When storing anything in a warehouse situation, it’s important that the warehouse is as efficient as possible. For items that are of relatively standard shape and size, there are a number of options for warehouse storage, and you can usually find warehouse shelving to suit it. But for longer and bulkier items, finding an effective storage solution can be difficult.
Long items, especially heavier long items like metal piping, aren’t always easy to store. Long items take up space and can be awkward to lift even if they don’t weigh a lot. There’ s also the added risks of danger with a long item on a forklift. Sometimes the long items being store are of inconsistent length as well, which makes them even less efficient to store.
Use Cantilever Racking
While every storage need is different, for the storage of items that come in lengths, we usually recommend cantilever racking. Cantilever racking is an easy way of storing longer items because it’s only supported at one end, leaving the front of the racking completely open so that long items can be moved in out easily either manually or via forklift.
Like normal pallet racking, cantilever racking can be made for anything light to heavy duty and can also be modified to suit the specific storage requirements of a business. For example, the cantilevers on the racking can be made to sit flat in order to maximise the space of storing something flat like lumber, or they can be angled upwards to store circular items like pipes that are at risk of rolling off the racking.
While cantilever racking is a great option for storing anything that’s relatively long, it may not be the best option for all long materials. For example, long and wide products like plasterboard may not be able to sit on the cantilevers. For situations like this there’s not one single solution that will be applicable. After all, it depends on exactly what’s being stored and how it needs to be accessed. Because of this there may not be a pre-made storage solution, but it’s also possible to modify standard pallet racking, create extra large pallet racking, or make something completely customised.
Be Thoughtful In Your Storage
When storing longer items in a warehouse, it’s also important to remember that these items can’t be treated like palletised items. The best practices adopted for palletised storage don’t always apply to long item storage.
As already mentioned, long items have different safety concerns than pallets and both forklift drivers and general warehouse workers need to be made aware and reminded of the extra dangers. Even if the long item is light it can still knock someone over or pose a tripping hazard when being moved.
And in terms of safety, it’s always good to remind people to use materials handling equipment properly. While it’s not problematic to use a forklift to transport long items within the warehouse, it’s different from moving pallets. While it may be tempting to get a job done more quickly by using equipment incorrectly, ultimately this will end up wasting time when something breaks or someone gets hurt.
When planning your storage, it’s also important to note that the layout of your warehouse will need to be different from one that’s only storing pallets or at least storing items that are smaller. While your warehouse can likely still have aisles to access goods, you’ll have to take into account potentially wider turning circles to account for the length of the items being stored. Does your warehouse have enough space for this?
Depending on what you’re storing, you may find inconsistencies in the products you’re storing, which means some thought needs to be put into how it’s stacked. Wood, for example, may have pieces of different lengths with defects that may not even be noticeable until it’s stacked.
All in all, storing longer items in a warehouse setting has its challenges, but with a bit of experience and planning, you can still have a well run warehouse that safely stores things of all different shapes and sizes. Every warehouse and storage need is different though, so there’s not one approach that will work universally. If you need advice feel free to get in touch.
