Warehousing is a big business in the US. This billion dollar industry employs hundreds of thousands of people. However, there are differences in warehouses. There are different sizes, spaces, functionalities and the number of people employed. One characteristic that they share though is that certain equipment is essential for effective operations, regardless of size and function. Below is a checklist of the essential warehouse supplies and equipment that you would need.
Hazards abound in a warehouse and there is a high potential for harm. With heavy equipment, moving vehicle, inventory stored in high places, etc., we could see where the hazard comes from. Safety precautions should be taken in line with regulations.
A warehouse should not be without a fire extinguisher. It is very easy to get a fire especially because of machinery at work. It is important to prepare fire safety protocol and evacuation procedures. And have a sufficient supply of fire extinguishers.
Every employee should have personal protective equipment (PPE). This is a great means of reducing the chances of accidents. High visibility clothing, hard hats, eye goggles, ear muffs, and steel toe-capped boots are some examples of personal protective equipment.
It is also important to have safety barriers that come in different shapes and sizes. They are required to protect warehouse employees and visitors from various hazards in the environment. Collisions are prevented, access to dangerous places are regulated, and it channels people through safe walking routes if there are safety barriers around.
A warehouse needs storage equipment. The commonly used storage equipment are the following.
Products stored on pallets can be kept in pallet racks. Pallet racks are units that are frame-like without a base to the shelving. Check out this guide if you want to know more about the best pallet racks.
Cantilever racks should be used for items that will not fit on a standard pallet rack. If the items are longer, then these can be accommodated in a cantilever rack. If an item is bulky, then it can be stored in a cantilever rack. Oversized, irregularly shapes items can be stored in a cantilever rack.
Flow racks are racks which slope downward and with roller tracks fixed along the base. Items are placed on the higher end and it will be pulled down by gravity to the exit aisle at the lower end. Preparations of orders are made faster with this. Flow racks are ideal for warehouses with large picking volumes.
Another important storage units are industrial shelving which are just like ordinary shelves. They are heavy duty and capable of holding larger loads.
A warehouse also needs lifting equipment. Below are some of the important lifting tools.
Pallet jacks are essential for transporting pallet-stored goods without a forklift.
Forklift trucks enable easy transportation of heavy pallet-stored goods. They minimize the chance of both injury and damage to goods.
Hand trucks can easily transport non-pallet goods.