Safe Use of Plastic Pallet with Racking
Christopher Mok
Principal Consultant @ Rack Safety | Improving Rack Safety in the warehouse
The conventional method for supporting loads during transportation and storage has been the wooden pallet. Nevertheless, the utilization of wooden pallets introduces a range of challenges, such as susceptibility to infestation, hygiene concerns, inconsistent loading capacity, vulnerability to corrosive substances, and more. As a result, plastic pallets have emerged as an alternative solution in various scenarios. However, it's important to acknowledge that like their wooden counterparts, plastic pallets also bring forth their own set of considerations.
?A critical factor influencing the viability of plastic pallets is their lifespan, contingent on multiple variables. These variables encompass the pallet's quality, intended application, exposure conditions, and maintenance regimen. Generally, a top-tier plastic pallet employed under normal circumstances and adequately maintained can endure for approximately 5 to 10 years, and potentially even longer. Nonetheless, specific conditions can lead to a shorter lifecycle.
When integrating plastic pallets within Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), the stakes are heightened due to the precision required by the ASRS and the limited tolerance for errors. In such contexts, the repercussions of pallet failure are magnified and could potentially lead to catastrophic consequences. The ASRS operates on a finely tuned system where precise measurements, alignment, and load distribution are imperative for smooth operation. If a plastic pallet were to fail within this system, it could disrupt the entire workflow, causing downtime, damage to goods, and potentially compromising the safety of personnel and equipment.
Given the sensitivity of ASRS operations and the critical nature of maintaining seamless movement, special attention must be given to the selection, quality, and maintenance of plastic pallets.?
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