Racking Components

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Racking Components Overview

Racking structures are carefully designed and extensively tested to handle the loads encountered during daily use. Each component is specifically engineered to maintain load-bearing capacity and structural stability, making every part essential for overall performance and safety.

Let’s take a closer look at the key components...

Key Racking Components Explained

Frames:

Frames are made up of front and rear uprights connected by braces and secured with baseplates at each foot. These components work together to provide structural rigidity and load-bearing capacity when beams are attached to form a racking bay.

• Depth: Determined by the pallet depth.

Uprights:

• Constructed from cold-formed steel, uprights are designed to bear vertical loads.

• Each manufacturer produces unique upright designs to handle varying load capacities (referred to as "Duty"), typically stamped on the face.

• Uprights often feature slots or louvres on the front face to secure beams.

Frame Bracing:

• Braces connect the front and rear uprights, ensuring the frame is square and rigid.

• They assist in distributing the load to the ground and offer limited impact resistance.

• Bracing is typically bolted but may sometimes be welded.

Baseplates:

• Baseplates provide stable ground support for uprights, transferring loads to the floor.

• Designs vary depending on load requirements and the number of bays in a racking run.

Floor Fixings:

• Critical for structural stability, floor fixings anchor the baseplate to the ground.

• Typically, a single fixing is sufficient, though some designs require two.

• Each fixing must handle 5kN in shear and 3kN in tension.

Beams:

• Beams are what pallets rest on, slotting into upright faces.

• Available in various lengths and load capacities, with 2700mm and 3300mm lengths being standard.

• Beams are tested for specific loads and manufactured in sections to suit requirements.

Beam Locking Pins:

Small but essential components that ensure beams are securely attached to uprights.

• They prevent accidental beam dislodgement due to upward forces during daily operations.

• Manufacturer-specific locks must be used, with one safety lock required at each beam end.

Load Notices:

• SEMA load notices provide vital safety information about the racking structure, including manufacturer details, load limits, and design data.

• If the racking layout changes, the load notice must be updated with accurate manufacturer data.

Rack Protection:

• Rack protectors are designed to safeguard uprights and end frames.

• According to HSE guidelines (HSG76), protection should be installed at aisle ends and transfer bays to prevent damage.

• For end frames storing goods, low-level or full-height frame protection is recommended to guard against potential damage from goods or mechanical handling equipment.

By ensuring these components are properly maintained and used as intended, you can optimise the safety and performance of your racking system.