You have to choose the right height for your pallet racking system to increase the storage density of your warehouse. That’s why you need to consider what type of pallet racking you want to install and what would be the applications of your pallet racking when determining the maximum pallet rack height for your warehouse.
In this article, we’ll discuss the standard pallet rack height for every major pallet racking type and look at all major factors that affect pallet racking height. We’ll also share some common mistakes that can cause inaccurate pallet rack height estimates and should be avoided at all times.
Standard Pallet Rack Height for all Racking Types
There are no pallet rack height restrictions for any pallet racking type. Instead, the maximum height for pallet racking depends on the vertical space available, and a few other factors which we’ll discuss later on.
For now, let’s take a look at the standard pallet rack heights for all major types of pallet racking.
Selective Pallet Racking
The standard pallet rack height limit for selective pallet racking is 8 to 40 feet. However, depending on your ceiling height, you can increase the height of your selective pallet racking.
Double Deep Pallet Racking
Double-deep pallet racking can go from 12 to 40 feet high. Considering the two-pallet deep storage and the need for extended-reach forklifts, it’s hard to surpass the 40-foot pallet rack height restrictions of double-deep pallet racking.
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Pallet Racking
Very Narrow Aisle pallet racking is ideal for maximum vertical storage space utilization because of its narrow aisles. You’ll need VNA specialized forklifts but your pallet rackings can be 20 to 50 feet tall.
Drive-In & Drive-Through Pallet Racking
Drive-In and Drive-Through pallet racking has a maximum height limit of 12 to 40 feet. However, due to fewer aisles needed, these pallet racking systems offer a higher storage density than others.
Gravity Flow Pallet Racking
A Gravity Flow racking system has a standard pallet rack height of 12 to 30 feet, making it one of the shortest pallet racking systems. This is mainly due to the angled beams that are needed for this semi-automated storage system.
Push-Back Pallet Racking
The standard height for a Push-Back pallet racking system is 12 to 40 feet. Multiple pallets are stored on each level which offers high storage density even at smaller heights.
Pallet Shuttle Racking
Pallet Shuttle racking has the highest standard pallet rack height out of all pallet racking types. This automated storage solution can have racks as high as 20 to 50 feet.
Factors Affecting Pallet Racking Height Limit
While every pallet racking type has a standard pallet rack height limit, you can customize the height depending on your storage needs. However, a few factors must be considered when deciding the height of your pallet racking system:
- Pallet Racking Safety Standards and Regulations: First and foremost, while deciding the height for your pallet racking system, make sure you follow the guidelines of pallet racking safety standards like ANSI, RMI, and OSHA.
- Ceiling Height: The warehouse ceiling is the most important factor that affects the maximum pallet rack height of warehouse racking. You want to leave enough space between the top rack and the ceiling for ventilation, lighting, and the sprinkler system.
- Pallet Racking Stability: The design and layout of your pallet racking system will determine its stability. To achieve maximum height, you must have a stable and secure pallet racking system.
- Seismic Activity: If your warehouse is in an earthquake-prone area, you might face pallet rack height restrictions to ensure employee safety.
- Accessibility and Forklift Reach: When deciding the height of your pallet racking system, consider the reach of your forklift. There’s no point in creating a tall pallet racking system where you can’t reach the top levels to store and retrieve inventory.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Pallet Rack Height
Choosing the correct pallet rack height will maximize the use of vertical space, ensure employee safety, and streamline the entire inventory management operation. However, due to some common mistakes, you could end up with the wrong pallet rack height which can have serious consequences for the entire warehouse.
Here are a few common mistakes warehouse managers often make when deciding the warehouse racking height.
- Ignoring Fire Safety Regulations: It’s easy to forget about the sprinkler system when deciding the height of your pallet racking system. You must leave enough room for the sprinklers to effectively reach all areas in case of a fire.
- Not Considering Forklift Reach: When you decide your pallet rack height without considering the reach of your forklifts, you’ll either have to modify your pallet racking or invest in a different forklift. An inexperienced operator can also cause accidents in the warehouse while trying to reach too high.
- Disregarding Future Growth: More often than not, warehouse managers and owners fail to account for future growth. They can select a pallet racking height that doesn’t fully utilize the storage space which leads to costly reconfigurations.
Conclusion
While you might want to occupy and use every inch of vertical space available in your warehouse, there are certain pallet rack height restrictions and limits that you have to follow. Avoiding these pallet racking height limits can affect the safety and security of your warehouse as well as compromise operational efficiency.
FAQs
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Are There Any Regulations Or Guidelines For Pallet Rack Height?
Fire Safety Codes, Load Capacity Limits, and Building Codes are the main pallet rack height regulations that should be followed. These guidelines vary from area to area but following them ensures that your pallet racking system is safe, secure, and stable.