers Return to Shelving & Racking

See Why Customers Return to Shelving & Racking


Customer service is the core of our business and sets us apart from our competitors. We believe that excellent products should come with exceptional support. With us you’re not just purchasing a product; you’re gaining a partner committed to providing assistance, answering questions, and ensuring your needs are met. Don’t just take our word for it! Continue reading to see why customers return to Shelving & Racking time and time again. You can call us on 0800 612 32310 or email us, our friendly sales team are happy to assist you.

“Excellent service from the moment we enquired through to the moment we collected the goods. Good quality at the right price. Will definitely be using this company again.”

Why Are We Different?

We recognise that every customer is unique, with specific preferences and needs. That’s why we offer a diverse range of products to meet our customer’s requirements. Whether you need a specific beam size or a particular manufacturer, we have a wide selection in stock. If we do not have what you need we go above and beyond to find a solution that meets your business needs. Our goal is to ensure that we find the perfect fit for your business needs. We supply both used and new pallet racking from numerous manufacturers, so our customers are confident we can provide a solution tailored to their needs.

“Excellent service, fast delivery and would highly recommend, I’ve used them several times now for pallet racking.”

Our Service

Reputation and credibility are paramount to our business, backed by years of trust and experience. With a proven track record and thousands of satisfied customers, we consistently deliver on our promises. Our customers know that when they choose to buy from us, they can be confident in their decision, knowing they are dealing with a trusted and established company. Too good to be true? You can read our customer reviews here.

Affordability is crucial in any purchase. We offer competitive prices without compromising quality. We strive to provide cost-effective solutions that fit your budget whilst ensuring high standards.

“Pleased with the value and speed of delivery. One of the only places that could meet our specific needs. Purchased on a couple of occasions now and would definitely use again.”

Commitment

From your initial contact to the delivery of your materials or the completion of your installation, we are with you every step of the way. Our goal is to ensure your experience with us is excellent and evolves into a long-term partnership. We are available to answer any questions or provide advice whenever needed. A completed sale is not the end of our service; we are dedicated to offering ongoing support. Whether you need a racking inspection or repairs, we are here to support your business. This commitment sets us apart from our competitors. Make the smart choice today and join thousands of satisfied customers—you won’t be disappointed!

“Fantastic service from the whole team. Director, sales and even the wagon driver. We inherited a large quantity of shelf beams which they helped us identify and source the needed supports to get them in service.”

Contact us today on 0800 612 3210 and experience the difference for yourself!

Are Load Notices Required on My Storage Equipment?

Are Load Notices Required on My Storage Equipment?


A question that is often asked is “are load notices required on my storage equipment”. To answer this you first should know what they are and why they are needed. Load notices are signs which tell users how to use and how not to use their shelving or racking systems and specifically how much weight can safely be loaded onto the system. These notices give vital safety information and when clearly displayed and combined with the correct training, give businesses the reassurance that staff are informed about how to safely load their storage systems. In worst case scenarios, over-loaded pallet racking can cause catastrophic and even fatal collapses. Contact us today to order your warehouse load notices on 0800 6123210, our sales team are happy to help!

A load notice is normally fixed to the outer structure of the pallet racking (usually the frame or upright at the end of a run). Ensure they are secured with permanent fixings that keep them correctly positioned on the structure, such as screws or plastic ties. Avoid using something that allows easy removal, like clips or magnets.

Do I Need Load Notices and How Many Do I Need?

SEMA Codes and HSG 76 are guidance documents, not legal requirements. Displaying SEMA load notices on your pallet racking isn’t mandatory by law but it is the industry standard method to show compliance with Health and Safety legislation. Without clear load notices, you risk non-compliance and serious consequences if an accident occurs.

There is no specific guidance on the amount of load notices required however signs should be visible and should clearly state which pallet racking they refers to. There is an obligation for the employers to ensure that their employees are covered by PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998). Regulation 4, requires every employer to ensure that work equipment is appropriate for the required operation.  Pallet racking is classified as work equipment. It is crucial to health and safety that the pallet racking system installed can support the loads required of it and that these loads are clearly displayed.

As an example, if a whole of a block of pallet racking in a single warehouse is serviced through a single door and is all to the same configuration, a single sign on entry might be deemed acceptable as all drivers will see if as they enter the warehouse.

However, if every run of pallet racking has a different configuration then you can tackle this in a couple of ways:

  • A different load notice for each configuration. However this would need to be clear which load notice relates to which bays.
  • One load notice that gives an acceptable solution for all configurations in that run. This would need to be based on the worst-case (weakest) configuration of that run.

What Information Should Be on a Load Notice?

It’s challenging to balance the amount of information on a notice with the likelihood that people will read it. Too little information and important points might be missed; too much, and no one will read it. The load notice aims to balance this. By providing key safety messages and specific information that is easily read by workers during their normal duties. It doesn’t cover every safety detail and doesn’t replace any formal training required.

The design of the load notice on the pallet racking should contain, as a general rule the following elements. Safety and prevention warnings, the load capacities, and the contact details of the manufacturer and distributor for the end customer.

  1. First sign is a warning, ensure regular inspections, correct usage, and check for damage.
  2. Second sign is an instruction, report all damage so the rack can be taken out of use if needed.
  3. Third sign is a prohibition, do not alter the rack without checking with the supplier first.
  4. The fourth sign is also a prohibition, do not climb the equipment, as it is not designed for climbing and could topple.
  5. The final notice provides useful information and warns to contact the supplier if unsure about the equipment’s limitations.
  • Brief description, comments of the system (usually includes the manufacturer of the system installed).
  • Maximum load per beam level (UDL).
  • Height from the floor to the top of the first beam level.
  • Height from the top of first beam to the top of the next level.
  • Maximum bay load, including all levels.
  • Space for supplier information of the storage system.

What should I do if my pallet racking doesn’t currently have a load notice?

The load capacity of pallet racking systems varies significantly. Factors like steel grade and thickness, configuration (number of beams per bay, height to the first beam, beam pitch, number of bays in a run), and floor fixing type all influence the maximum load capacity. Therefore, you would need to consult the company that the pallet racking was purchased from. If you do not know where the pallet racking was purchased from you could either get in touch with the manufacturer or consult a trained professional to ensure the information is accurate. 

In summary, to answer the question are load notices required on my storage equipment? Simply the answer is yes, if you are to adhere to the legislation set by SEMA, HSE and PUWER.

To order your load notices today, please contact a member of our sales team on 0800 612 3210.

VNA Pallet Racking: Maximising Your Warehouse Space


What is VNA Pallet Racking?

VNA pallet racking, or very narrow aisle racking, is great for maximising your warehouse space. By stacking pallets closely together, it’s a system that allows easy access to all pallets while utilising every bit of available space. In warehouses, making every square metre profitable is crucial. VNA pallet racking achieves this by using narrow aisles and stacking pallets high. Call us to discuss your requirements on 0800 612 3210 or send us an enquiry.

VNA pallet racking stands out as one of our best options for making the most of space when storing pallets. Its narrow aisles allow more pallets per m2 compared to standard pallet racking. Very narrow aisles push this efficiency to an even greater extent. See the typical aisle widths for pallet racking below.

Standard or wide aisle pallet racking:
• Aisle width – 3.5m to 4m
• FLT – Counterbalance truck
• Can be as narrow as 2.5m for access via reach truck

Narrow aisle pallet racking:
• Aisle width – 1.8m to 2.3m
• FLT – Specialist narrow aisle truck

VNA pallet racking:
• Aisle width – 1.5m to 1.6m
• FLT – Rail or wire-guided VNA truck

Why Use VNA Pallet Racking?

VNA pallet racking achieves an average of 55% space utilisation. This means an average of 55% warehouse space used for storage and 45% for aisles. In contrast, standard (wide aisle) pallet racking achieves 40% space utilisation, while narrow aisle pallet racking achieves 50%.

Although a 5% increase in space utilisation may appear small, the impact becomes clear when you crunch the numbers. A 5% expansion in pallet space translates to a notable revenue boost. For larger warehouse operations, this increase is significant.

How Safe is VNA Pallet Racking?

VNA pallet racking is typically higher than standard APR, enabling loading and unloading from significant heights. What’s more, the specialised trucks used with VNA pallet racking are very efficient and designed for safe operation at these heights. Various options are available for VNA pallet racking trucks. Including a man-up truck, which allows the operator to ride with the pallet to the top, improving visibility. In addition, backstops can be installed to prevent pallets from accidentally being pushed off the rear racks and anti-collapse mesh can be added to secure the goods on the pallets.

Rail Guided VNA Pallet Racking

In this system, forklifts need rollers as guides on their sides. Metal rails are then installed along the sides of the working aisle to guide the truck along it. Therefore, ensuring it stays on a straight course. The guide rails can be high or low depending on the storage needs of the first level of the pallet racking.

Wire Guided VNA Pallet Racking

The inductive or wire-guided system uses sensors and a cable circuit under the floor to guide the forklift.

This cable or wire under the floor generates a small electromagnetic field that connects to the sensors built into the forklifts ensuring that the forklift stays on the designated circuit without any lateral deviations

This system ensures maximum safety and automates forklift movements in the aisle. Install the wire circuit after setting up the VNA pallet racking.

Do I need a P&Ds for my VNA Pallet Racking?

VNA pallet racking trucks are highly efficient within the racking system but slow down when moving pallets outside this area, such as to an external doorway. For these tasks, a counterbalance truck is faster, but it can’t place pallets into the VNA system. The common solution is to use pick and deposit stations (P&Ds), located at the entrance of the VNA pallet racking. The counterbalance truck drops pallets at the P&Ds, and the VNA truck then picks them up to store them. There are two types of P&Ds: castellated, where every other racking row is extended for better access, and cantilevered, placed at the end of each row, allowing both trucks to work efficiently in a two-directional motion.

When deciding between cantilever and castellated P&Ds, consider the pattern in which pallets are picked and transported during delivery. Since pallets are not equal on all sides, they need to be correctly angled on the P&Ds to align with the non-turning guided VNA truck. Narrow aisle racking bays are typically 1100mm wide, suitable for both UK and EU pallets without decking. However, UK pallets measure 1200mm x 1000mm, and EU pallets measure 1200mm x 800mm, so the 1200mm side should always rest on the 1100mm beams when placing them onto the pallet racking.

Advantages of VNA Pallet Racking

Effective Space Utilisation – maximising both floor and vertical space can significantly increase storage capacity, potentially by up to 50% or more for some businesses.

Increased Productivity – using faster specialised trucks, VNA pallet racking ensures that the picking and loading process is both safe and efficient. Stock is easy to find with 100% direct access, even at heights, using the specialised trucks.

Increased Safety – advanced handling features on narrow aisle trucks, including “man-up” capabilities, enhance the safety of load handling for your staff.

Reduced Damage – guiding the forklifts down the aisle without manual steering greatly reduces the risk of pallet racking damage, minimising the chance of collapses.

Disadvantages of VNA Pallet Racking

Lower Flexibility – all pallets need to be the same size to get the most from the VNA pallet racking.

Requirement for Specialised Equipment – a narrow aisle trucks is necessary to allow for manoeuvring between the narrow aisles. These specialised trucks are not functional outside of the working aisles.

Fitting of Guide Rails or Wire – a guidance system at floor level is necessary to ensure the precise positioning of the forklift trucks.

The main downside is that VNA pallet racking requires installation on a perfectly flat concrete floor. It is essential that the warehouse floor meets the required specifications including a super flat surface. VNA pallet racking is normally higher than standard pallet racking, with an uneven floor the trucks can tilt and knock the pallet racking at height which is highly dangerous.

If you have weighed up the pros and cons and would like to find out more about VNA pallet racking for your business, you can contact our sales team on 0800 612 3210 to discuss your requirements.

 

Why Choose Shelving and Racking

The Benefits Of Choosing Shelving & Racking


In a world filled with choices, it’s essential to know why you should buy from a particular business. With so many options available, making the right decision for your equipment needs is important. Whether you’re seeking new or used pallet racking or anything else from our range of warehouse equipment, we strive to deliver value, quality, and exceptional customer experiences. Read on to see the benefits of choosing Shelving & Racking and why buying from us is the smart choice. 

Quality You Can Trust

One of the most important reasons to buy from us is our commitment to quality. We understand that this is paramount in any purchase decision, which is why our used racking goes through rigorous safety checks.  All our stock meets the SEMA specifications for racking inspections before it leaves our warehouse and every frame and beam is visually inspected to ensure they meet our high standards. This commitment ensures that you’re investing in materials that are built to last and perform at their best.

Exceptional Customer Service

Customer service is at the heart of our business, and sets us apart from our competitors. We believe that great products should be accompanied by excellent support. The benefits of choosing Shelving & Racking is you’re not just buying a product; you’re gaining a partner who is dedicated to providing assistance, answering questions, and ensuring your requirements are met. We are only a call or email away.

Wide Range 

We understand that every customer is unique, with distinct preferences and needs. That’s why we offer a wide range of products to cater to diverse requirements. Whether you’re looking for a particular beam size or manufacturer, we have a variety of stock available. Our goal is to make sure you find the perfect fit for your business needs. We supply both used and new pallet racking from a wide range of manufacturers, we are sure we can find a solution for your requirements.

Competitive Pricing

Affordability is an essential factor in any purchasing decision. We aim to provide our products at competitive prices without compromising on quality. Value for your money is paramount, and we work diligently to offer cost-effective solutions that meet your budget without sacrificing quality.

Trust

Reputation and credibility is paramount to our business and we have years of trust and experience. We have a track record of delivering on our promises with thousands of satisfied customers. When you choose to buy from us, you can have confidence in your decision, knowing that you are dealing with a trusted and established business. You can read our customer reviews here

Ongoing Support

We don’t consider the sale as the end of our relationship with you. When you purchase from us, as a valued customer we are dedicated to providing ongoing support. From arranging pallet racking inspections, to assisting with maintenance or reconfiguration, we are here to ensure that your experience with Shelving & Racking remains an exceptional one.

When you buy from us, you’re not just making a purchase; you’re making an informed choice. We offer quality, excellent customer service, a wide range of options, competitive pricing, trust, and ongoing support. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we aim to exceed your expectations in every way. Make the smart choice today and buy from us, and experience the difference for yourself! You can call us to discuss your requirements on 0800 612 3210 or you can contact us by email at sales@racking-ltd.co.uk.

Pallet Racking Column Guard

Huge Savings on Pallet Racking Column Guards


Good protection is essential for prolonging the life of your pallet racking. We currently have some huge savings on pallet racking column guards. The money and time cost of replacing damaged frames is substantial so our budget friendly column guards and rack end barriers could be the best investment you make!

We understand that pallet racking is a crucial investment for any business, and any damage to it can result in costly repairs and potential downtime. That’s why our column guards are an essential addition to your warehouse maintenance plan. Their strong and durable construction ensures maximum protection against accidental impacts, forklift damage, and other potential hazards.

Our column guards are built to withstand daily wear and tear, making them a long-term, cost-effective solution for your warehouse. They are easy to install which means minimal downtime and hassle for your business operations.

Not only do our column guards provide unmatched durability, but they also offer an affordable option for protecting your warehouse equipment. We understand the importance of keeping costs low, which is why we buy in bulk to pass amazing discounts onto our customers.  No need to sacrifice quality for price – you can have both with our budget friendly column guards.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – invest in column guards and ensure the safety and longevity of your pallet racking. Trust the experts and give your warehouse the protection it deserves. Call us now on 0800 612 3210 to order now or you can email us and experience the peace of mind that comes with strong and durable equipment.

Dexion Racking, Tyre Racking

Pallet Racking and So Much More!


Pallet racking might seem like a simple storage solution at first glance, but it’s extremely versatile and adaptable. Let’s explore the many storage solutions we can offer, at Shelving & Racking our pallet racking does a lot more than just hold pallets!

Pallet racking transforms how spaces are used. By making use of vertical storage, it transforms warehouses into storage hubs. Pallet racking extends beyond the simple storage of pallets and can be used to store a wide range of products of all shapes and sizes including Tyres and Carpets.

Tyre Racking

Due to the shape and nature of tyres any unnecessary pressure could cause deformities and alter the shape of the tyres. They shouldn’t be stacked and are difficult products to store so they can be easily picked. We provide specially adapted shallow racking systems as a perfect solution to keep tyres separated and accessible.

Carpet Racking

Our carpet racking utilises stacked runs of adjustable pallet racking with timber or chipboard levels. This allows long and spacious channels for easy loading and unloading carpet rolls. Shelf pitches can vary depending on roll diameter and whether the products can be stacked.  

Beam levels can be decked in a choice of suitable materials including chipboard, MDF, and open / close boarded timber. 

The carpet racking can be installed to allow access to goods from one or both ends as required. Positioning racks in a back to back layout offers increased storage capacity, with access aisles between each of the rows.

Freezer Pallet Racking

Freezers need organised and efficient storage, especially for perishable goods. Pallet racking systems are a game-changer in these spaces. As businesses grapple with the challenges of storing perishable goods, maintaining temperature integrity, and optimising space, this becomes a cost effective solution. 

Pallet racking in freezers or cold rooms, lets businesses stack goods vertically making the most of the freezer’s height and saving floor space. Pallet racking designed for freezers is designed to handle the low temperatures.

From adjustable shelf heights to accommodate various product sizes, pallet racking can be customised for different storage needs, helping manage inventory better.  Safety is crucial in cold storage. These racks are designed to be sturdy and durable, with features like guards and protectors to prevent accidents. 

Cask & Barrel Racking

There is an increasing demand from distilleries and breweries for racking for wine and spirits and kegs and casks. Many businesses find this a much more cost-effective method than a traditional dunnage warehouse with the benefit of adjustable levels to control airflow.

Pallet racking can be configured to design a warehouse cask pallet racking solution that meets the specific design criteria of any distillery. Due to the bespoke nature of these racking systems please contact us to discuss this in more detail. We can take into account the type of handling equipment to be used, we can offer walk-ways and staircases for access in order to take samples. Typically, walkways and staircases are incorporated to allow access to individual barrels in the system for on-going checking of the maturation process ensuring the available area can be maximised to full capacity.

Cantilever Racking

For storage of items that are not suitable for pallet racking we offer various storage solutions. If you’re looking to store large sheets of timber, metal or even pipes, why not look at our cantilever racking. We have a fantastic off the shelf solution that is available in single or double-sided. For a bespoke solution including systems suitable for indoor or outdoor use please do not hesitate to contact us.

Vertical Racking

If upright storage for long items is what you are searching for look no further. Our vertical storage racks can accommodate up to 3 metres in length. A very simple system that comes as a starter bay with the option to add extension bays. Each bay comes with 3 dividers, although if you require more simply let us know. With a choice of two bay widths, this vertical storage solution is sure to meet most business needs. For a customised system, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our Sales team on 0800 612 3210 or email us at sales@racking.ltd.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Successful Pallet Racking and Decking Project in South of England


We had the pleasure to work with a customer on a large project to supply pallet racking and a custom decking solution. This customer needed a bespoke system that would work for their unique business needs, and having worked with us previously asked us to work collaboratively with them to produce a unique timber decked solution.

Working with the customer was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Our team was involved in the design and implementation of the storage solution. We took the time to understand the customers specific needs and tailored the solution to optimise their storage space efficiently. The project was a success and the results exceeded ours and our customer’s expectations.

We look forward to working with them again the future. 

How did we meet your expectations?

Shelving & Racking worked tirelessly with us to finite the details of our requirements on this two stage project, to store for a private enterprise client. The result was excellent and rewarding, that collaboration is vital between customer and client

Was there a particular feature or aspect that you found most beneficial?

Attention to detail in getting the order correct, both with racking and close board decking inlays through their timber merchants.

How would you describe your overall experience with us?

Excellent experience with Shelving & Racking, we would definitely use them again for future projects.

Would you recommend us to others? If so, why?

As a customer, we are looking for quality and affordability. With Shelving & Racking we had both – a rare exception!

We are happy to assist with any custom or bespoke requests you may have. If you have a project that you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact our Sales Team on 0800 612 3210 or email us at sales@racking.ltd.

Used Pallet Racking

Causes of Unsafe Pallet Racking


As we start a new year, is maintaining your pallet racking on your to-do list? It is essential to understand the factors that can lead to unsafe conditions and take preventative measures. This blog examines reasons for pallet racking issues and provides strategies for maintaining a safe warehouse environment. Let’s explore some of the leading causes of unsafe pallet racking and see if we can help you to prevent any of this happening in your warehouse.

Why Pallet Racking Become Unsafe?

Efficient warehouse management relies on secure pallet racking systems for storing substantial quantities of goods. However, without proper maintenance, these systems can pose common hazards. Here are some of the leading causes of unsafe pallet racking:

Insufficient training:

Inadequately trained employees are more prone to causing accidents when working with or around pallet racking. Ensure your staff receives thorough training before engaging with these systems. 

Lack of maintenance:

Regular inspection and maintenance are vital for preventing damage to warehouse racking solutions. Consistently check for signs of wear and tear, creating a repair list to address any issues promptly.

Overloading:

Exceeding the loading capacities of pallet racking beams is dangerous and can cause damage to your racking and your stock and cause injury or death in the event of a collapse.  Implement load notices to guide staff in distributing loads across beams within the specified capacity.

Damaged or missing locking pins:

Locking pins (beam locks) play a crucial role in keeping pallet racking safe by preventing beams being accidentally dislodged . Damaged or missing locking pins can compromise the safety of the racking. Make sure that all locking pins are present and correctly fitted. contact us if you need to buy replacements.

Worn out parts:

Continuous use can lead to wear and tear in moving parts of some mobile racking systems, increasing the risk of collapse or failure. Regular safety inspections are essential to identify and address potential issues, including rust and corrosion.

Incorrect Use:

Using pallet racking for purposes other than supporting evenly distributed loads can lead to hazardous situations. Ensure proper weight distribution and adherence to load capacities to prevent accidents and always refer back to your supplier if you are changing the layout of your racking including adding, removing or altering beam levels. 

Improper installation:

Inadequately installed pallet racking poses a significant danger. Hiring a professional for proper installation is vital for ensuring the stability and safety of your racks, especially when fully loaded.

Understanding these potential risks and taking proactive measures is crucial for maintaining a secure warehouse environment. Prioritise the safety of your employees by addressing these common leading causes of unsafe pallet racking.

Prevention:

Book annual rack inspections using a qualified SARI inspector get in touch here 

Ensure you have installed column guards and barriers to prevent damage from fork trucks and other handling equipment

Ensure you have the correct signage in your warehouse.

SEMA provide a Rack Safety Awareness Course for the routine, regular inspection of your own company’s racking.

If any of the above are on your list and you require any pallet racking components please contact us on 0800 612 3210 to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, or you can contact us by email sales@racking.ltd.

How to Measure & Identify Your Pallet Racking


If you are adding to an existing pallet racking system, it is essential that you know exactly what you have so we can match it correctly and ensure that the racking you order matches your existing system. There are a huge number of different pallet racking manufacturers on the market and the separate components come in a wide range of weight capacities and sizes.   Call us on 0800 6123210 and speak to one of our sales team or send us an email with details of what you need.

So what is the best way to identify and measure your pallet racking?

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into measurements, it’s crucial to identify the pallet racking system that you have. There are many manufacturers and we stock a wide range from Dexion, Apex, Link 51, Redirack, Hilo and Stow to name a few. None of these systems are compatible with each other so it is important to make sure that you correctly identify your racking. On our website we have a useful Identify My Racking page to help you if you are unsure of the system you have. If you cannot identify your racking you can send us an email to sales@racking.ltd with an image and we will be happy to assist you further.

Measuring 

Beam Width (Bay Width):

    • Measure from the inside of one upright to the inside of the opposite pallet racking upright. This measurement is often called the ‘clear entry’ or ‘bay width’ – Measurement A on the diagram below.
    • The choice of bay width often depends on the size of your pallets. Typical sizes are 2700mm and 3300mm, but can be customised to your businesses needs.
    • Understanding the total load per pair of beams, known as the Safe Working Load (SWL) or Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL). For instance, if two pallets on a single beam level weigh up to 1000kgs each, your SWL/UDL will need to be 2000kgs.

Frame Height and Depth:

    • Measure the full frame height from the top of the frame to the bottom.
    • Measure the full frame depth from the outside of the front upright post to the outside of the rear upright post.
    • We will determine the correct frame duty based on factors such as the load on the beams, the number of beam levels, and the height of the first beam level.

Contact us on 0800 612 3210 to discuss your storage needs or to get advice on measuring and identifying racking components. Alternatively, or you can contact us by email sales@racking.ltd.

Get in touch today

Get in touch now with our friendly sales team to discuss your requirements.

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Shelving & Racking Ltd
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