Avoid the Twists & Turns of Pallet Rack Damage with Reinforced Columns

Reinforced Columns Soften the Impact of Pallet Rack Damage 

Pallet racking is core equipment in most warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. And, perhaps as common are the forklifts that access those systems… which occasionally get a little too close. Anticipating forklift impacts in the design of your racking system can alleviate a lot of the costs and headaches associated with pallet rack damage, and reinforced columns are a very sound way to address the issue.

Why is My Pallet Rack Vulnerable?

Pallet rack columns are the vertical components of the rack system –two columns plus a series of connecting struts create an upright and two uprights connected by horizontal beams complete a basic rack system.

Not surprisingly, most pallet rack damage occurs on the front columns (columns facing the aisle) and end-of-row uprights, i.e., those along the main forklift corridor. Both areas are exposed to impact when a vehicle takes too tight a turn going in and out of the rack system or aisle.

The front and corners of the column are struck most often, making pallet rack guards a smart investment.

However, more than the bending or buckling of the column, you must also be aware of the twist and not the fun twist. When a column is struck, it has a good chance of twisting, and just like when you do the twist a little too vigorously, there’s the potential of a leg giving way and down you go. 

That’s the bad news, but the good news is that we know how to protect against severe pallet rack damage with reinforced columns.

Send-In the Reinforcements

Column reinforcements are added in the manufacturing process, so it’s best to address the issue in the initial design phase. Both structural and roll-formed columns can be reinforced by putting two columns together. Typically, reinforcements only go partially up the height of the front column, but that depends on the application. 

Structural Reinforcements

Looking at a cross-section of a structural column, it is shaped like a “C,” which gives it the name –C-channel. To reinforce a C-channel column, manufacturers will put two columns together either face-to-face creating an opening between them –called a box channel, or front-to-back creating a stacked column. 

Both options provide significant pallet rack damage prevention against bending and twisting.

Roll-Formed Reinforcements

Roll-formed columns come in a variety of shapes. Many are open columns, meaning they have an opening in the back. Other roll-formed columns are fully closed –they are called closed tube columns.

A second column is added to the back to reinforce both open and closed tube columns. Again, there is a large variety in reinforced roll-formed columns because you can have two open columns, an open and a closed, two closed… you get the picture. As always, the load capacity, equipment, facility environmental conditions, and rack system type (static or dynamic) all play a role in which column reinforcement style is needed. 

The Next Step – Be Prepared for Accidental Strikes

You’ve done what you can to protect your system from severe damage and risk to your team, so now what is the solution to damaged racking? Often replacement of damaged components is the best option. Our representatives can identify racking manufacturers and order correct replacements to match the load capacity and brand of the racking for seamless functionality.   Our installation crews are experienced in working with minimal disruption in warehouses during operaton to replace damaged uprights, beams, and decking. Our safety policy addresses dangers to our client’s associates and others by blocking off areas, escorting lift truck drivers transporting old and new material, and closing aisles where work is ongoing. 

WOI Professional Installation Team

• Experienced Warehouse Installation
• OSHA Trained & Certified
• Certified Drug-Free Workplace
• Licensed General Contractor
• Job Safety Analysis
• Forklift, Scissor Lift, and Aerial Lift Operator Trained

We’ve Got Your Back Against Pallet Rack Damage

Warehouse safety is a complex, multi-faceted issue. The best way to address it is with safety-conscious design right from the outset with a team that reinforces safety and cost-effective design. The Warehouse Optimizers, Inc. (WOI) team has over 180 years of combined warehouse optimization experience. We are adept at anticipating potential safety concerns and working out a reasonable plan to address them. Moreover, we don’t stop until we’ve achieved 100% customer satisfaction.

The WOI Total Satisfaction Experience™ (TSE) program focuses on five essential customer experiences, and our team is dedicated to achieving each one.

We actively…

1. Listen to the customer
2. Pay attention to every project detail (even the small ones)
3. Meet agreed timelines
4. Provide safe, clean, and professional installation service
5. Focus on the look of the finished product

Our focus on these key experiences keeps customers returning to WOI time and time again.

Call our team today to schedule an on-site consultation, and let us show you how easy it is to customize your storage solutions to optimize your space.

Dial (833) 336-7005 or email info@warehouseoptimizers.com. We proudly serve customers throughout the Southeast, including KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, NORTH CAROLINA, ALABAMA, AND FLORIDA.