What Are Pallet Stops
Several accessories can be added to your racking to ensure product and pallet safety in the pallet-racking world. In this post, we will be taking a closer look at pallet stops and why they are a great option to ensure safety in your warehouse.
The main objective of a pallet stop is to prevent pallets from hanging off the back of the racking. They are typically attached to the rear of the bay, thus preventing pallet overhang and potential safety risks. Pallet stops are called backstops, load stops, or flue space protectors.
What Are My Options When It Comes to Pallet Stops?
There are two common types of Pallet stops. The first is a beam attachment on the uprights that runs the width of the bay. The second is a smaller, single piece attached to the rear beam centered in the pallet bay.
Why Do I Need Pallet Stops?
As mentioned, the primary function of pallet stops is safety. Second, pallet stops serve as a guide to forklift operators, alerting them when they run out of space at the end of a bay. This ensures the forklift driver does not push the pallet too far into the system, helping them consistently set the pallet on the front and rear beams. Third, you may need them to be fire code compliant. Most states and municipalities require flue space (clear vertical lines of sight from the floor up to the ceiling within rack storage areas) within pallet rack bays. Pallet stops help maintain and create this space.
Flush and Offset Pallet Stop Options
When it comes to stops, there are typically two options; flush and offset.
Flush pallet stops are utilized in applications with 48-inch deep pallets on a 48-inch deep racking system. This application is referred to as flush because the inside face of the beam is flush with the rear of the frame column. Drive-in racking systems commonly utilize this option because there is never excess pallet overhang.
While flush pallet stop applications never have an overhang, the same can not be said for offset applications. Offset pallet stops are used when stored pallets have more depth than the overall depth of your storage system. Pallets usually hang three inches off the front and back of the beam, so a three-inch offset pallet stop is most commonly used in this application. Offset dimensions can run up to 12 inches on any given system.
Have questions about pallet stops or other material handling products?
At WPRP, Our Goal is to Help You! Contact one of our pallet rack specialists if you have questions regarding pallet stops. Call 888-578-1579 today or get a quote.
