Shelving and racking are understated but essential components of an efficient warehouse. Your goods are often transported, stored, moved, protected or even prepared using industrial equipment which also requires special attention. In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose the right shelving for your needs.

What should you consider when choosing industrial racking? 

Do you need industrial racking for your new business, to extend your storage areas or to renew your facilities? It is essential to start by assessing your needs.

Consider what it is that you need to store

Start by defining the properties of the items and products for storage. Are they lose or packaged in containers? Are they solid, liquid, or greasy? Do they require ventilation? Their properties will determine the type of racking required. 

Consider the number and size of the objects and goods for storage, this will allow you to determine the exact dimensions of the shelves and the number of rows required. 

Weight is also an important consideration because different systems will have varying weight restrictions. There are distinct categories that give you a good idea of what kind of shelving to choose once the load has been established: 

  • Rapid 3 shelving is good for a load of up to 250 kg per shelf
  • Rapid 2 shelving should be adequate for loads up to 340 kg
  • Rapid 1 shelving will be needed for a load of up to 800 kg 

Be familiar with the storage environment

The features of the racking you choose for your warehouse or workshop depend on where and how your goods are stored. 

If your products are stored indoors, choose painted metal shelving, which is easy to maintain and looks attractive. If your goods are displayed outdoors, choose a galvanised material that is resistant to weathering and rust corrosion.

What issues are at stake in the choice of storage racking?

The choices you make when it comes to equipping your industrial warehouse have an impact on the ‘Well-working’ of your employees and on the productivity of the company. Industrial storage solutions must also comply with European regulations. 

Appropriate layout for well-being at the workplace 

Appropriate racking and shelving contribute to a better working environment for professionals. In addition to optimising storage and workspaces, they facilitate stock management and handling in warehouses. Racking is therefore a source of ‘Well-working’ in the warehouse. ‘Well-working’ is a concept that brings together the notions of personal development and the smooth operation of the company. 

Storage for increased productivity 

Good management and the right equipment make your warehouse more efficient. There are several measures that can be implemented on a daily basis as well as in the long run to improve productivity. 

First, a proper shelving layout optimises the use of space in the storage area. Then, processes can be optimised through regular assessments of needs and long-term optimisation objectives. 

What storage standards must be respected? 

If you handle foodstuffs or chemicals, be careful to comply with the regulations, especially in the European market: 

  • The food standard and/or HACCP1 system for food products; 
  • ESD/Anti-static certification (EN 61340-5) for electronic products; 
  • EUR-EPAL Pallet certification for products that are compatible with European standard pallets. 

Think Lean Management. The right industrial equipment for your business saves time and space. Don’t overlook the colour and complementary accessories (labels, lids, dividers, etc.). Every detail counts. 

What types of Rapid racking and shelving should I choose? 

Do you require racking adapted to your business? Rapid Racking offers a large product range. We have developed a range of robust and versatile industrial storage racks for professionals. Our racking and shelving are manufactured in Europe and have a 10-year warranty. 

Using online configurators, you can create your own customised racking by specifying the dimensions, number of levels and shelves, finishes, etc. There are also special garage shelving units for tyres or shelving units with retention bins for your bottles and cans. 

Rapid 3 shelving

Rapid 3 shelving is the most economical range out of all of our shelving solutions, and can be used in a variety of domestic to light industrial applications from homes and garages to workshops and stockrooms.

Complete with 8m thick chipboard shelves, and available in 2 colour options, Rapid 3 is a popular light-duty shelving range. The system is tested to TUV standards, which is a thorough test on single bays of shelving for domestic shelving applications, and is approved for a 250 kg load per shelf.

This shelving is available in several options: 

  • From 915 mm to 1800 mm in height; 
  • From 900 mm to 1500 mm in width; 
  • From 450 mm to 600 mm in depth; 
  • Blue or grey frame.

Rapid 2 shelving

Our Rapid 2 shelving range is an upgrade from domestic shelving offering heavier load capacities up to 340 kg per shelf. Tested to FEM standards, Rapid 2 is suitable for industrial applications making it ideal for daily use in stockrooms, schools and warehouses.

This shelving is available in several options: 

  • 4, 5 or 6 storage levels; 
  • From 1980 mm or 2440 mm in height; 
  • From 915 mm to 1525 mm in width; 
  • From 305 mm to 760 mm in depth; 
  • Chipboard, metal, or melamine shelves. 

Rapid 1 shelving

Rapid 1 is the original boltless shelving. Renowned for its durability and strength, this is our strongest boltless shelving system holding up to 800 kg per shelf, the strongest out of all our commercial shelving.

  • 4, 5 or 6 storage levels; 
  • From 1980 mm or 2440 mm in height; 
  • From 915 mm to 2240 mm in width; 
  • From 455 mm to 1220 mm in depth; 
  • Chipboard, metal, melamine or wire mesh shelves.

The galvanised or epoxy finish (light grey or blue) offers good resistance to impact and various storage environments. 

Special shelving

Our wide range of specialist shelves available have been designed with specific uses and environments in mind.

As a popular solution for car garages, workshops and even home garages, tyre racking and wheel storage are popular solutions for these environments. From small garages to large-scale distributors, our range of wheel-racking solutions can meet every need.

Folding shelving offers a flexible solution for changing environments, whilst office shelving is neat and affordable for office use such as Stormor shelving with a variety of finishes, accessories, and colours; galvanised shelving is corrosion resistant and ideal for damp or oily areas, and tubular shelving that allows excellent light and air penetration and ideal for storerooms with sprinkler systems. We also have a wide range of Chrome shelving wire structured shelving that is suitable for displays, restaurants and offices.

Now you have all the tools you need to optimise space and efficiency in your warehouse. You can shop the full range here.