08

Jan

How to Find a Pallet Racking Supplier

Have you recently taken on a new warehouse? Maybe you’re looking to give your racking a boost because your current equipment isn’t working for your business. Whatever your plans, there will definitely be a wish list of requirements for your racking to deliver. But, getting there isn’t as easy as you think. When making such a big investment, it’s crucial to choose a pallet racking supplier who can deliver a precise mix. This includes choosing the correct equipment for the job and a design that maximises safety and works for your business.

However, search for a pallet racking supplier and you quickly find it is a saturated market. Choosing one can be incredibly difficult. How do you know if they are qualified for the job? Will their design and racking choice deliver the most for your business? How do you know if they’ll maximise Return On Investment (ROI)?

In these days of ‘buyer beware’ it’s right to be cautious with your buying decisions. After all, racking may look simple, but the complexity of your system’s design, manufacture, and installation cannot be ignored. Especially when you consider the critical job it does to safely hold tonnes of product above your employees’ heads. In our blog, we look at the key areas to consider when choosing a pallet racking supplier.

choose the best pallet racking for your businessHow can pallet racking help your business?

Let’s start with the basics, why does getting the correct pallet racking for your business matter so much? As the growth in online shopping continues, the need for a workable warehouse is more important than ever.

Your racking plays a central role in delivering on expectations and should deliver on the following four areas:

  1. Maximise productivity: As a business owner, you want to your warehouse to run efficiently to maximise productivity and increase revenue. With the correct layout, your racking should maximise storage capacity, improve inventory management and make the journey from initial order to leaving the warehouse as seamlessly as possible.
  2. Meet industry regulations: Within the warehouse and racking industry there are numerous regulations that every business owner must be aware of. Your racking installation, depending on the size of the project, might fall under Construction Design & Management Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) requirements. Guidance has also been provided by the HSE in HSG76 Warehousing and Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety. Although it is not a legal requirement to follow their advice, doing so can help you meet expected Health & Safety standards. Lastly, your racking is classed as work equipment and falls under the requirements of PUWER.
  3. Create a future-proof warehouse: Your racking is a big outlay, and you want to protect these costs as much as possible. To future-proof your warehouse and your investment, you need to consider whether the design of your racking has accommodated potential growth or adaptability in changing stock profiles.
  4. Increase safety: Last, but not least, there is the element of safety. Your racking should put safety at the forefront and aim to protect your employees at all costs. Does the design of your racking incorporate features such as safe zones, reducing the risk of falling loads or designated processing areas? These can all help to protect your employees while they work around the racking.

What to expect from a pallet racking supplier?

how to find a pallet racking supplier

So, with an abundance of suppliers on the market, what should you expect when you get in touch with a racking company?

After the initial consultation to establish your requirements and understand if your distributor can meet your requirements, the pallet racking supplier should visit your warehouse. This enables them to fully examine your warehouse processes and space before on the best system for your business.

They should be looking at the available space in your warehouse which includes the floor capacity and height of the ceiling. They will look at how often you need to access pallets and if you need zones for different processing tasks. The review should also consider the shelf life of the items you are going to palletise and their storage requirements. Answering questions like these will lead towards choosing the most suitable racking and design for your business.

Apart from the basic requirements of product system knowledge and correct design, you also need to work with a pallet racking supplier who can give your warehouse a boost. Warehouses have become multi-functional spaces and must work harder than ever. To meet these demands, you will probably need multiple systems for your project. Work with a supplier, like Teepee, who can deliver a turnkey solution which uses a range of products from different manufacturers. This affords us the flexibility to pick and choose the very best solution that meets the characteristics and needs of your business.

Using Teepee as a central contact point will save you a lot of time and energy. Gone is the need to negotiate with different companies and arrange delivery timescales and installation schedules! Working with our experienced project management team will minimise disruption to your business and ensure the installation complies with statutory requirements, building control, and CDM 2015 regulations.

Do their racking installers work safely?

does your pallet racking installers work safely

Once you and your supplier have worked through the most appropriate design for your warehouse, it’s on to the installation stage. Ensuring ongoing safety through the quality of the racking installation is an area that is often overlooked. Yet, making even one small mistake at this stage can increase unnecessary damage to the structure or, at worst, render the racking dangerous.

Always check that your supplier is working with installers who have gained industry qualifications. Never assume they are correctly trained. In reality, most installers learn on the job, and it is very easy for them to pick up bad habits. One recognised, industry qualification is SEIRS. Run by SEMA, SEIRS instructs on correct racking installation methods, industry-specific requirements for the job and practical skills when installing racking.

SEIRS is also a recognised qualification by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). So, if your racking project does fall under the remit of a construction project, you can be sure that your SEIRS CSCS installer has the qualifications to meet H&S requirements to work on site.

What after-sales care does your pallet racking supplier offer?

Once your racking is in place, the support from your pallet racking supplier shouldn’t stop! Do they have an after-sales team who can answer any queries? Will they come to the site if any problems do occur? Can they also advise on the best way to protect your racking from damage?

To protect your investment and enhance safety in the warehouse, your pallet racking supplier should provide training for your employees. This provides them with the knowledge required to work safely around the racking and identify when damage occurs. The training should also guide you on how to perform weekly inspections that confirm with HSG76.

As the owner, you must also get an approved racking inspector to inspect your equipment at least once a year. Their detailed inspection report will cover the suitability and compatibility of your equipment, and rack configuration type and classify any damage using a traffic light system to indicate actions required and the recommended timescale to address them.

How to find a pallet racking supplier?

how to find a pallet racking supplier

Now you know why you need correctly designed racking and what to expect from your supplier, it’s time to find the best company to work with. Of course, we’ve all done it, jumped on Google to search for a business before clicking on a few to check their company website. They all look impressive, demonstrate their experience and have plenty of testimonials and case studies. But is this enough? Does this make them reliable enough to put such a big investment into their hands?

Some words of warning. Experience is not always a measure of quality and safety. There are also very few barriers to entering the pallet racking market which means not every company has gained an accreditation to start supplying.

One of the best places to start is by heading over to the SEMA website. The Storage Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (SEMA) are a leading voice on safety and quality within the racking industry. They offer guidance on everything from meeting industry regulations to safety in racking installations all the way through to implementing the correct inspection procedure.

Companies, like Teepee, can apply to become one of their members as a SEMA Distributor Company. To successfully gain our badge, we have to demonstrate via an independent audit, that we adhere to over 40 key measures. These include regulations, industry standards, SEMA Codes of Practice and legislative requirements. On top of that, every three years we must submit to another independent audit to ensure we retain the expected quality and safety standards.

Racking Solutions From Teepee

Now you know what to look for from your racking supplier, are you ready to get started? If you’ve got a warehouse storage project planned in the near future, why not get in contact with Teepee? We will provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for the job. Plus with our long-standing relationship with suppliers, we have the skills and knowledge to deliver a full turnkey project.

Why not get in touch today?

08

Jan

Your Complete Guide to Understanding Warehouse Racking Repairs

Warehouse racking repairs, we hate to say it, are inevitable. In the busy day-to-day environment that is your warehouse, it’s natural for your storage equipment to be at risk of knocks and bumps. No matter what racking you have, eventually all that wear and tear is going to need some repair work. To keep your warehouse running smoothly and your workforce safe, ensuring it’s in the best condition is extremely important.

In this blog, we look at how you can minimise accidental damage and reduce ongoing repair costs. We’ll also look at what you can do to minimise maintenance costs and the best approaches to address racking repairs.

Racking Safety Regulations

warehouse racking repairs - safety regulations

When addressing warehouse racking repairs, the first place to start looking at the relevant safety regulations. Under the PUWER (Provisions and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) you, as the warehouse manager must ensure that any work equipment is in good working order. What you may not be aware of is the fact that your racking is classified as work equipment.

PUWER requires you to check whether any equipment is:

  • Suitable for the intended use
  • Safe to use
  • Inspected
  • Maintained in a safe condition

Failing to correctly do so can result in serious consequences. If an investigation by the HSE discovers you have failed in due diligence it can result in hefty fines. This doesn’t even take into account the potential impact on lives after a serious accident.

Inspections and Warehouse Racking Repairs

To meet PUWER it is recommended that you inspect your storage equipment. The design of your racking does allow for some wear and tear but there is a limit to what it can take. Even minor damage can limit the load-carrying capacity of the structure and quickly develop into a serious issue if not addressed.

A rigorous inspection regime will address any damage before it becomes serious. For industry guidance on inspections, there are two places to go. The HSE has produced ‘HSG76 Warehousing and Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety’ or you can head to the website of SEMA who are the leading voice on safety in the storage equipment industry. Both recommend following a three-tiered process for inspecting warehouse racking.

How Often Should You Inspect Racking?

warehouse racking repairs - installation

  1. Every day your staff should be aware of any damage on the racking. Provide training for your employees, like our Rack Inspection Training course, and it will give them the tools they need to understand what classifies as racking damage. It is far more cost-effective to catch damage early before it develops into a more serious problem.This training also has the benefit of guiding them through safe working practices. Damaged racking can cause downtime for your business. Minimise unnecessary costs by making sure your employees know how to correctly work around the racking. Not only will it keep them safe but it should also reduce accidental damage to the structure.
  1. At least once a week, a member of your staff must undertake a more thorough inspection. This includes checking the loading is correct for the load notice and if there are any components that are missing or damaged. It will also check that everyone is using the equipment correctly. Again, our Rack Inspection Training course will guide them through the process.
  2. Finally, at least once a year, you must have an Expert Inspection by a qualified approved racking inspector. Their detailed inspection report will cover the suitability and compatibility of your equipment, and rack configuration type and classify any damage using a traffic light system to indicate actions required and the recommended timescale to address them.

If you’re overdue for your inspection or have not had one before, why not give us a call and we can arrange for one of our experienced racking inspectors to visit your site.

How do I know if I need warehouse racking repairs?

You know you have damage to your racking but does it need repairing every time? The first thing to understand is the level of the damage. If your racking inspection uses the traffic light system, it should be very easy to understand.

A ‘Green Risk’ shows that there is damage, but it falls well below SEMA allowances. This will be recorded for follow-up at the next inspection.

Next, is the ‘Amber Risk’. This is damage which requires repair work but not at a level that requires immediate offloading. However, you should be aware that as you empty the bays, they should not be refilled. This does not mean you can leave the repair work. SEMA advises that if you don’t get the ‘Amber Risk’ areas fixed within four weeks it will immediately become a ‘Red Risk’.

Now on to the worst type of damage ‘Red Risk’. This is an area with a high level of damage and must be immediately offloaded and isolated. You may only use the racking again once it has been repaired.

Protect your racking investment

warehouse racking repairs - installation

Before you jump online and book a company to come out and repair your racking, take caution! Not all repair work is valid. SEMA has produced guidance on what repair work they recommend and what should be avoided.

For example, your racking company should never undertake welding to the structure because there is no way to test the result of the weld and guarantee strength. If there is damage to an upright, you should never bend it back into shape – it’s far safe to cut out the affected area and splice in a new section. If you need to replace non-structural elements you should only use the correct manufacturer’s part according to their specification. Always check they are replacing the part with the correct one!!

Finally, check with the racking manufacturer on whether the repair work will affect your warranty. Any warehouse racking repairs using third-party materials or unqualified installers could alter the original specification and verification of the product and impact its integrity. The company undertaking the work must provide a warranty to confirm that the repairs are covered by the manufacturer.

How to choose a company to conduct your warehouse racking repairs

warehouse racking repairs - choose a supplier

If you’re looking to protect your investment, you need to work with a company that is approved by the manufacturer of your equipment. However, knowing which companies to trust can be a time-consuming process.

One solution is to work with a SEMA Distributor Company like Teepee. As a member of SEMA, we work closely with the manufacturing members and can access their documentation to conduct repair work. Any warehouse racking repairs will be approved by the manufacturer and protect your warranty.

To become a SEMA Distributor Company, we have been able to successfully demonstrate a high level of commitment to adhere to over 40 regulations, industry standards, Codes of Practice, and legislative requirements. We also have to submit to a three-yearly audit process which checks that we have technical sign-off and traceability for any racking repair work or modification. It will save you a lot of leg work and reassure you.

Need repairs to your racking?

As a member of SEMA, we are also committed to using SEIRS-trained racking installers. The programme run by SEMA ensures that all SEIRS installers have been through their rigorous two-stage training programme and instructs on the correct and safe industry practices for working on racking equipment.

12

Dec

Everything You Need to Know About Warehouse Racking Installations

Getting a new warehouse racking installation in place can be a logistical headache for a lot of business owners. Whether extending current racking or moving to a new facility, there are a lot of different considerations to account for.

If starting from scratch, you need to ask yourself crucial questions. Have you got the best design and choice of racking to improve operations? Are you dovetailing in new racking into an existing structure? Furthermore, how will it compromise your business while the work is going on? On top of all that, are you meeting your Health & Safety responsibilities?

In this blog, we guide you through the key questions to ask when you begin your warehouse racking installations. We also look at the best racking for your warehouse, how to choose a racking supplier and how to prepare for a warehouse racking installation.

warehouse racking install - best racking for my warehouse

Have I got the best racking design for my warehouse?

When planning new warehouse racking, before you even get to the installation, there is a checklist of three key areas you must cover:

  1. Design and racking type
    Have you got the best racking for the job? Does the design work for the throughput of your stock as it travels through the warehouse? This requires extensive planning by a supplier who has experience in getting the most out of your space. Get this stage correct and it will increase storage capacity, reduce pick and packing times and improve productivity. Most importantly, it will keep everyone safe.
  2. Are you meeting industry regulations?
    Most warehouse racking installations fall under the category of a construction project and are covered by HSE’s Construction Design & Management Regulations 2015. As the client, you are responsible for checking you have the ‘right people for the right job’. Check the suppliers credentials to ensure they meet health and safety requirements. Are they using trained labour for the design and installation of your racking?
  3. The right supplier
    To meet conditions 1 and 2 on our checklist you need a responsible racking supplier. But, with thousands of racking suppliers listed in the UK, knowing which one to choose is a minefield. When you work with Teepee, we can prove our safety and quality credentials through our position as a SEMA Distributor Company. To gain our membership we have to meet over 40 industry and SEMA standards and demonstrate our commitment to quality and safety through an independent audit. To demonstrate our commitment to meeting SEMA’s high standards, we have to undergo the accreditation process every three years.

Once you’ve ticked all the boxes, it’s time to get the warehouse racking installation in place.

warehouse racking install - trained installersCan I install my pallet racking?

So, a commonly asked question is whether you can install your pallet racking. After all, it sounds appealing to save some costs if you’re only adding in a few additional bays. The truth is that yes, you can install your racking, but it is not something we would ever advise. To understand why, you would need to look at the apparent simplicity of the structure.

When stripped back, racking is a basic structure with very little to it. However, it is this factor that makes correct installation so important. Miss out an important part of the manufacturer’s specification or fail to address key elements in the design code and it will severely comprise the strength of the racking. Take that away and you’re looking at the nightmare of a potential racking collapse.

That’s why at Teepee we only work with installers who have gained industry qualifications in warehouse racking. Not convinced? There are a lot of advantages to making sure you only use trained installers.

What are the benefits of using trained installers?

The first critical benefit is safety. The installation of racking is a skilled job that requires a high level of practical and technical knowledge.

During the installation, to ensure your racking is up to the job, it must meet certain criteria. For example, do the number and type of floor fixings meet manufacturer tolerances? Have they been correctly positioned and tightened?

The next benefit is reducing ongoing costs. Badly installed racking is more likely to become damaged through unnecessary wear and tear weakening the integrity of the structure. Invest in the installation of your racking and it will pay you back in the long term.

If safety and reducing costs weren’t enough of an incentive, there is also a risk of you failing to meet industry regulations. Take a look at HSG76 Warehousing and Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety which advises warehouse owners on the correct steps towards improving warehouse safety. In the area of warehouse racking installations HSG76 recommends that “racking should only be installed by competent people according to manufacturer’s instruction”. To make sure your installer is ‘competent’, you need to make sure they have received relevant training.

warehouse racking install in progress

How do I check my installer is qualified?

You should never assume that your supplier has a trained installer. There are very few installation courses out there and many installers still learn ‘on the job’. Over time it is very easy for an installer to pick up bad habits, or worse, they never learn the correct methods in the first place.

The first thing to do, is check if your installer has a SEIRS card. Run by SEMA, SEIRS is a national scheme which rigorously trains installers on correct installation methods per industry standards. Installers who have been through SEIRS can demonstrate that they have built up a solid foundation of industry-specific knowledge and practical skills needed for installing racking structures.

SEIRS is also recognised by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). An installer who holds a SEIRS CSCS has the correct skills and experience for installing racking on construction sites and will cover your requirements under CDM 2015.

how to prepare for a warehouse racking install

How do I prepare for the warehouse racking installation?

Looking to install new warehouse racking? Work with Teepee and you know we will work to the highest quality and safety standards throughout the process.

To make sure we understand your needs properly we will first visit your site to analyse the layout, understand your needs and the issues you want to address. We will also look at technical aspects such as how to effectively utilise the available space, reduce product handling, and improve access and suitability of the space and floor for the racking. At this time, especially if we’re installing in a live environment, we will work with you to plan the best route to installation and minimise any disruption to operations.

Once you have approved the quote and design, the installation work will take place. Depending on the design and warehouse characteristics, the installation time will vary, However, we strive to get your business up and running as quickly as we can while working hard for the best results.

Ready to get started on your new warehouse racking installation? 

Teepee offers a range of services related to warehouse solutions, from the design, supply and installation right through to inspections and after-care. Call us at 01384 256969 or fill in our contact form and we will happily answer any queries you have or provide a free quote for your racking.


18

Oct

Your Guide to Different Types of Warehouse Pallet Racking

Do you know the difference from wide aisle to push-back? Confused about whether you need a multi-tier to drive-through racking? Let our guide to warehouse pallet racking help you find the right system for your business.

When it comes to the subject of creating a highly efficient space in your warehouse, it is your storage equipment that will deliver maximum impact. Yet, with so many different types of warehouse pallet racking on the market, choosing the best one for your operations can be overwhelming.

Established in 1987 and having a proven track record within the logistics industry, at Teepee we understand how getting the correct warehouse racking system in place will help you achieve optimum productivity. Here, we explain the different types of systems that we provide, covering what each system is for, how it works, and key advantages for your business.

 

Do I need racking or shelving? 

This is one of the most common questions we’re asked at Teepee. There is no right or wrong answer to this one and it is possible to have both in your warehouse. In most situations, making a choice over racking or shelving largely depends on your space and the type of products you store.

Pallet racking – although not always the case, you normally choose pallet racking if you store items that are larger and heavier. The increased depths of the shelves make them ideal for holding pallets which you access by fork-lift trucks or automated processes. You can adjust beam to accommodate changing stock levels and utilise the full height of your warehouse.

Shelving – with shelving, you will usually store smaller and lighter items which are loaded by hand. Shelving is smaller than racking providing a more efficient space-saving solution. Goods are much easier to store and access, and due to its design, it tends to be a more cost-effective option.

 

What warehouse pallet racking do I need?

In its simplest form, warehouse pallet racking consists of metal frames and beams which are designed to safely hold up tonnes of stock. Yet, the way you configure the structure can have a huge impact on how well your warehouse performs. There are several different solutions and, with the correct design, your warehouse pallet racking will maximise your storage and streamline how stock moves through your warehouse. Here are your options.

 

Wide Aisle Pallet Racking

warehouse pallet racking - wide aisle

This type of warehouse pallet racking is suitable for:

  • Warehouses with space
  • Warehouses that need lots of flexibility and adjustments

How does it work?

As the name suggests this system consists of single or double runs which are separated by wide aisles (normally 2500 – 4000mm in width). It is a very versatile storage option that gives forklift trucks direct access to the pallets. The flexibility of this system allows you to store an array of palletised goods, perfect for handling a variety of product ranges.

Wide aisle racking has the flexibility to support a mix of stock profiles at the same time, yet with the flexibility to easily adapt when needed. It also provides you with better control and management of your inventory.

You can fit wide aisle racking with an array of accessories such as pallet support bars, skids, weld mesh and timber shelves, enabling you to store a vast range of none palletised goods.

Advantages:

  • A very common and simple system to install and use
  • Quick access to stock
  • Immediate and unrestricted access to each pallet
  • High throughput speed
  • Adapted and utilised to suit your requirements and space e.g., adapt the height of the rack, the number of rows and much more
  • Standard forklift trucks

 

Very Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking (VNA)

warehouse pallet racking - VNA

This type of warehouse pallet racking is suitable for warehouses with:

  • Limited floor space
  • High and increasing stock

How does it work?

If warehouse space is a problem, this is the ideal solution for you. As with the wide aisle racking, the system consists of single or double runs, but the true benefit is in the aisle space. The clue is in the name because this racking has aisles that range from only 1.5m up to 2.0m in width.

With VNA racking the sky really is the limit (almost) and you can take advantage of the full height of your warehouse. This makes it an ideal option if your business is growing. The racking can be put in place and additional storage space released as and when you need without having to relocate to a bigger warehouse.

Safety is key with this type of racking. The aisle width is too narrow for a standard truck to operate and instead requires a specialist VNA forklift truck. A wired guidance system fits to the floor which guides the trucks down the centre of the aisle. Stability is key. To avoid the chance of the racks being knocked by trucks, the racking must sit on an even, preferably concrete, floor.

Advantages:

  • Efficient use of warehouse space
  • Minimises need to relocate
  • Immediate and unrestricted access to pallets
  • High speed

See an example > A. Perry & Co (Hinges) Ltd | Teepee Warehouse Solutions

 

Double Deep Pallet Racking

warehouse pallet racking - double deep

This type of warehouse pallet racking is suitable for warehouses with:

  • Long shelf life / non-perishable stock
  • More than one pallet per storage unit

How does it work?

This is essentially a standard pallet racking system. However, the main difference is that this system allows you to create a depth of two pallets that sit back-to-back.

Double deep racking solutions require a specialised truck having telescopic forks, which enables the operator to place the back pallet onto the system first, and then place another pallet in front.

Advantages

  • Efficient stock control system
  • Maximises use of space
  • High density

 

Multi-tier Pallet Racking

warehouse pallet racking - multi tier

This type of warehouse pallet racking is suitable for warehouses with:

  • Limited floor space
  • Manual picking systems
  • Quantities of small products such as online retailers

How does it work?

Multi-tier racking essentially creates a series of usable walkways at different heights throughout the racking. This has the advantage of maximising your floor space by creating multiple hand-loaded picking zones throughout the racking. Walkways are fitted between the shelves with access via a staircase.

Advantages:

  • Optimises height
  • High speed
  • Accessible and adaptable
  • Removes the need to install mezzanine floors
  • Improves picking and packing process

 

Push Back / Pallet Live Racking

warehouse pallet racking - push back

This type of warehouse pallet racking is suitable for warehouses with:

  • High-density storage in a limited area
  • FIFO or FILO operations

How does it work?

There are two systems available:

  • Push back racking uses a First In Last Out (FILO) system. Pallets load onto a specially designed gravity roll track that pushes previously loaded pallets deep to the back. This system can store up to 10 pallets deep allowing efficient use of warehouse space. When you pick a pallet, the next one behind will move forward. Pallets load and unload from the same aisle picking space. You can store several SKUs without the need for moving large quantities of pallets to gain access.
  • Pallet live racking work on a First In First Out (FIFO) method. It is ideal for fast-paced environments such as food manufacturing. Pallets roll down specially designed lanes that are controlled by a series of inbuilt brake rollers. Each lane is loaded with pallets at the replenishment side and collected at the picking face on the opposite side to control stock rotation and levels.

Advantages:

  • 85% space utilisation
  • 4m – 4m aisle widths
  • Quick and easy access to pallets located at the picking face
  • High speed
  • Boost productivity
  • No need for specialist equipment

 

Drive-in, Drive-through Racking

warehouse pallet racking - drive in

This type of warehouse pallet racking is suitable for warehouses with:

  • High-density storage
  • Bulk storage systems
  • Limited stock rotation
  • Cold storage environments (e.g., refrigerated and frozen warehouses).
  • Seasonal products
  • Low turnover products

How does it work?

Drive in racking is a high-density storage system which is ideal for warehouses that stock a large number of pallets per SKU. The design of your drive-in racking will maximise your storage space by minimising the number of aisles needed for trucks. Multiple racks sit alongside each other with pallets loaded onto designated lanes and accessed by forklift trucks. Each pallet is supported by pallet rails which are attached to the uprights of the system. Pallets to be placed back-to-back within a compact structure to optimise both the vertical and horizontal space.

There are two ways the forklift truck can access the pallets:

Drive-in – this is designed on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory management basis. The forklift truck loads and picks each pallet using the same aisle.

Drive-through – this is designed on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management basis. The forklift truck has access to both ends and therefore can load from one side and unload from the other.

Advantages:

  • 85% space optimisation
  • Low risk of damage
  • Maximum flexibility – expandable

See an example > Minor Weir & Willis (MWW) | Teepee Warehouse Solutions

 

Need help with your warehouse pallet racking?

We hope that this page has helped you to find the right system for you. If you’re looking to increase your storage space, why not get in touch and see how we at Teepee can help. We work closely with our customers to design bespoke storage systems that get to the heart of their business to maximise their storage and boost productivity.

If you have any questions, get in touch with one of our team who are on hand to help you out.

Contact us today.

18

Oct

How Often Should You Inspect Racking?

One of the most critical components in your warehouse is your racking system. If designed and installed correctly it should support your business, improve processes and speed up orders. Above all else, keep everyone safe. It would be nice to think that once up, you take racking off your list of jobs. However, this is not the case. To keep your equipment in good working order you also need to continuously inspect racking. A process that extends over the lifetime of your structure. Follow the correct inspection steps and it will uphold safety levels, reduce maintenance costs and help warehouse owners to meet their responsibilities.

With over 35 years of experience in the storage industry, Teepee knows a thing or two about helping businesses keep their racking safe. In our blog, we look at what you need to consider and how often you should inspect your warehouse racking.

 

Finding the Right Guidance

Navigating the process can be challenging to get your head around. However, there is plenty of guidance available which, together with support from Teepee, will help you stay on top of your racking responsibilities.

The first place to look is the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA). They are a leading voice within the storage industry and are proactive in the development of standards in racking systems. They develop and influence both National and European Codes of Practice and guidelines for all types of storage equipment and in particular cover the inspection process.

Guidance is also available in HSG 76 Warehousing and Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety from the HSE. Although it is not a legal requirement to follow the advice, adhering to the guidance is usually enough to comply with legislation. Their advice aligns with guidance produced by SEMA and follows the lifetime of your racking from the design, supply and installation right through to maintenance and inspection processes.

 

Meet Your Racking Responsibilities 

inspect racking - know your requirements

Owners of racking equipment need to be aware that storage equipment falls under the classification of work equipment. It is your responsibility to assess and maintain your racking in accordance with PUWER (Provisions and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998).

From the very start, you are responsible for ensuring the equipment is suitable for its intended use. It means checking the design of the racking works for intended loads and correct installation processes have been followed. In a market with very few barriers to entry, it is always advisable to work with a SEMA Distributor Company like Teepee. The accreditation provides reassurance the racking supplier has been through an independent assessment to prove their safety and quality credentials.

PUWER also expects you to provide adequate training for your employees and instruction on how to use the equipment. Moving forward you must then check it is safe to use, maintained in a safe condition and regularly inspected.

 

Inspect Racking – Step-By-Step Guide

When it comes to the inspection of your racking, SEMA advises adopting a three-tiered approach.

  • Daily – as soon as your racking is in place, you need to keep an eye on it. Every day it will be receive numerous knocks and bumps which, if you don’t address, can quickly turn into big problems.The people best placed to regularly keep an eye on your racking are your employees After all, they are working around the equipment every day and can quickly spot if there is an issue. However, they can only do this with correct training and knowledge to know what a problem looks like. That’s why at Teepee we hold our Racking Inspection Training which instructs your staff on the safe operation of your racking system.
  • Weekly –every week a nominated and trained member of your team must perform a more detailed inspection. This is a Person Responsible for Racking Safety otherwise known as PRRS. Their role is to check everyone is following correct usage, record damage levels and implement action on any points. A formal record of their inspection will be written for your records. Again, our Racking Inspection Training can prepare a member of your staff to take on this role.
  • Expert – the final stage is the Expert inspection which you must undertake at least once a year. In accordance with HSE requirements, only a professional with the correct qualifications can undertake this type of inspection. They will conduct racking and storage assessments while also reporting and making recommendations to maintain the safety of your racking.

 

What to Expect from Your Inspection Report

Ideally, you want an approved racking inspector who uses a traffic light reporting system. Their report will indicate what damage is present and action requirements over what timescale.

inspect racking - traffic light approachA Red risk indicates serious damage which requires immediate offloading of the rack. At this stage, you must isolate the racking and not use it until the repair work is complete.

Amber shows where the damage is severe enough to require remedial work but does not require ‘immediate unloading of the rack’. However, as you empty pallet positions do not refill the area. If the repairs are not complete within a four-week timeframe the area automatically becomes a red risk,

Green areas indicate where damage falls within SEMA limits and is considered safe, serviceable and suitable for use. The area will be recorded for further consideration at the next inspection.

 

If you need an expert inspection, get in touch with Teepee and we can arrange for one of our fully qualified and insured racking inspectors to visit your site. They will produce an electronic report that adheres to SEMA inspection guidelines. The report will detail specifications, conditions, damage list by location and photographic evidence for remedial works by your approved supplier.

Need Racking Training for Your Employees?

how often should you inspect racking?

When looking for a racking safety course, it’s worthwhile getting your training from experts who work within the industry. After all, the course should be worth paying for the time and money you are putting in. That’s why at Teepee, we make sure we put our experienced inspectors at the front of the class! Giving you and your employees the chance to draw on both their knowledge and experience.

We will deliver our interactive Racking Awareness, Safety & Inspection Course at your premises and prepare your employees for both the daily and the PRRS weekly inspections. The classroom-based element of the course will equip candidates with a level of competence that meets guidelines and legislation.

Once the classroom element is over, we move out onto the warehouse floor. This practical section gives your employees the chance to inspect your racking in familiar surroundings. They will work alongside the qualified inspector to ensure continuity of findings between the in-house and expert inspections.

Upon completion of the rack safety course, we issue a certificate. This details the date achieved, the expiry date and the name of the facility’s competent PRRS. The certification lasts for THREE years after which they will need to go on one of our refresher racking inspection courses.

 

Need to Inspect Racking? Teepee Can Help!

At Teepee, we’re more than just creating and delivering the perfect storage solution. Keeping on top of your inspections may seem like a complicated task, but work with us and we’ll make sure it’s something to take off your ‘to-do’ list.

Book an inspection with Teepee and we’ll make sure you never forget your next expert inspection and ensure you meet SEMA and HSE recommendations. Two to three months prior to your next inspection we’ll get in touch to discuss your equipment, help with any problems you may have and book one of our Approved Inspectors to pay a visit to your site. Tick all the boxes and get your employees booked onto our Rack Safety course.

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Warehouse Racking Layout

 

When it comes to designing your warehouse, you can never plan enough. Do you know what layout you will have? What will your inventory management be like? What stock are you storing? How will it be handled? 

There are many different aspects and principles to consider. Yet get the planning right, choose the correct racking and it can provide numerous benefits for your business. It is all about making the most out of your warehouse to increase efficiencies, improve productivity and meet customer needs. 

We take you step-by-step through the different design aspects you must consider when talking to a racking supplier. If it does get too overwhelming, don’t forget that at Teepee we have a team of experienced warehouse pallet racking experts of 35 years who can work with you to design your perfect solution. We can take all the planning and designing weight off your shoulders, putting put your warehouse in the best hands. 

Are you ready to start? 

 

The Layout 

Warehouse racking layout

The first place to start is with the layout of your storage solution.  

Storage Volume 

Every warehouse has a maximum storage capacity. One of the most common issues is running out of space.

which means you either start planning to move to a bigger warehouse or rent additional space. Yet understanding how to maximise your constraints can make the most of the space with the flexibility to adapt in the future.  

Throughput 

How many pallets will there be passing through the warehouse? Once you have an idea of quantity it can help determine the right choice and layout of your storage system. For example, if you have a large number of pallets per SKU then a bulk storage solution such as a drive-in/drive-through racking will be worth considering but if you have multiple SKUs, you may need more than one type of storage system. 

Accessibility    

Of course, ease of accessibility to your stock will ensure orders get out of the door as quickly as possible. Consider who and what equipment is involved in the picking and packing process. This will not only drive productivity but will also improve safety standards. After all, if an obstruction stops a team member from accessing stock or no consideration is given to safe working zones you could run the risk of a serious accident occurring. 

 

Inventory Management

warehouse racking layout support

Getting your inventory management process in order is the optimum way to choose the best warehouse pallet racking system. At the same time it will also support your throughput of stock and drive ROI. 

How will you manage the inbound and outbound stock moving through the warehouse? Once the pallets arrive, what would the flow be like, where would they go and what is their journey? The team should make sure that the shipment is correct and moved to a designated racking system where it can be stored until used in the outbound process. 

This will then lead to the matter of traceability and always knowing what is inside the pallet and how it travels from point A to point B. By putting traceability as one of the priorities, you can achieve quality control and enhanced productivity. 

 

Storage Solution

warehouse racking layout support

Finally, on to the backbone of your warehouse – finding a racking system and design shape that works best for your business. 

Racking Systems  

With over 30 years of experience in the logistics industry, at Teepee we understand how getting the correct warehouse racking system in place will help you achieve optimum productivity. There are multiple pallet racking options and the type you need depends on your warehouse, stock and processes. If you would like more information, head over to our blog ‘Your guide on warehouse pallet racking systems’ which covers what each system is for, how it works, and key advantages. 

Once you’ve chosen the best pallet racking, it’s on to the design shape of the system. 

 

Design Shape 

  • U Shape is a simple design that allows inventory to move into and out of storage at different rates. As the name suggests, the warehouse pallet racking is set up in a ‘U’ shape with shipping and loading at the front the storage is at the back. From a land use perspective, it is known as the most economical design. It can also split the warehouse into three different zones – fast-moving storage and pick faces at the front, medium-moving storage in the middle, and slow-moving storage at the back.  This reduces the distances travelled to access the stock. 
  • I Shape allows inventory to move into and out of the storage at a uniform, fast rate. There is just one direction meaning the receiving area is at one end and the dispatch area at the other. If you do pick this shape, remember that the inventory will need to travel the whole length of the warehouse before being able to retrieve the stock. 
  • L Shape allows inventory to move into and out of the storage at a cross-docking operation. Loading and reception areas are on one side of the warehouse and picking and shipping are on the other. The rest of the space is then filled with storage. 

 

Warehouse Pallet Racking Safety

Safety and a warehouse should always go hand-in-hand. After all, the consequences of something going wrong with your racking while holding tonnes of stock is not worth considering. 

Yet, in an industry that is largely unregulated, knowing how to trust the experience of your racking supplier can be difficult to navigate. Does your supplier have the appropriate credentials to assure that your racking system is safe? Do they meet and exceed regulations required by industry standards?  

One way to get reassurance on the quality and safety of your supplier is to work with a SEMA Distributor Company (SDC). For over 50 years SEMA has led the way on providing best practice standards within the storage equipment industry. As one of their SDCs, every three years Teepee has to demonstrate their high level of commitment to industry standards by submitting ourselves to an independent assessment. During the rigorous process, we must show that we adhere to over 40 regulations, industry standards, Codes of Practice and legislative requirements to retain our membership and prove our credentials. 

We also follow industry best practice advice and use SEIRS registered installers. SEIRS is an initiative run by SEMA which trains warehouse pallet racking installers on the methods and processes to safely and correctly install pallet racking. 

 

Get in Touch

Looking to maximise your warehouse? Get in touch and see how one of our team can help you with the design of your racking. At Teepee we have 35 years of experience, providing services from the very beginning right through to the completion of the project. We can assure you that you will be supported through every key stage.