Racks 101: From selection to maintenance

A rack is a rack is a rack, right? Not anymore.

To accommodate the growing needs of manufacturing and distribution operations, rack manufacturers have developed a variety of specialized racking systems designed to maximize both floorspace and efficiency.
Some of the most current trends in racking, however, are less about the products themselves and more about their installation and use.
“For an end user looking to buy and install racking, they need to realize that it’s no longer just a little commodity item you throw in a building,” cautions Arlin Keck, corporate engineer for Steel King Industries, (800-826-0203; www.steelking.com). “Now, racking is tied into obtaining building permits, which is more complicated than it used to be—and you may not only have to get a structural building permit, but a fire permit too.”
In addition to the extra fees, budget extra time into the design and build phase, says Keck. “The permit and post-installation inspection processes could easily add two weeks to what might have been a two-month lead time, depending on the complexity of the project.”
Once the rack is installed, it’s critical to establish safe operation and regular maintenance practices to prevent failures.
“Steel rack systems, when properly installed to a certain specification, don’t just get tired one day and decide not to hold the weight anymore,” quips Patrick Peplowski, executive vice president of sales and marketing at SpaceRak (800-336-3926; www.spacerak.net). “Failures, more often than not, occur because there’s some type of damage to the rack, usually caused by a lift truck collision.”
Users should develop and implement a regularly scheduled rack inspection process, conducted either internally or by an outside inspection consultant, says Peplowski. “I see many more facilities committing to a regular rack inspection and repair process—whether that’s monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually.”
To learn more about these rack issues, sit in on the Rack Manufacturers Institute’s (RMI) educational session at the North American Material Handling Show and Conference – Seminar 314: Pallet Racks and Decking - Considerations for Selecting, Installing, Maintaining and Operating.
Held Wednesday, April 23 from noon – 12:45 p.m. in Theater C, the session will address features, details and benefits of various styles of pallet racking, decking and related accessories. A special emphasis will be placed on flexibility, maintenance and safety.
Presenting the session with Steel King’s Keck are Doug Edwards, vice president of operations at SpaceRak and Steve Johnson, national sales manager for Nashville Wire Products Manufacturing (800-448-2125, www.nashvillewire.com).
In addition to learning more about the different types of racks in use and the products typically stored on each, session participants will also hear about a variety of rack accessories and safety items. An overview of recommended rack maintenance and inspection programs will also be discussed.