Employees help each other maintain industrial warehouse racks

Techniques for Maintaining Warehouse Racks for Safe Use

When safety is a top priority in a workplace where goods are stacked, using industrial warehouse racks to organize the warehouse to a standard offers several benefits. It ensures orderly storage and facilitates quick and easy stock management. However, no matter how advantageous these racks are, without proper maintenance, they can become a source of danger for both the goods and the people. This article presents techniques for maintaining industrial warehouse racks for safe and efficient use, along with the benefits of professional rack inspections.

Employees help each other maintain industrial warehouse racks

Tips for Safe Industrial Shelving Maintenance

Shelving units are essential in warehouses for organizing goods efficiently. Ensuring the safe use of industrial shelving is crucial for maintaining order and safety. Let’s explore some simple maintenance tips to maintain warehouse racks.

1. Regularly Inspect Shelving Conditions

Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, twists, or warping. If any damage is found, stop using the shelf immediately and contact a professional for repair.

2. Plan Storage Properly

Plan the storage layout considering the weight, size, and type of goods. For instance:

  • Categorising similar items together makes it easier to find, retrieve and manage stock.
  • Distribute the weight of goods evenly across the shelves. Avoid placing heavy items only on the top shelves or overloading the shelves.
  • Use labels on shelves to indicate the type of goods and the maximum weight they can support, ensuring safe working conditions for employees.

3. Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning prevents rust, dust accumulation, and damage. Use appropriate cleaning agents to avoid fading or corroding the shelves.

4. Avoid Climbing or Stepping on Shelves

Shelves are designed to withstand weight, not for climbing. Use appropriate equipment to access items stored high up to maintain shelf integrity and user safety.

Regularly Check and Maintain Parts

Regularly inspect shelf components such as bolts and screws for damage or rust. Repair or replace them promptly to extend the shelf’s lifespan.

Maintaining industrial shelving for safe use not only prolongs its lifespan but also prevents accidents and damage to goods and personnel working in the area.

Industrial Racks

Benefits of Expert Team Warehouse Rack Inspection

Regular warehouse rack inspections by an expert team not only help maintain the racks and equipment in the warehouse for optimal use but also offer many other benefits, such as improving safety, ensuring efficiency, and reducing costs. Maintaining warehouse racks through these inspections helps prevent accidents and damage to goods, maintaining a safe working environment.

  • Enhanced Safety: An expert team conducts detailed inspections of warehouse racks, identifying damage or wear and tear. By addressing issues promptly, they prevent racks from collapsing, instilling confidence in warehouse owners, employees, and stakeholders that the racks are safe and in good working condition, mitigating the risk of accidents.
  • Improved Efficiency: Assessing the weight-bearing capacity, often referenced in purchase documents specifying each rack’s load-bearing capacity, allows experts to recommend optimal storage configurations. This ensures that racks function efficiently, supporting operational needs.
  • Damage Prevention: Regular inspections help identify and address issues promptly, reducing the risk of damage to goods and associated costs.
  • Budget Management: Regular inspections not only prevent damage but also help save costs. For example, in the event of a rack collapse, costs such as purchasing and installing new racks, repairing damaged goods, or compensating customers for delays can be significant. These costs directly impact the business’s reputation.

Choose high-quality, standardized industrial warehouse racks from Tellus, a leading manufacturer and designer of automated warehouse systems. Our products are competitively priced and suitable for your industry needs. We also offer after-sales services to ensure your maintained warehouse racks meet safety standards. Our team of experts will oversee the maintenance, providing the best solutions for your warehouse operations. For more information, please contact us at 02-643-8044.

Source:

Examples of fixed and non-fixed warehouse storage locations.

Optimise Your Warehouse Storage System

Examples of fixed and non-fixed warehouse storage locations.

Is your warehouse operating as well as it could be? Stock location methodology is discussed at length in the second edition of “The Warehouse Management Handbook”. Stock location assignment is a process for determining the precise locations of products stored in the warehouse for maximum efficiency. The methodology takes into account various factors related to warehouse storage. It’s well worth reading for new entrepreneurs who want to develop a strategy for storing their products and increasing the efficiency of their operations.

Warehouse Storage Systems

Developing a warehouse storage system is the process of managing products for picking and storing products under the right conditions in the warehouse. It takes into account various factors such as product quantity, product type, product characteristics, and product picking frequency. It also maximises the convenience of picking products and maintaining product safety, which is important to businesses of all sizes. Developing a warehouse storage system tailored to your business and your products is an efficient way to store your products and helps your inventory to be more flexible.

Benefits of Warehouse Storage

A well-designed warehouse storage system should maximise several factors of your business operations. It should:

  • Increase efficiency in storing and managing products
  • Prevent loss or damage to products
  • Reduce transportation costs
  • Increase efficiency in the production and distribution of products
  • Increase business competitiveness

6 Key Strategies for Storing Products in Warehouses

In the “Warehouse Management Handbook: Volume 2”, six strategies were discussed as being key for increasing the efficiency and productivity of your warehouse. You should develop a system that uses these strategies and techniques to create a fluid warehouse storage system that serves the needs of your own business. The strategies include:

Fixed Location Storage

Fixed-location storage is for products that fit certain criteria. These might be the most picked item, the largest-sized product, or the most valuable products in your warehouse. The fixed location is multi-purpose and used for replenishment, storage, and picking. 

Non-Fixed Location Storage

Also known as a random storage strategy, this strategy is often used for special “limited-time” promotional items, large, cumbersome items, or seasonal items. It uses whatever spots are available in the warehouse. Computerised picking lists and item number storage systems expanded the use of non-fixed locations, which guide pickers to the item’s correct location. 

Informal Storage

Informal storage can be a place to store returned items until they can be restocked, damaged items awaiting insurance claims, or any items outside of regular business operations. 

Item Number Storage

Item number storage systems revolutionised warehousing in the late 20th century when product ordering, filling, and billing became computerised. It enabled fine adjustments to the order in which products were picked in the warehouse and caused the reorganisation of many warehouses. For example, heavy items could be located at the beginning of an order. When the picker filled the order off of a computerised picking list and stacked the items on a pallet, the heaviest items would automatically be at the bottom of the pallet, reducing damage to the lighter items picked later. As sales data was combined with warehousing logistics via item numbers, the most high-volume, popular items could be located close to the loading docks of the warehouse, which cut down on warehouse traffic and time spent replenishing the products.   

Classified storage may also known as bonded warehousing. This is where a warehouse carries products that are regulated by the government and require a higher level of security and insurance than normal. Warehouses that deal in pharmaceuticals, liquor, or tobacco items are examples of bonded warehouses. 

Combination System

Many warehouses use a combination of pallet and flow racks.

Warehouses dealing with just one item are extremely rare these days. Many companies offer a range of different varieties and sizes of products sold by the piece as well as by the case. This means that warehouses also have to stock the items to be picked in those quantities and sizes. You often find combination racking systems in warehouse storage systems where items can be picked individually from flow racks, and in case lots from multi-tiered pallet racks. 


Contact Tellus in Thailand

Tellus is a designer, manufacturer and distributor of quality pallet racking systems and a wide range of warehouse and office storage systems in Thailand. We also provide excellent after-sales service. Partner with Tellus to help maintain the efficiency of your warehouse operations as your company grows and expands. Contact us today.

Pipe frame barriers protect racks and valuable merchandise.

Discover Our Rack Protection Systems for Warehouses

Pipe frame barriers protect racks and valuable merchandise.

Today’s warehouses are busy places. With the increase in e-commerce and online ordering and delivery, every warehouse is a hive of activity. Order filling and re-stocking chores happen nearly around the clock in some warehouses, and managers are constantly worried about the dangers of heavy equipment operation. Heavy-duty pallet jacks and forklifts are the most commonly used pieces of equipment in warehouses, and the speeds at which they travel are a constant danger to employees, racking systems, and valuable merchandise. 

Tellus supplies storage and material handling solutions for warehouses and factories in Thailand. Our solutions protect your valuable racking systems and merchandise from accidental damage during warehouse operations. Our warehouse rack protectors can also help protect your employees.

Our range of rack protection equipment is cost-effective, helping you extend the lifespan of your racks, reduce damage, and increase the safety of your operations. Let’s take a look at the warehouse rack protectors we offer.


Warehouse Protection Solutions

We offer two rack protection solutions – frame barriers and post protectors. Both of these solutions are designed to withstand collisions and damage from common warehouse vehicles, including pallet jacks, electric carts, and forklifts. 

Most warehouse rack damage occurs on the rack corners from vehicles taking turns too sharply. Our heavy-duty solutions can provide extra protection to these vulnerable rack corners, and the valuable merchandise stored on them. 


Frame Barriers

We offer a range of heavy-duty pipe, steel angle, and steel plate barriers to protect the corners and sides of your racking from collisions and damage.


Pipe Frame Barriers

Our economical 3” and 4” pipe frame barriers are designed, manufactured and installed to your specifications. Placed at the end of racking systems in warehouse aisles and intersections, they provide solid rack protection from vehicles. 

We also provide a wide range of U and L-type corner protectors, bump protectors, upright front protectors, pallet support bars, shelf support bars, forklift entry bars, coil support bars and single/double barrel chocks.  


Bollard and Steel Angle Barriers

Bollard and steel angle barriers are employed together as an effective end frame protector for your racking uprights. The steel angle barriers are installed between the bollards guarding the corner posts. They provide protection from vehicles hitting the central cross-bracing of the rack. 

The bollards are made of a 3 mm thick centre core welded to a 10 mm bottom plate. They are covered by a high-impact HDPE cover that covers all exposed bolts to protect them from being sheared off in the event of an accident. The bollards and steel angle barriers are anchored into the floor with 2×16 mm chemical bolts.


Steel Plate Barriers

Steel plate barriers provide effective corner protection.

Our heavy-duty steel plate barriers are designed to wrap around the bases of the end frames of your racking systems and are created and installed to your specifications. They are installed with 2×16 mm chemical bolts that provide ample protection from warehouse vehicles.


Post Protectors

Tellus has two grades of steel protectors for racking posts and uprights. We also have our VISIPRO solution, a cost-effective racking protection solution.


Standard Steel Protector

For picking racks and racks that are safe from vehicular traffic but still need protection from everyday wear, tear and damage, we offer steel post protectors made from 5 mm steel sheeting, anchored to the floor with four M-12 expansion bolts. The height of our protectors is 400 mm, meeting the Australian standard AS 4084-2012.


Heavy-duty Steel Protectors

We offer three sizes of heavy-duty shock-absorbing rack guards, providing complete wrap-around protection of your racking posts and uprights from forklift and pallet jack damage. Our zinc-plated heavy-duty steel comes with an interior rubber bumper and provides protection to uprights of 124.2 mm and 185.1 mm. The rack guards come in sizes of 254 mm tall, 406.4 mm tall, and 406.4 mm tall for wide racks. 


VISIPRO

We also offer our VISIPRO solution for protecting your racks with polyethylene compounded plastic. The pads are designed to wrap around your uprights and offer lightweight, exceptional durability and impact resistance. They come in a high-visibility yellow colour that enhances warehouse safety. 

These units feature an energy-absorbing inner pad and are quickly and easily installed and removed with almost no downtime. We have a range of sizes to fit all racking posts and uprights. VISIPRO is certified to meet the impact load requirements of European standard EN 15512-2009.


Protect your Employees, Racks and Merchandise with Tellus

To extend the lifespan of your warehouse racking systems, safeguard the value of your merchandise, and protect your employees, explore our affordable warehouse protection solutions. Contact us today for more information.


Hand-cranked storage allows you to compress storage space.

Improve Efficiency with Shop Shelf Solutions from Tellus

Hand-cranked storage allows you to compress storage space.

Whether it’s a workshop, office, hospital, school, or other facility, the efficiency of storage solutions can significantly impact an organisation’s or facility’s overall productivity and efficiency. 

Recognising the critical need for easily accessible, durable, and space-efficient shelving, Tellus presents a comprehensive line of modern and efficient shelving systems designed to meet the unique shelving requirements of various facilities. We’ll explore our range of shop shelf solutions and explain how Tellus shelving storage products and mobile shelving systems cater to the diverse needs of many.


Tellus Shelving Products: A Closer Look

Tellus offers a wide range of shop shelf storage solutions to maximise the space in your shops, offices and storerooms, and to keep track of your inventory more efficiently. We’ve divided our shop shelf types into shelving and moving file cabinets. Let’s take a closer look at our product range:


Flexi-shelf

Our sturdy racks are adjustable to fit your space.

Our Flexi-shelf is a versatile, heavy-duty shelving solution that combines durability with flexibility. Our modular design allows for fluid customisation to suit specific storage needs. Each shelf can support loads of up to 70 kilograms. With the addition of optional support bars, the loads can be increased up to 150 kilograms. Whether storing files, supplies, or equipment, Flexi-shelf adapts effortlessly to the dynamic demands of a facility. Our sturdy construction ensures it can withstand the typical activities of offices, laboratories, workshops, schools and hospitals.


Nova Product Shelf

Nova Shelf is a slim-profile, 4-post shelving product with rear cross-bracing designed with aesthetics and functionality in mind. Perfect for environments where presentation matters, such as office spaces, this shelving system offers a sleek and modern look without compromising on strength and durability. With the posts covered in plastic or steel, Nova Shelf provides an organised and visually appealing storage solution for various items.


Multipurpose Shelf (Micro Rack)

Display shelving complements any décor.

Ideal for compact spaces and storage of smaller items, the Micro Rack by Tellus is a compact yet robust shop shelf solution that can make small workspaces more efficient. Its modular design makes it adaptable to different configurations, offering an efficient way to organise and access essential items in limited spaces.


Large Multipurpose Shelf (Long Span)

When it comes to storing bulkier items or materials with varying sizes, Tellus Long Span shelving provides the necessary strength and durability. Made of heavy-duty steel with cross-bracing on the end posts, this system is perfect for facilities dealing with larger quantities of supplies differing in size and weight, ensuring that items are not only easily accessible but also securely stored.


Sliding File Cabinets

For busy offices and facilities where space is valuable, we’ve designed a range of mobile shelving systems and sliding file cabinets that redefine the possibilities of office storage. These units move easily, allowing you to access the front and back for convenient storage. Our sliding file cabinets include the following:


Double-sided Sliding Rail Cabinet

Our double-sided sliding rail cabinets are a space-saving solution that maximises storage capacity by eliminating the need for multiple access aisles. Allowing units to move laterally creates a dynamic and efficient storage system suitable for offices and archives.


Hand-pushed Sliding Cabinet

Our hand-drive filing cabinet offers an easy-to-operate system for manual and straightforward mobile shelving solutions. They are ideal for smaller and longer storage areas and ensure that every inch is optimised for storage without compromising accessibility or durability.


Hand-cranked Sliding Rail Cabinet

The mechanical drive adds a layer of convenience to our sliding rail cabinet with a gear-driven assist system. This system is perfect for facilities with a moderate-sized, heavier inventory, providing a balance between ease of use and storage efficiency.


Electrical Sliding Rail Cabinet

Tellus electrical drive filing cabinets offer a state-of-the-art solution for larger facilities with many items to manage. The system is controlled electronically and provides effortless movement, making it a perfect fit for busy environments like hospitals, warehouses, shops, and distribution centres.


Accessories

A range of accessories, such as dividers, labels, and locking mechanisms, are available to complement the Tellus mobile shelving systems. These add-ons enhance organisation and security, ensuring that every stored item is easily identifiable and protected.


Explore the Tellus Advantage

We offer heavy-duty, quality shop shelving.

We understand the critical role that shelving plays in maintaining order and accessibility. Quickly locating the correct part in backroom operations means improving your operation’s efficiency. In a display setting, showing your products to their best advantage can mean a dramatic increase in sales.


With Tellus shelving solutions, you’ll maximise your facility’s storage potential in a way that perfectly suits your business’s needs. Explore the Tellus advantage today and discover how our shelving systems can transform how you manage space and accessibility.

Heavy forklifts can speed up warehouse work

Get Effective Warehouse Rack Protectors

Heavy forklifts can speed up warehouse work

The modern warehouse is a busy place where speed is of the essence. With more people ordering goods directly from the Internet, warehouses all over the world, including Thailand, have streamlined and increased the speed of their warehouse operations.

Most high-volume warehouses are now computerized. The warehouse locations of every item are entered into a computer, and the computer then generates the picking lists of the orders received. The picking lists given to warehouse employees are organized to minimize the travel time needed to fill the order. The emphasis on speeding up picking operations has caused an increased reliance on heavy and fast-moving forklifts and pallet jacks. This has meant an increase in warehouse accidents and collisions with vulnerable warehouse racking systems

Expensive Accidents

These warehouse accidents can be expensive when they involve collisions with racks holding valuable products. The downtime from cleanups also eats into the profit margin of the warehouse and slows down operations. These picking racks, flow racks, and multi-level racking systems are not built to withstand high-speed collisions with fast-moving forklifts and pallet jacks.

Safeguard Your Warehouse

Tellus offers warehouse rack protectors, bumper guards and steel bumper poles that protect your racks and valuable merchandise from collisions and damage. 

We have a range of protection systems that are designed to offer complete protection to every structure and racking system in your warehouse. They include:

Pipe Frame Barriers

These heavy-duty warehouse rack protector products are typically mounted at the ends of multi-level racking systems. They consist of heavy steel bumper poles (that can be filled with concrete) embedded in the warehouse floor, with steel cross-beams attached to them and guarding the lower rack uprights. They can protect the entire rack from collisions and prevent cascading failures. 

Bollards and Steel Angle Barriers

These are two products that perform similar functions in guarding the vulnerable corners of a racking system. 99% of damage to warehouse racks occurs at the corners of the racks where an aisle meets a perpendicular aisle. The damage occurs when a forklift or pallet jack attempts to cut the corner when turning and collides with the rack, causing sometimes devastating damage. Our bollards and steel angle barriers protect vulnerable corners from collisions. The round shape of the bollards deflects the impact, and the steel angle barrier protects the rack at ground level. 

Steel Plate Barriers

These are effective warehouse bumper guards made of heavy-duty steel secured to the floor of the warehouse. They act as effective barriers to forklift and pallet jack collisions and are designed to offer complete protection to a section of rack uprights rather than one single upright. They’re generally installed along high-traffic aisles and where two aisles meet. When painted in bright safety colors, they can be used to define aisles in busy and crowded warehouses. 

VISIPRO

VISIPRO is a cost-effective, lightweight pad that can be quickly strapped to uprights and offers an instant protection solution. Its rugged construction ensures it will last for years. It’s constructed from polyethylene compounded plastic with a high-visibility finish and offers long-lasting durability and impact resistance. VISIPRO from Tellus is offered in a range of sizes to fit any warehouse uprights. Our product is certified to satisfy the impact load requirements of the European Standard EN 15512-2009. 

Standard Steel Protectors

These standard steel protectors are seen in warehouses all over Thailand. They protect the uprights of multi-level racking, picking racks and flow racks. They’re made of 5mm thick steel and anchored to the floor by four M-12 expansion bolts to provide rock-solid protection to your racks. The height of our protectors is 400mm, meeting the height requirements of post protectors under the Australian Standard AS 4084-2012. 

Warehouse bumper guards protect valuable products

Heavy-duty Steel Protectors

We also offer a heavy-duty steel protector that acts as a shock-absorbing warehouse bumper guard and is able to absorb serious impacts from heavy forklifts and pallet jacks. With rubber dampers and chemical bolts holding epoxy resin securing them to the floor, these steel protectors offer rounded faces for superior collision resistance. They come in 10-inch, 16-inch standard, and 16-inch wide sizes to protect your largest racks. 

Partner with Tellus

Partner with Tellus, and we’ll provide the ultimate protection for your racking systems and the products in your warehouse. Get in touch to learn more about our range of warehouse protection products.