MATERIALHANDLING
customer’s operation. More complex systems—those that involveconveyors or other automation,for instance—may need to includeshielded or sealed bearings orsealed motors, depending on theenvironment.
“One of the most important things
is that whoever you work with has a
clear-cut understanding of your
environment,” Eastman says, speak-
ing to the need to tailor equipment
to the user’s operations. “You have
to select the right people to be work-
ing with so they are in tune with
what goes on in your organization.”
SAFE AND SECURE
Beginning with a secure structure isthe first step toward ensuring a saferacking system. Eastman, Kukal, andTaylor emphasize that the best-qual-ity materials, reinforced and installedproperly, will create a solid structurethat can withstand the fast-paced traffic and extreme temperatures of a coldstorage environment.
Training is the other key element,according to Taylor. Quite simply,having the right people, with the rightequipment, doing the right things isthe best way to maintain a safe andefficient culture, he says.
“[Companies should] ensure thatemployees are trained and equippedwith the standard personal protectiveequipment as well as specialized equipment such as thermal protection andfall protection,” he explains, addingthat the advent of high-bay racking—which features multiple levels of storage and allows more pallet locationsin a given footprint—has increased theneed for safety equipment and training.Such systems take advantage of ceilingheight, adding vertical storage that canbe accessed via reach trucks, cranes,or automated systems. Depending onthe environment, companies may needto add specialized equipment such asnarrow-aisle forklifts or personnel liftsand platforms that allow access to thehigher levels. All of these scenariosrequire “a robust safety program foryour front-line maintenance and leadership team members,” Taylor says.
Eastman reiterates the importance of
working with trusted suppliers.
“There are so many [elements toconsider] when it comes to safety,” hesays, pointing to local building codes,fire codes, insurance issues, and broader industry guidelines that play into thesafe design and installation of racks.“The way we store [items] and thedensity at which we’re allowed to storethem is predicated on local codes, butyou also have to make sure all theseare within the requirements of whoever is insuring the building. … [As aresult], you need to make sure you areworking with people that can help you
