It’s a question we hear a lot here at WPRP – Can I add a pallet rack level to my existing application? The answer isn’t always a clear-cut yes or no when it comes to adding more vertical storage space. There are several things to take into account and questions you have to answer before elevating your storage capacities.
Will I Have To Account For Obstructions?
This seems like a simple question, but it’s the first place we need to start when assessing vertical capacity. Sprinklers, heating and cooling systems, and rafters are just a few things that can hinder your expansion plans. Do a careful assessment of what’s on your ceiling before preceding.
Can My Equipment Handle Another Level?
Let’s say you have a 20-foot high ceiling with no obstructions to maximizing your vertical storage capacity. That’s a great start, but your next question should be whether or not you can reach that height. Make sure your forklift, or other equipment, can reach however high you want to store products. Investing without proper equipment can prove costly.
Is It Legal?
If you have existing pallet rack, you may have already had experience with obtaining permits and meeting code requirements. This question goes back to the original obstruction question. A common piece of compliance is the presence of a sprinkler system. In case of an emergency, your sprinkler must be effective, and that requires proper clearance. Standard spray sprinklers generally require 18 inches, while early suppression sprinklers generally require 36 inches.
Is My Pallet Rack Structurally Sound?
The beauty of pallet rack is that it is adjustable, and you can re-fit it to your liking. However, there are a couple of structural calculations that need to be taken into account before adding more vertical space.
The first thing you should check is your frame capacity. This is done by taking your maximum load per beam level and multiplying it by the number of total beam levels in that particular section. If you are adding levels, that number will grow.
The second calculation you should double-check is your height-to-depth ratio. The standard for a single row of pallet rack is that the height of your top beam level is no more than six times the total depth. Any racking set-up that is at or below this ratio will provide the best stability in case of a collision, seismic activity, or any other forces that may cause damage or dislodgment. As always, our goal is to help you! Please contact us at 888-578-1579 for more information on how we can help with your warehouse planning considerations.
Phoenix, AZ 85009