Many businesses need pallets for their storage, display, and transportation needs. However, handling these pieces of equipment is an art form, and doing it wrong could have significant consequences. You need to know the right way to store and organize your pallets to avoid damaging your workplace and injuring your staff. Here are some useful tips for stacking your wooden pallets.
Stack from Heaviest to Lightest
The best way to stack your pallets for maximum safety is by putting the heaviest ones on the bottom. This practice will ensure that heavy loads don’t crush lighter pieces of inventory. With the densest pallets on the bottom, you won’t need to worry about lightweight pallets buckling or breaking. Heavy pallets also create a solid foundation for the rest of your stack, so your pallet towers are less likely to collapse under pressure.
Remember Height and Weight Limits
No matter how strong your pallets are, they all come with height and weight restrictions. Pushing these limits might not seem like a big deal, but it’s a safety hazard that business leaders should avoid at all costs. If you stack your pallets too high, you risk them toppling over onto the work floor, damaging your merchandise, and putting employees at risk. Likewise, overpacking your pallets will damage their integrity, weakening them and decreasing their longevity.
Stack Your Pallets Evenly
If you don’t have a ton of storage space, you might be placing your pallets anywhere they fit. Stacking your pallets evenly is essential to protect your inventory and equipment. Pallet racks need even distribution across all vertical and horizontal beams to provide the right amount of support. Unevenly-stacked pallets are also tricky to navigate, so making sure everything is flush will free up more valuable storage space.
Never Use Damaged Pallets
The final tip for stacking wooden pallets might seem obvious, but it’s worth noting. Never use damaged pallets to store, display, or transport essential items and materials. Even minor blemishes can cause huge issues, so it’s better to play it safe and take them out of the equation. If you’re struggling with your pallets’ durability, look into the differences between hardwood vs. softwood pallets and consider diversifying your materials.
No matter the size of your business, knowing proper pallet stacking techniques is a must. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to improving conditions in your company and creating a safe place for everyone to work.
