Industrial Storage Operations Committee

  • What is AS 4084-2012

    AS 4084-2012 is the Australian Standard for steel racking, specifically adjustable static pallet racking. It covers the minimum requirements for hot-rolled or cold-form steel structural members, installed within a building, outside a building, as well as racking that forms part of the frame of the building.

    Australian standards are considered some of the most stringent in the world, and AS 4084-2012 is an important guide to managing risks and reduce fatalities in the working environment.

    The particular Australian Standard was updated from AS 4084-1993 for steel storage racking and was approved by approving body in 2012. The standard applies to the traditional method of product storage in a warehouse known as static pallet racking which is reliant on open metal shelving for pallet storage. The open structure of the racks allows the pallets to be placed and seated into the racking by a forklift.

    The standard however does not apply to mobile racking which is mounted on electronically powered mobile bases and storage racks that are integrated into storage and retrieval systems. It also does not apply to drive-in racking which allows pallets to be placed and slide in backwards on rails to allow for a deeper storage. AS 4084-2012 does not cover the storage of dangerous goods as classified under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code.

    Many industries that rely on steel racking for storage need to be AS 4084-2012 compliant. This includes, but is not limited to: removalists and storage companies, distribution companies, manufacturers, the food and beverage industry, retail stores, cold storage facilities and warehousing. A copy of the AS 4084-2012 Steel Storage Racking can be purchased from the Standards Australia online store or SAI Global Standards.

    To ensure steel racking is safe in the workplace and remains compliant, inspections should be carried out at least one a year. Furthermore, if you believe an event or an impact has compromised the structure, an immediate inspection should be carried out to determine the safe load limit. Proper procedures outlined in the AS 4084-2012 should be followed to reduce the potential for collapse or injury, this should include alleviating the rack of stress by unloading if safe and repair or replace on advise of a qualified inspector.

  • Different Types of Pallet Racks for Warehouse Storage

    The different types of pallet racks for warehouse storage are designed to store any kind of product. Although they can be used to store many different types of products, some require specific racks for storage. Anti-collapse mesh is a typical add-on. It protects workers from falling objects and can serve as a boundary from potentially harmful equipment. A drive-through pallet rack can also feature a door to allow customers to load or unload their products.

    Cantilever Racking

    Cantilever pallet racks are a versatile storage solution that can fit the needs of a variety of warehouses. With their two-sided structure, cantilever racks have arms that project out from the uprights, creating an “L”-shaped design. They are typically connected to each other with braces and have two arms that extend out of each upright per level or bay. The cantilever bases are horizontal beams that anchor the racks to the floor. The size of these beams depends on the weight capacity of the cantilever rack.

    The advantages of using cantilever racks for warehouse storage include their ability to accommodate a wide variety of bulky or awkward-shaped materials. They also reduce operational costs and help you avoid wasting valuable warehouse space by stacking items on the floor, which can damage inventory, increase clutter, and pose a health and safety hazard for employees. Cantilever racks are especially beneficial for businesses that require more space for storage and require less aisle space.

    To choose the right arms for your rack, determine the height of the uprights and the height of the load. In general, the height of the arms is equal to the depth of the product. In other words, if a load is 48 inches deep, then the arms must be 48 inches long. For larger products, make sure the height of the arm matches that of the product. This way, you can calculate the arm height and the weight capacity of each level.

    Teardrop Racking

    The most common type of pallet rack is the teardrop. However, not all teardrops are the same. To buy the right teardrop rack for your warehouse storage needs, you must identify the type of teardrop shelving you need. This is important because there are two distinct styles of teardrop pallet rack: old-style teardrop-racking and new-style teardrop racking. To ensure the best fit for your business, compare both styles before buying.

    A common disadvantage of drive-in and drive-through pallet racks is that they cannot be accessed without the entire pallet. Teardrop racks are better for warehouses with unique inventory items, as the depth of the rack is not sufficient for the inventory. Old-style and new-style teardrop pallet racks are similar but have different shapes. The former has rounded pins on the beams. While both are effective, the new-style beams fit tightly into the square holes. The two styles do not fit perfectly together and may require modifications in your warehouse. So, if you need to use either of these types, be sure to compare their dimensions before buying.

    Drive-thru

    If you’re looking for a low-cost, high-density warehouse storage solution, drive-in pallet racks might be the best option. Drive-in rack systems enable you to load and unload pallets from the rear and front of the racking system, reducing the number of aisles you need to keep in order. They’re also great for cold-storage applications, where cold temperature conditions are required to maintain product quality.

    Another advantage of the drive-in pallet racking is its efficiency. Drive-through racking saves space and improves productivity, reducing time spent picking and stocking products. Additionally, drive-in racking is energy efficient, and a dense storage system helps save money in energy and fuel costs. In addition to these advantages, drive-through racking is highly customizable and can be configured for your specific warehouse needs.

    Another benefit of drive-in pallet racking is that it’s based on the principle of storage by accumulation. It maximizes space by allowing a large number of pallets per SKU, reducing the number of aisles needed to load and unload. Additionally, drive-in racking eliminates the need for loading aisles and maximizes vertical space. While this system may not be the most efficient solution for your warehouse, it can maximize space and boost profits.