17
Mar
Long span shelving is one of the most popular racking systems and is utilized in many different working environments. Flexible, strong and economical solution, longspan shelving is the ideal shelving for all kinds of goods and supplies, from small to bulky and heavy. From home garage use to engineering workshops and manufacturing plants, longspan shelving can be the perfect solution for any application. Assembling and installing this type of shelving is very easy and cheap, and it doesn’t require you being an expert nor the use of special equipment. This means that the long span shelving can provide maximum storage space in not more than an hour.
Installing long span shelves is simple indeed, but still comes with certain requirements. The floor should be of a solid concrete construction and especially designed to accept the point loads from the shelving legs. If you are to install a long span shelving on another type of floor, make sure the shelving is especially designed to suit the strength of that particular floor. Also, you should install the shelving on a dry flooring, since its components and load data are designed for dry conditions.
While most long span shelving models do not require a specific temperature, there are models that may break down if used in unsuitable temperature (extremely low or high). Usually, working environments with temperatures below 3ºC and where a lot of moisture is present require the components of shelving systems to be additionally protected from corrosion. For example, board shelves should never get wet.
A typical model of long span shelving uses 2 board shelves, 4 beams, 2 frames (or more) and at least 8 beam safety locks. The number of each part varies with each model, even some additional parts may be added for increased capacity and/or safety. Putting these parts together is very easy. The frames are positioned upright and are connected with a pair of bottom beams. Then, the second pair of beams is added, only a little higher. To secure the beams, use the beam safety locks. Lastly, lay the board shelves on the beams and start loading your long span shelving.
Once you are done with installing your long span shelving, there are few safety guidelines you must know. For starters, you should never climb on it or use it as a pallet racking, which both are common cases. Also, the load must be properly distributed. To access an upper shift level, you can use steps or a ladder. To ensure your long span shelving is safe for use, conduct frequent inspections.
