28

Oct

Transform Your Warehouse Into A Treat This Halloween

With Halloween lurking around the corner, is it time to see if you are delivering a trick or a treat and consider whether it’s time to transform your warehouse?

At Teepee, we specialize in supplying warehouse systems such as partitioning, racking, mezzanine floors, and safety barriers—solutions that can turn your warehouse into a functional masterpiece, with less fright and more delight! We can show you how to avoid monsters lurking in the aisles and instead treat your warehouse to a hauntingly good transformation that will enhance productivity, and storage capacity, to increase profitability and safety.

1. Clear the Cobwebs: Organize Your Space with Effective Racking Solutions

transform your warehouse and clear out cobwebs

Don’t let your warehouse feel like you’re navigating a haunted house. Are dark corners making items disappear? Do piles of stock appear to be moving all by themselves? If your warehouse layout is looking more like a horror scene, it might be time to sweep out the cobwebs and go for streamlined and efficient racking.

The best way to get the most out of your warehouse is to go for a bespoke design. That way you can have a racking layout which works perfectly for your business. The design should accommodate stock profiles, and your picking methods, while also enhancing inventory management. It should enhance the journey of stock as it moves through your warehouse, making sure it is easily accessible and seamlessly moves through the space until the moment the order leaves the building.

A bespoke design will also consider the type of storage equipment you need, whether that’s pallet racking for larger goods, narrow aisle racking to increase storage capacity within the footprint of your building or shelving that can fill a tight space in your warehouse.

By getting Teepee to design a racking system tailored to your exact requirements, we’ll take the planning and design weight off your shoulders. Our design will maximise the space in your warehouse and avoid the ghastly scenes of overcrowded aisles and disorganised inventory.

 

2. Banish Hazards with Safety Barriers

transform your warehouse with safety barriers

When things go bump in the warehouse, make sure it doesn’t turn into a horror story. Getting suitable protection around high-risk areas can help your warehouse to operate safely while keeping your workers protected from any unexpected scares. It is also a requirement to ensure you comply with current Health & Safety Legislation and Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) recommendations.

The problem is, with so many options on the market, which is the best one for your racking and business? One advantage of working with a supplier like Teepee is that we are product agnostic which means we can supply the best safety equipment to suit your warehouse – regardless of the manufacturer. We offer a range of steel or impact-resistance plastic safety barriers and guarding systems such as racking safety barriers, pedestrian barriers, end-of-aisle racking barriers including upright protection guards, mezzanine floor stanchion guards and protection barriers around machines, offices and building walls. We also offer a bespoke manufacturing service to meet individual needs.

3. Banish the spectre of unused space

transform your warehouse and maximise unused space

If your warehouse is haunted by the lack of storage space or inadequate areas for picking and packing tasks, maybe it’s time to consider how to maximise your warehouse. Any building has constrains with the height and width of the structure, but it is possible to enhance what you have with a few little treats.

There are plenty of options to incorporate into the warehouse that can provide additional storage capacity. With multi-tier racking you build upwards to utilise the space above your head by creating levels and walkways on which you place shelving to create picking lanes. Another option is to introduce some space-saving models such as Push Back racking which operates on a First In Last Out (FILO) system. The racking stores up to 10 pallets deep and can optimise the space by up to 85%. Pallets load onto a gravity roll track that pushes previous pallets to the back, then, when you pick a pallet, the next one behind will move forward. Pallets load and unload from the same aisle picking space and you can store several SKUs without needing to move large quantities of pallets to gain access.

If it’s usable space you’re looking for, you might want to consider adding a mezzanine floor. These structures are custom-built for your needs and can be used for multiple purposes including additional storage, production space and even offices.

4. Divide and Conquer this Halloween with Partitioning Systems

transform your warehouse with partitioning

Instead of going up, why not look at casting a spell by dividing the floor space you currently have. After all, a chaotic warehouse layout can make it feel like everything’s closing in on you, much like a claustrophobic haunted house.

Maybe you need to better utilise the space on your factory floor. Perhaps, you’re looking to create extra rooms for dedicated workspaces or offices for private meetings. At Teepee, we can supply bespoke and multi-functional partition walls that solve all your nightmare dilemmas.

Our industrial partitioning solutions offer the flexibility you need to create distinct work zones on your factory floor, ensuring the safety of your employees and enhancing the productivity of your business. Whether you need to section off areas for manufacturing, storage, or office space within your factory, our factory partitioning walls are the ultimate solution for all your partitioning needs. If you already have dedicated office space, we can also provide glass office partitions to enhance your layout.

5. Scare Off Downtime with Regular Inspections and Maintenance

transform your warehouse and scare off downtime

Nothing is more terrifying for a warehouse than unexpected downtime due to damage racking. You can avoid frightful surprises by regularly inspecting your storage equipment.

As a SEMA Approved Member – Advanced, we recommend their advice of following a three-tiered inspection approach.

  • Every day your team should be keeping an eye on your racking and reporting if they see any knocks or bumps. Why is this important? Well, your storage equipment is manufactured from lightweight materials and there is a limit to the amount of abuse it can withstand. As explained in HSG76 Warehousing & Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety, any amount of damage can significantly reduce the load-bearing capacity and stability of the racking structure.
  • Once a week a nominated member of your team should perform a visual inspection. The role is also known as a Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS) and they should 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. To prepare your team for damage checking the racking and undertaking the weekly inspection we offer our Racking and Safety Awareness Course.
  • At least once a year, you must submit your racking to an Expert inspection. This can only be done by a competent and trained inspector with the correct qualifications for this type of inspection. They will conduct racking and storage assessments while also reporting and making recommendations to maintain the safety of your racking. If you need an expert inspection, get in touch and one of our approved racking inspectors to visit your site. They will produce an electronic report that details damage list by location, a traffic light reporting system for the completion of repair work and photographic evidence for remedial works.

If you want to make your warehouse a fright-free zone this Halloween why not get in touch with Teepee. With over 35 years of experience within the industry, we have the knowledge and skills to discuss your project and determine the best solution for your facility! We can also arrange a free on-site consultation to ensure your warehouse design maximises your business.

13

Sep

Everything you need to know about industrial shelving solutions

In most UK warehouse spaces, racking is seen as the obvious choice for providing storage solutions that maximise your business. After all, the structure can hold heavy weight, it’s robust and, when designed correctly, can efficiently fill the full height of your warehouse. So why do you need to bother with shelving solutions?

For any business, shelving solutions can provide an easy and cost-effective way to store all the items they need for the day-to-day running of their business. However, get yourself some industrial shelving and it can take your warehouse storage system to the next level.

We explain all about industrial shelving solutions and how they can benefit your business.

Industrial Shelving vs. Racking?

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes down to whether to choose shelving or racking. However, you may decide to go with shelving for three key reasons.

The first, is how you will pick your stock. With industrial shelving, you can only hand load stock, unlike racking which can use forklift trucks, automation or by hand. Industrial shelving units are smaller, allowing you to install them into restricted areas in your warehouse. The last, possibly biggest advantage, over industrial shelving is cost. Industrial shelving units are typically cheaper than traditional racking. This has the benefit of allowing you to increase capacity while avoiding the expense of moving or purchasing new systems.

These advantages make shelving solutions the ideal companion to sit alongside your usual racking systems. Even better, there are a number of different options to choose from.

What industrial shelving solutions are available?

Shortspan Shelving

Shelving is available in all sizes and it’s worth researching the best system for your inventory.

Shortspan shelving

Shortspan shelving is ideal for storing smaller items and each shelf can hold up to 200 kg. Add in a range of complimentary accessories such as lockable doors, closed backs and/or sides, dividers and bi fronts and suddenly your shelving becomes incredibly versatile.

Longspan shelving

As the name suggest, much longer in width when compared to a shortspan system. This makes it the ideal system when you need to store large and long items. Plus, with the possibility to carry up to 1000kg per shelf it is ideal for heavier items.

Mobile shelving

This shelving can maximise the space in your warehouse. The shelving units have rollers on the base which run along tracks, enabling them to close together when not used. With shelves open only when you need access, it significantly increases the amount of stock you can store within the footprint of your space. You can choose from either light, medium or heavy duty systems.

Carton live shelving

On this shelving rollers are used instead of shelves to hold the stock. The stock is loaded in one side of the shelving and then retrieved the opposite end. It works with a FIFO principle, furthermore it can reduce order picking times by up to 65%. This type of shelving works best with longspan structures and can be fitted with some accessories such as drop-down angle tilt shelves or lane.

What to look out for with industrial shelving

Not all shelving is the same and before ordering, there are a few key areas to look out for.

1. Material

Make sure your shelving is an industrial system which is durable and suitable for your warehouse environment. You should also check what material the shelf is made from, it will be an important factor for the type of stock you hold.

Wood is versatile, plastic is corrosion resistant and easy to clean whereas wire allows for excellent visibility and ventilation. However, they all have a lower weight holding capacity. Steel is the best material for strength.

2. Installation

There is often a misconception that industrial shelving is difficult to install. However, many systems are designed for ease of installation and maintenance. Not only is this a benefit when first ordering your shelving but will provide additional advantages if you decided to reconfigure or move your shelving at a later date.

3. Design

Check if the shelving is modular in design. This allows you to quickly and easily reconfigure or expand your storage capacity without costing a lot of money. Furthermore, you should also check with the supplier to see what options you have for future expansion, i.e. can equipment be re-used to create a multi-tier or a high-density mobile system that will maximise your warehouse space.

4. Accessories

Can you customise your shelf space to make it suit your stock. A lot of shelving systems come with additional accessories such as dividers, drawers and pull-out units which allow you to create a bespoke storage for your stock. You should also check if you have the option of fitting either an open or closed backs and sides to segregate stock.

5. Weight

When thinking about whether industrial shelving will be a good option for your warehouse, you need to get rid of the misconception that shelving is only suitable for light-duty storage. Although a lot of shelving systems are only suitable for storing office suppliers or small parts, industrial shelving takes it to the next level.

In fact, industrial shelving comes in varying weight carrying capacities and this includes heavy-duty options. For example, our longspan shelving is capable of carrying loads of up to 1000kg per shelf, is an incredibly cost-effective option if you are looking for a solution to store archive boxes or boxed goods within a warehouse. Obviously, this loading capacity is based on uniformly distributed load, and it is never advisable to allow stock to build up in one corner!

Getting industrial shelving solutions in your warehouse can provide some big advantages to increase your storage capacity. If you’re looking at how you can maximise your existing space, why not get in touch and let us see if industrial shelving can make a world of difference.

Warehouse Shelving Materials

How to Know Which Shelving Materials are Right for You:

When it comes to optimising your warehouse or industrial space, choosing the right warehouse shelving material is an extremely important decision. The material you select can impact not only your storage capacity, but also the durability of your shelves, their cost-effectiveness, and overall efficiency. By exploring which different warehouse shelving materials are commonly used in warehouse storage solutions, we aim to help you determine which one will be the best fit for your warehouse’s needs.

Cantilever Racking Aisle at Bolt & Nut Manufacturing

Shelving Material 1: Steel Shelving

Steel Shelving Qualities:

Steel shelving is renowned for its strength and durability, making it an excellent first choice for many heavy-duty applications. It can withstand substantial loads, similarly, making it ideal for storing bulky items, machinery parts, and heavy equipment.

Steel Shelving Longevity:

Steel shelving is highly resistant to corrosion. Therefore, ensuring that it offers a longer lifespan for your shelving units, even in humid or corrosive environments.

Steel Shelving Customisation Options:

Steel shelves are available in various configurations. These can be customised to suit your unique storage requirements and even your warehouse branding or company identity. Speak to our team today to learn how you can customise your warehouse shelving with Teepee Warehouse Solutions.

Rough Steel Cost Factors:

Steel shelving may have a higher upfront cost compared to some other different shelving material options. However, its durability and longevity can result in long-term cost savings. Oftentimes making steel shelving your most cost-effective option.

Longspan Shelving

Shelving Material 2: Wooden Shelving

Wooden Shelving Qualities: Its natural aesthetic is an immediate draw for many clients. Wooden shelving offers a warm, natural aesthetic that can be appealing in retail settings or environments where aesthetics and your company image are key.

Wooden Shelving Versatility:

Here at Teepee, our wooden shelves are versatile and can be easily customized or modified to fit various storage needs. They are particularly suitable for storing items that require ventilation, such as agricultural products. They are, therefore, one of the most versatile warehouse shelving materials available.

Wooden Shelving Weight Limitations:

Wooden shelving may not be suitable for extremely heavy loads. It is also more susceptible to damage from moisture, pests, and accidental knocks from staff or equipment. This can be especially true if it is not properly treated or maintained.

Wooden Shelving Affordability:

Wood is often a cost-effective shelving material, making it an attractive choice for businesses on a budget. This will of course depend on the type of wood you choose to use and how easy that is to source.

Short Span Shelving at Unipart Logistics

Shelving Material 3: Plastic Shelving

Plastic Shelving Qualities:

Plastic shelving options are very popular due to their corrosion-resistant qualities. Plastic shelving is highly resistant to corrosion, making it an excellent choice for many humid or damp environments. Therefore, it helps in preventing the growth and spread of bacteria across your stock and workplace.

Similarly, plastic shelving materials are easy to clean and maintain, making it a suitable choice for storage in industries where cleanliness is paramount, such as food and healthcare.

Lightweight Plastic Shelving:

Plastic shelves are renowned for being a lightweight warehouse shelving material. This makes them easy to install, rearrange, and move as needed.

Plastic Shelving Load Capacity:

You may find that plastic shelving may come with limitations when it comes to supporting heavy loads. It is, therefore, essential to consider your specific storage requirements when deciding on what shelving material options are right for you.

Empty Pallet Rack at Mapei UK

Shelving Material 4: Wire Shelving

Wiring Shelving Qualities:

Visibility is a key factor when choosing wire shelving. Here at Teepee Warehouse Solutions, our wire shelving options provide excellent visibility and ventilation. This shelving material makes it suitable for storing items that require air circulation, like perishable goods or electronics. Additionally, wire shelving materials are typically lightweight and adjustable, allowing you to reconfigure your storage space as needed.

Wire Shelving Maintenance:

Wire shelves are extremely easy to clean and maintain. They also have the added benefit of being resistant to both moisture and pests. Making them a fantastic option for a variety of industries. These can include but are not limited to the food/service industry, the pharmaceutical industry, garages/workshops, and many more!

Wire Shelving Weight Limits:

Wire shelving may not be the best choice for heavy or bulky items, as they have weight limits that may be lower than other materials. These limits can vary depending on factors such as shelf size, material, and design. They typically involve specified weight capacities per shelf. When you choose to utilise wire shelving options, it’s important to evenly distribute any weight and avoid overloading. Additionally, for heavy items or larger loads, considering reinforced wire shelving options with added support features is advisable.

Choosing Teepee Warehouse Solutions for Your Shelving Materials

The choice of shelving materials for your warehouse or industrial space should align with your specific needs, budget, and the nature of the items you need to store. Steel shelving offers unmatched durability and strength, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications. Wooden shelving provides an affordable and natural aesthetic, while plastic shelving is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean. Wire shelving offers excellent visibility and ventilation.

Though this may not always be an obvious decision. We understand that every business is unique, therefore, our team are on hand to help you choose the right warehouse shelving material for you. We can also support you with the configuration of your chosen shelving to help optimise your existing storage space.

Contact us Teepee for Your Shelving Materials Today!

Whether you require heavy-duty steel shelving or lightweight plastic shelving, our team has the expertise to design and install the ideal solution for your needs.

Contact us today to discuss your shelving requirements, let us enhance your warehouse or industrial space’s efficiency and functionality.

27

Apr

Racking Inspection Training Courses

The Importance of Racking Inspection Training Courses

Warehouses are important hubs for many industries. They are used to store and distribute goods and products. They are essential to the economy and industry. One of the most critical components of any warehouse is the racking system. Racking systems are used to store goods vertically, which maximizes the use of space in the warehouse. However, like any structure, racking systems can deteriorate over time and become hazardous. To prevent accidents and ensure safety, racking inspection training courses are essential for anyone involved in the operation and management of a warehouse.

 

Teepee Warehouse Solutions Racking Inspection Training Courses Lesson in session

So, What Makes Racking Inspection Training Courses Important?

Racking inspection training courses provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and assess different styles of racking systems. Similarly, they also teach you how to safely carry out inspections and identify potential safety hazards.

Without proper training, any racking inspections performed may be inadequate, and safety hazards may go unnoticed. Racking inspection training courses can help minimize the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of employees working in the warehouse.

Who should attend racking inspection training courses?

Ideally, anyone involved in the operation and management of a warehouse should attend racking inspection training courses. This includes warehouse managers, supervisors, forklift operators, and other personnel who are responsible for the movement and storage of any workplace goods. Training courses can also benefit the work of health and safety officers and inspectors responsible for monitoring workplace safety. By attending racking inspection training courses, these individuals can learn how to identify potential safety hazards and take the necessary steps to minimize risk.

Teepee Warehouse Solutions Racking Inspection Training Courses 2 People Inspecting

 

What Are the Benefits of Inspection Training Courses?

At Teepee Warehouse Solutions, our racking inspection training courses offer numerous benefits, including:

  • Improved safety: Racking inspection training courses teach participants how to identify potential safety hazards as well as to take the necessary steps to minimize those risks. By doing so, they can help improve safety in the workplace and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
  • Compliance with regulations: Warehouses are subject to various regulations and standards governing workplace safety. By ensuring that your staff have attended racking inspection training courses, warehouse personnel can learn how to comply with these regulations and avoid forcing you to deal with costly fines and penalties.
  • Increased efficiency: When kept in good condition, racking systems are vastly more efficient and productive. By identifying and repairing damaged racking, warehouse personnel can improve efficiency and reduce downtime caused by accidents and/or any necessary repairs.
  • Cost efficiency: Accidents and injuries can be costly for employers, not to mention to the staff involved. By attending racking inspection training courses and identifying potential safety hazards, warehouse personnel can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, resulting in cost savings for the company.

 

What Topics Are Covered In Our Inspection Training Courses?

Racking inspection training courses cover a range of topics, including:

  • Overviews of different racking systems: Where participants learn about the different types of racking systems and their components.
  • Inspection procedures: Participants learn how to carry out inspections and identify potential safety hazards.
  • Legal requirements: Participants learn about the various regulations and standards governing workplace safety, including the Health and Safety at Work Act.
  • Risk assessment: Participants learn how to assess the risk associated with damaged racking and identify appropriate control measures.
  • Reporting and documentation: Participants learn how to report and document findings from inspections and communicate them to relevant personnel.

Teepee Warehouse Solutions Racking Inspection Training Courses Man inspecting shelf

Choose Teepee Warehouse Solutions For Your Inspection Training

Racking inspection training courses are essential for anyone involved in the operation and management of a warehouse. They provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and assess racking systems and identify potential safety hazards. By attending racking inspection training courses, warehouse personnel can improve safety, comply with regulations, increase efficiency, and save costs. At Teepee Warehouse Solutions, we offer a variety of racking inspection training courses that are designed to meet the needs of all warehouse personnel.

Contact us today to learn more about our training courses and how they can benefit your organization.

Types Of Industrial Shelving Systems

Industrial Shelving

Before knowing more about the different types of Industrial shelving systems, let’s start with what is industrial shelving and what are their main purposes.

Warehouse and Industrial Shelving are used to maximise space in warehouses and industrial buildings. They utilise vertical space to increase stage capacity and they can be installed with minimal disruption, while also being easy to modify and adjust accordingly to the environment requirements.

Shelving units are available in a range of sizes and materials, and each industry and warehouse will require a specific solution, but all types of industrial shelving systems are made to be easily accessible and highly durable.

Together with an easy installation, these systems are also a money-saving solution as they help increase storage capacity and organisational system with no need of moving premises and/or renting a bigger place.

Industrial shelving systems

Types of Industrial Shelving

If you believe that the industrial shelving system is the correct solution for your company, then you may now know what their different types are so you can make sure that the correct system will be installed on your premises. These include:

Shortspan Shelving

Ideal to store smaller items, the shortspan shelving system can be used with a range of accessories such as lockable doors, closed backs and/or sides, dividers, and bi fronts. They can handle up to 200 kg per shelf and are available for single, double, multi-tier and mobile configurations.

Longspan Shelving

On the other side, the longspan shelving system is ideal for the storage of large and long items within archiving, manufacturing, and wholesales environments, for example. These can support up to 1000kgs per shelf, and they are available with a range of decking surfaces such as chipboard, timber, and steel.

Mobile Shelving

Ideal for working environments such as offices and archive stores, the mobile shelving system is great for storing documents such as medical records and library storage. They can be made for light, medium, and heavy-duty storage, being able to handle from 250kg to 1000kg.

Mobile shelving can also be installed within an array of accessories. These include digital push-button controls, filling cradles, shelf dividers and more.

Carton Live Shelving

Designed to work with roller tracks, the carton live shelving is ideal for picking systems. They work with a FIFO principle, being great to optimise space while reducing order picking times and minimising picking errors by up to 65%.

Carton Lives helving can be used with adjustable pallet racking systems or longspan shelving systems, and they can also be fitted with some accessories such as drop-down angle tilt shelf or lave guides.

Longspan shelving

Warehouse Solutions

If you are looking to acquire industrial shelving systems for your industry, then don’t hesitate to contact Teepee Warehouse solutions. We are a committed and trusted company based in the Midlands, and we have years of expertise in the industry.

All of our team members are highly trained with SEMA standards, and the quality of our service ad products is excellent. For more information on industrial shelving systems or any of our services, get in touch, or if already know what you are looking for, get a quote.