There are several things that must be taken into account when selecting the ideal pallet racking system for your business. These include available space in your facility, the types of goods that you are storing, the accessibility you need to each pallet, the type of loading and unloading equipment that you plan to use, and the desired storage density, among other things. Depending on the region in which your business is located, though, another important factor must be considered: the seismic rating of the pallet racking system. Taking every measure to combat against potential structural failure is vital when selecting a pallet rack system, both in order to protect your goods and to keep the work area safe.

The manufacturing of higher-density storage systems in recent years has made it tougher to design pallet racking systems that are safe in seismic zones. The leading causes of structural failure among pallet racking systems remain poor storage rack design, incorrect installation and assembly, using the wrong types of material handling equipment to load and unload pallets, operator errors when using material handling equipment, and overloading the system. However, while seismic activity doesn’t rank among the primary causes, having pallet racking that is built to offer protection against this factor is important in certain areas, particularly in warehouses that are located in high earthquake risk areas. That’s why it is essential to carefully plan during the purchase and construction phases when it comes to pallet racking to ensure that you end up with a storage system that promotes safety as much as efficiency.

Know Your Region

California and portions of Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Montana are the most extreme risk areas for seismic activity. Most of the other states in the West as well as the Northeast, portions of the Midwest, and portions of the Southeast are deemed moderate to low risk, but the threat still should be considered when making a decision. Knowing the potential for seismic activity in your region is just the first step, however. Business owners need to learn about the foundation on which their facility is built, specifically in relation to fault lines. This is an often-overlooked step, but it is imperative information to know. Even if you aren’t near a fault line, there is still the chance of structural failure occurring from an earthquake far away, making it important to consult local officials about soil conditions in regions prone to seismic activity.

Check Your Local Regulations

Whether you are constructing a new facility and including a pallet rack system in the design, or you are adding a pallet rack system to an existing facility, it is important to converse with your local building department to get a firm understanding of the codes and regulations that must be followed in relation to the specific seismic zone. Regulations can vary greatly depending on the location because of construction and engineering differences, and the last thing you want to do is miss a step when designing a pallet rack system and have to start from scratch. The most important thing to remember, though, is to acquire a seismic-rated pallet racking system that is designed for use in your specific region.

Charlie O\’Brien is a professional writer specializing in the material handling industry. His writing focuses on new and used pallet rack, cantilever rack, and other industrial shelving, and his work has been featured on multiple material handling industry websites.

Charlie O\’Brien is a professional writer specializing in the material handling industry. His writing focuses on new and used pallet rack, cantilever rack, and other industrial shelving, and his work has been featured on multiple material handling industry websites. http://www.aceshelf.com/

Author Bio: Charlie O\’Brien is a professional writer specializing in the material handling industry. His writing focuses on new and used pallet rack, cantilever rack, and other industrial shelving, and his work has been featured on multiple material handling industry websites.

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