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Warehouses are complex and diverse spaces, where every element is important. In this article, we take a look at the basic elements of equipment used in standard warehouses.
Warehouses differ in many aspects, including, in particular, the type of facility (closed, open, semi-open), the size of the storage area, the type of inventory stored, and the method of storage and transportation. Consequently, not every warehouse uses the same furniture and equipment. Some facilities rely mainly on the work of human hands, while in others the work is facilitated by mechanical equipment. In the most modern warehouses, automated systems are responsible for the logistics process, and the human factor is kept to a minimum. This article will present the basic elements of equipment used in standard warehouses.
Storage racks are usually interconnected steel or aluminum structures, which can be additionally equipped with shelves made of durable plastic (such as polypropylene). Structures without shelves are suitable for storing goods placed on pallets (pallet racks) or goods stored vertically, such as pipes or profiles (cantilever racks). Regardless of the type, shelving should maximize the use of space and at the same time allow convenient lining and removal of goods. The load-bearing capacity of the structure must be adapted to the weight of the stored inventory.
The passageways delineated by adjacent racks must ensure free and safe movement of employees. Because of the possibility of collisions between racks (e.g., a collision between a worker on foot and a worker moving a forklift), it is worthwhile to use safety measures, such as a rack warning system. This solution involves the use of detectors that emit a light signal and, in addition, an audible alarm if there is movement from both sides. The detectors should be installed in places where visibility is limited, such as the edges of adjacent racks.
Storage mezzanines and platforms are self-supporting structures that allow optimal space management in the warehouse hall. With their help it is possible to obtain additional levels for storing goods, while the structures can be easily dismantled and installed elsewhere if necessary. Mezzanines and platforms are equipped with additional elements, such as stairs and landings, which provide employees with convenient access to goods. These types of structures are ideal for stock of small size, which can be lined and removed manually.
In some warehouses, goods are stored in bulk, while in others inventories are grouped into cargo units. To save space and improve the transportation of goods within the warehouse, various types of containers are used. These can include, for example:
Large warehouses are usually mechanized facilities with constant movement. Some workers are engaged in unloading goods, others in loading, and others are responsible for the proper placement of inventory on the racks. The smooth flow of goods is ensured by various types of electric or diesel-powered vehicles, especially forklifts. Various types of crane equipment are also used to lift bulky loads, including overhead cranes, hoists and cranes, among others.
In order to streamline work and ensure the safety of vehicle and equipment operators, it is worth implementing modern warehouse solutions. A good example of this is the mobile paging system for forklifts, which allows, among other things, quick communication between employees, thus reducing downtime. Vehicles and cranes can also be equipped with warning systems that prevent collisions with other workers (pedestrians and in vehicles). Greater safety during load lifting is provided by warning lights for overhead cranes, while transportation within the warehouse is facilitated by a warning system for pedestrians and IPAS carts.
Loading, handling and unloading of goods is mainly handled by forklift and picking truck operators, but smaller quantities of inventory are transported using hand trucks. In the case of goods placed on pallets, these will be so-called pallet trucks, while goods in bulk or in smaller containers (such as cardboard boxes) are transported on platform trucks. Depending on the type and quantity of goods, carts of different sizes and designs are used, including, for example:
Manual and electric-powered lift trucks are also used for lifting goods.
Warehouse logistics can be improved by mobile scales, which are systems used to weigh transported goods. The scales can be placed on forklifts, picking trucks or even hand pallet trucks. With mobile weighing systems, workers can check the weight of goods on the fly, without the time-consuming task of removing the load to be weighed on a stationary scale. Unfortunately, when transporting goods using pallet trucks, accidents can occur due to the wheels of the truck running over a foot. However, this can be avoided by installing a metal wheel guard. A foot guard for a pallet truck can also make it easier to transport heavy loads and move over difficult terrain (such as uphill).
Warehouse workers also benefit from a number of additional accessories that improve the unloading and loading of goods, as well as make it easier to move around the warehouse floor. Here we can mention, for example, ladders (including mobile platform ladders), which make it possible to take down smaller goods or perform other activities at heights (such as marking goods).
It is also worth installing an automatic pallet magazine in the warehouse, which is used for storing pallets, as well as for conveniently issuing and receiving pallets from the truck. A manual hoist is also useful in everyday work, which allows the safe loading of heavy goods without involving multiple workers or starting a forklift.
Warehouse workers also make use of numerous accessories for securing and packing goods, including sealing machines, pallet wrappers, packing tables and tape dispensers. Also very helpful are warehouse marking floor tapes, which can be used to delineate passageways or mark out individual zones in the warehouse space.