Pallets are vital components in many businesses. As a business owner, you need them to make transportation simpler and more efficient and improve product protection in transit. Moreover, pallets come with impressive qualities, including recyclability, affordability, and durability. However, ill-advised practices often shorten the lifespan of pallets and make working with them risky. For instance, exceeding pallet stacking height limits increases the likelihood of their toppling over and causing injuries or property damage. But you can avoid these using the tips listed below.
1. Avoid stacking pallets too high
Pallets need proper stacking to serve you longer and optimize workplace safety. That is a requirement that is stipulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA, in a nutshell, requires you to stack pallets stably to lessen the chances of sliding and collapsing. On the other hand, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has an empty pallet maximum stacking height of 15 feet.
2. Pay attention to recommended weight limits
You need special equipment and machinery to move and load pallets. Most business owners use pallet jacks and forklifts for this purpose. These machines have specific weight limits that you shouldn't exceed. But, in a nutshell, the capacity of lifting and moving solutions such as a forklift relies on factors like the weight of your typical load, length of the most extensive pallet, and how high you need to lift loaded or empty pallets. Grossly exceeding your equipment's maximum capacity causes tipping over, load spilling, and machine damage.
3. Replace damaged pallets
Reusing pallets in dilapidated conditions may sound like a financially sound move, but it's counterproductive. First, pallets in poor condition tend to have splinters and broken components likely to cut and abrade your employees. Moreover, damaged pallets have lesser stability and tend to fall and break easily. Check your pallets for any signs of splinters, loose nails, cracks, or any symptoms of apparent weaknesses to avoid such problems. If you spot these signs, replace your pallets immediately.
4. Observe even pallet stacking
You can optimize warehouse safety by properly stacking pallets. That simply means no pallet edges should stick out from the rest. Moreover, evenly stacked pallets observe even weight distribution. Unevenly stacked pallets are hazardous because they can topple off while lifting them using a forklift or during shipping.
The Bottom Line
Overstacking is one of the most significant problems you'll face while using pallets. When pallets are stacked past the allowed weight or height limit, they are more likely to fall, bringing other items along with them. That causes extensive damage. But you can avoid all these and the subsequent financial losses by using do not stack pallet cones. These cones let your team know when a pallet stack has reached its limit, and any further stacking will be dangerous.
For more information on pallet stacking, contact a company like Constructive Designs.
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