Being an owner managed organisation allows us to be extremely flexible in our approach to working with customers.
The project was particularly interesting, as we needed to ensure the operation remained unaffected by the racking installation and at the same time, execute a phased handover programme.
The first milestone in the programme required us to handover 2000 pallet spaces in just 5 days, which I am pleased to say we achieved with our S.E.I.R.S. approved installation teams. The installation comprises of a 600m2 anti collapse mesh screen, rack upright protection, mesh panel decking, labelling and steel partitioning, all of which needed to be co-ordinated into the programme to ensure the deadlines were achieved.
For further information, please visit www.logicalstorage.co.uk or telephone 0845 689 1300.
In this post we are continuing our look at the various pieces of legislation and regulations that affect health and safety in the workplace. Today, we are looking at the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. These regulations are often abbreviated to PUWER.
PUWER 1998 assesses and aims to prevent risk of injury to workers from any equipment they use. It places responsibilities on employers and businesses which own or use equipment for work, or whose employees use equipment, even if it is not owned by them. The regulations therefore cover any equipment which is used by an employee at work, but not equipment which is used by the public.
The regulations demand that all employers must ensure that their equipment is suitable for its purpose, in good working order, safe to use, maintained correctly, inspected regularly, accompanied by appropriate health and safety measures to ensure that it is not a risk to health and safety, and that it is only used by people who have received the necessary training and information. Machinery must have a maintenance log which is kept up to date.
Equipment includes machinery and tools, and covers just about anything used by an employee for working, including equipment that the employees provide themselves. Employers have a responsibility to make sure that employees’ equipment complies with PUWER. PUWER applies to any workplace where the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – this includes shops, offices, factories, warehouses, hospitals, construction sites etc.
Warehouse racking, along with all other forms of storage equipment, is considered as work equipment, and therefore must comply with PUWER. If your equipment does not meet the standards set out in PUWER then you are potentially risking the lives of your employees, and exposing yourself and your company to prosecution.
The easiest way to ensure that you comply with PUWER is to get a Logical Rack Inspection. We give impartial advice as we do not work directly with original equipment manufacturers, we provide a comprehensive report, and we are highly experienced in the industry. Please give us a call on 0845 689 1300 to discuss one off, annual, bi-annual or quarterly rack inspections for your facilities.
Pallet racking has been used in most warehouses since the Second World War. Before that, pallets of products were often stored on warehouse floors, but this was not a very effective use of space. Pallet racking allows businesses to use the maximum amount of space possible for storing products.
The basic principle of pallet racking is that it allows pallets to be stored in rows on multiple levels,
If you are considering installing a pallet racking system in your warehouse, then your first step is to get in touch with us for free and independent advice. We have experienced and helpful staff who can discuss your needs with you to make sure you get the right type of racking to suit your needs, and not just a one size fits all product. Here are just a few examples:
Wide Aisle Racking
Wide Aisle Racking is the most popular type of pallet racking. It is highly versatile and easy to modify and relocate, with beam levels fully adjustable in 50mm increments. It is cost effective, quick and easy to install, and allows for the storage of a wide range of different products at the same time. The wide aisles mean that all pallets are easily accessible using standard forklift trucks and without having to use special equipment. In fact, each and every pallet is 100% accessible if placed on Wide Aisle racking.
Very Narrow Aisle
Very Narrow Aisle pallet racking is ideal for warehouses with limited storage space. The narrower aisles between the racking means that floor space is better utilised, giving you a much more efficient storage solution. To access the pallets, narrow aisle forklift trucks must be used, but like the wide aisle racking above, pallets are still 100% accessible and allow for very fast throughput speeds.
Drive In / Drive Through
This type of pallet racking system is designed for storing large amounts of the same products. Pallets are stored behind or on top of each other, maximising storage space. Forklift trucks drive directly into a bay to collect pallets rather than through traditional forklift truck aisles. Drive in has entry and exit all at one end, so pallets are stored on a Last In First Out (LIFO) system, whereas drive through has an entry at one end and an exit at the other, with pallets stored in a First In First Out (FIFO) system. This is not the best solution if you need to access individual pallets, but is perfect for high density, bulk storage.
Dynamic Push Back
This is a Last In First Out (LIFO) system and is also designed for large amounts of identical products. Pallets are loaded from the front and “pushed back” as they are loaded, and when the front pallet is unloaded, the next pallet takes its place. It allows for an excellent use of floor space due to the depth of storage.
Logical Storage Solutions was formed in 2011 by an industry professional with many years of experience in the storage industry, and provides a number of services to businesses, with a particular focus on warehouses. We aim to be a “one stop shop” providing all the solutions to your storage, workspace and maintenance needs. We can offer a full warehouse fit out and refurbishment, or just specific services depending on the needs of your business.
A key part of Logical Storage’s business is providing a fit out service for warehouses. This includes installing the most appropriate type of racking systems or shelving systems for a warehouse to suit a business’s needs. Logical Storage uses a wide range of different pallet racking systems in warehouses, which includes wide aisle, narrow aisle, double deep, drive through, dynamic push back, dynamic pallet flow, mobile and shuttle. We also offer different types of shelving, including carbon flow, office, industrial, longspan and mobile. We will be profiling some of these in future blogposts, but the key point is that every business is different and has different storage needs, and these different types of racking and shelving systems provide solutions for a wide range of different needs.
Once you have the most appropriate racking solution for your business installed, it is vital that it receives regular annual inspections and maintenance. If not, companies and organisations can be found guilty of corporate manslaughter under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 because of a gross breach of a duty of care. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) demands that work equipment such as warehouse racking must meet relevant standards. What may appear as minor damage could reduce the load bearing capacity of your racking by up to 40%, exposing your workers to great risk. This is why Logical Storage offers rack inspections and a full racking repair service, to ensure that companies meet their Health & Safety obligations, protecting themselves from the law and their employees from danger. With our online shop offering everything from stepladders to storage bins, you’ll find everything you need on our site for your warehouse storage needs.
Logical Storage also designs and installs mezzanine floors, creating a huge amount of extra space for businesses, whether that is for offices, retail, production space or storage space. Often in a warehouse there is a huge amount of wasted space above the warehouse floor. Installing a mezzanine floor allows a business to double its floor space without having to extend the building or move premises.
Finally, your warehouse probably doesn’t just consist of storage space, but is also likely to contain offices. We offer a full office partition service, including space planning, to allow you to get the very best out of your office space.
If you think we can help you, please get in touch today!
Racking 
Office 
Mezzanine 
Shelving 
Rack 
Warehouse 
Rack 
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn