Name: BSE UK
Address: Unit 28 Brunel Way, Cooper Road, Bristol, BS35 3UP, UK
Telephone: 0117 955 5211

How High Can Your Pallet Racking Go?

How High Should Your Pallet Racking Reach?

If you face the daily struggles associated with a small warehouse and heaps of inventory, pallet racking is likely your best solution.

Ideal for a vast range of markets, whether retail or manufacturing, pallet racking is designed to store high volume and high density bulk inventory. Amongst a handful of other considerations to contemplate when purchasing and installing your racking you may be wondering just how high your pallet racking can go?

What Exactly is Pallet Racking?

A fundamental component to an efficient warehouse operation enabling a business to organise storage space, pallet racking can have a hugely positive impact on the organisation and productivity of your business. If you like, pallet racking is to a warehouse what a skeleton is to a body; essential structural support.

Basic pallet racking consists of upright steel frames connected by horizontal steel beams where pallets rest between the upright frames. Generally divided into two broad categories, low density systems which allow easy access to products and high density systems which make better use of space but limit access to stored products, BSE UK supply a range of designs:

The Issue of Storage Capacity

Naturally you might want to squeeze as many pallets as possible into the available space and operate with maximum efficiency; but it is hugely important that you also ensure your system is as safe as possible. You may have come to the conclusion that the higher your shelves, the more space you’re saving, but just how high can you build it?

Well, actually you can go pretty high, but there are a few practical restrictions in place which will enforce limits.

The Size of Your Building

This almost goes without saying, as you are obviously restricted by the height of your ceiling, but to some extent the height of your warehouse will determine how high your racking can go. This is something you should generally be aware of when considering your pallet racking, especially when encompassing a space which doesn’t necessarily offer the same functionality as a warehouse.

The Abilities of Your Machinery

Perhaps the main limitation on storage height is the potential reach of your forklift. Something which needs to reach a height of 30ft will undoubtedly cost more to purchase than one which is only required to reach 10-15ft.

Loading Capacities

Be aware of the safe loading capacities for your racking system and make sure that those who plan your installation are fully aware of what you are intending to store so that they can encompass your specific requirements.

Bear in mind the size and nature of your stock; if your top shelves are holding inventory that needs to be accessed every day, it probably won’t suit being stocked high up. The time waiting for specialist equipment to become free in a busy warehouse or physically negotiating the top shelf goods completely negate the point in building the extra shelf.

Get in Touch with the Team

It is highly recommended that any installation, relocation, or removal of storage equipment is carried out by a SEIRS qualified installer. At BSE UK, we have members of the team that hold these qualifications.

Make sure that you give us a call on 0117 955 5211 for more information and advice regarding the purchase, installation and inspection of pallet racking.