Even the most well-packed pallet can deform, and stretch wrap can tear. In such situations, safe storage requires additional safety measures to stop falling items.
When is back mesh mandatory on racking?
Safety nets (so-called “rack backs”) are necessary when there is a pedestrian walkway or a workstation behind a single-entry rack. Regulations require the back of the rack to be secured to prevent a pallet from accidentally being pushed onto a person passing behind the structure.
Protection of walkways and order-picking zones
The mesh size should be selected so that the openings are smaller than the smallest stored item that could cause harm by falling from a height.
Mesh Shelving (Decking)
Traditional particle boards are becoming obsolete, replaced by wire mesh panels (decking).
Water permeability and sprinkler systems (Fire Safety)
This is the most significant advantage of mesh shelving. In the event of a fire, water from the sprinkler system can flow freely through all levels of the rack, reaching the source of the fire on the lowest tiers. Particle board acts like an umbrella, blocking the water and increasing the risk of the fire spreading.
Better visibility and air circulation
Mesh shelves provide better illumination for lower levels (light penetrates through the openwork structure) and improved ventilation for goods, which is crucial in food warehouses.
Securing drive-through tunnels under racks
If forklifts or pedestrians move through a tunnel created within a racking block, the ceiling of this tunnel must be strictly secured with heavy-duty mesh or panels to protect against falling goods stored above.
How to match mesh strength to the weight of stored pallets?
When selecting additional racking equipment, consult with the supplier regarding the load capacity of the mesh panels. They must withstand point loads (e.g., pallet feet), not just uniformly distributed loads.