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than the fork trucks maximum lift and that the space between the runs is sufficient for the turning circle of the fork truck. An option to save even more space is to use a sideloader, which enables racking to be placed closer together.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Most yards are extremely busy with the merchant’s own lorries coming and going, customers’ lorries, vans, cars, and supplier vehicles replenishing sold stock. Sufficient space must be planned for loading and unloading while still allowing the yard to operate safely and effectively.
This has a major impact on the next point too, health and safety, so extensive planning when it comes to traffic management around a new or redesigned timber yard is essential.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
As well as vehicles, staff and customers will be wandering around the yard. Failing to take their safety into consideration could have very serious and costly consequences. Fork truck operations should be kept as far away from pedestrians as possible, and space should be planned to effectively cordon off loading and unloading areas.
SLOPES AND UNDULATIONS With flood prevention becoming ever more important, newer yards are being designed with steeper slopes so water can be discharged quickly, as standing water can play havoc with racking and other storage equipment, and is unpleasant for customers. However, this can present interesting issues when planning the layout of cantilever racking to ensure safe access and loading
for fork trucks, which may also require the inclusion of level plinths to overcome severe gradients. But with severe weather events becoming more common each year with the changing climate, proper and effective drainage must be taken into consideration at the design stage of a yard, to ensure flooding is managed as well as it can be.
RACKING
Racking is a huge consideration when designing your timber yard. There are a lot of options so it is important that you work closely with your supplier to ensure all your requirements are met. Here are a few factors you will need to take into consideration, though. These include:
• Double or single? Double-sided racking is far more cost effective as one upright will
accommodate twice the stock. However, single sided cantilever does provide the ideal perimeter racking and can be back clad with safety mesh if it overlooks a neighbouring premises or public roads.
• Canopy or not? There are conflicting schools of thought about canopies. On the
one hand, they give protection against the rain, but in windy conditions rain can still come in from the side. Also, the sun can warp and dry out timber so a canopy can offer some protection against this. On the other hand, a canopy can add as much as 30% to the cost of a job because the uprights need to be taller and stronger to withstand the increase in wind and weather loadings. However, this is still cheaper than putting up a full building, so can save tens of thousands of pounds when compared against that.
• Arm Design. When I started in this industry, the split between adjustable and fixed
arms was about 50/50. It is now almost 100% in favour of adjustable. Improved manufacturing procedures have reduced the cost, making the versatility afforded by adjustable arm design well worth having.
Arms can also be designed with a retaining pin at the end to prevent anything falling off, which is particularly useful for storing split packs or plastic pipes. Also, adjustable arms can easily be replaced if they get damaged.
• Galvanised or not? Galvanisation is another issue with two schools of thought.
At Filstorage we use only ‘C’ section or ‘I’ section steel, which with a good high quality paint finish that is properly maintained, will last for years. However, nearly all our customers these days opt for the longevity of galvanised racking, despite the extra cost, which is something they tell us gives them peace of mind over the long term.
• Cantilever racking. Cantilever racking is a very expensive type of racking with
many health and safety implications. Therefore, one of the most important things to recommend is you only buy from a SEMA Distributor Group (SDG) recognised supplier. SDG companies are independently assessed and operate to the highest design and safety standards set by SEMA, meaning you can be confident your cantilever racking is completely fit for purpose and adheres to health and safety regulations. ■
Above left: A canopy can add as much as 30% to the cost of a job Above right: A-frame, vertical stacking is an option
www.ttjonline.com | November/December 2022 | TTJ
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