Whether you manage a busy distribution centre or multiple warehouses, storage racks are an essential element.
Made from a variety of materials and in a diverse selection of dimensions, racking is available for use internally and externally and to hold an endless array of items.
While storage racks are manufactured from hardwearing materials like steel and timber and often treated with powder coatings to protect them, they still need proper maintenance.
In this blog, we’ll explore some recommended practices to follow that can ensure racking has a longer active service life, and that presents minimal safety risk to staff or ensures no damage to stock.
Regular inspections
Visual checks are the cornerstone of good storage rack maintenance.
Create a schedule that ensures racks are inspected regularly and signed off as fit for purpose by a person of responsibility.
Routine inspections can identify issues like damage, wear and instability as well as spillages, allowing them to be reported and resolved before they become more expensive problems to fix or potential hazards.
Check weight capacity
It’s vital to understand the weight racking can bear. The manufacturer of your storage rack system can supply this information, and you can ensure that shelving is never overloaded to avoid damage.
Proactive and emergency cleaning
Over time, storage racks can accumulate dust and debris in a warehouse environment.
To keep products stored on racks free from unwanted matter, create a cleaning schedule and follow it. Preventative cleaning will keep racks in excellent condition, but emergency cleaning may also be required off schedule. Leaks and spills on racks should immediately be attended to.
Always ensure you care for racks with the right tools. Check instructions on how to clean these items properly, and use minimal moisture and non-abrasive cloths to clean regularly, making sure racking is thoroughly dried before use.
Be wary of unsuitable chemical cleaners and soaps that could lead to rust on racking.
Following manufacturer guidelines
Storage rack manufacturers will provide you with recommended guidelines for use. These should always be followed, whether it is an advised cleaning solution or an established load capacity to protect your investment in storage solutions.
As a trusted warehouse storage rack manufacturer, you can count on Steely Products for full details on the most effective use of the equipment we supply.
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