Comparing Standard and Custom-Fabricated Mezzanines

There are many types of mezzanines available in the market to provide warehouse owners and users more flexibility in choosing which one would most effectively work for their material handling and warehouse operations. Among these types, do you already what to get for your material handling and warehouse storage needs?

The two primary classifications of mezzanines are standard-sized and custom mezzanines. While both are equally functional, they both have their strengths and weaknesses, and, therefore, require you to weigh your options as to know which one to get.

Standard-Sized Mezzanine Systems

Standard-sized or off-the-shelf mezzanine systems are pre-fabricated according to the normal sizes and typical spaces of warehouses in general. They are readily available from the manufacturer, such that when a company orders one or more systems from them, the manufacturer can deliver and install them right away.

All standard-sized mezzanine systems are constructed using the same high-grade, heavy-duty materials. However, if you have some minor requests regarding its construction, they may not be accommodated since standard mezzanines are already fixed, completed, and ready to be installed.

If your warehouse uses the standard storage space and you need a mezzanine system right away, the standard-sized system us ideal for you.

Custom-Fabricated Mezzanine System

Mezzanine systems can undergo custom fabrication if a customer or client prefers a system that is different from standard-sized models. For example, the size of the warehouse is unique that no standard-sized mezzanine can fit in, a custom-fabricated unit is most ideal to be used

Moreover, if client requires special specifications such as different materials to be used, different height or elevation, and additional safety features, a custom-fabricated mezzanine system should be preferred. Thus, if your warehouse storage needs are quite unique and you have a lot of time to spare while the manufacturer constructs your custom-made mezzanine, then this type is ideal for you.

These are the common differences between standard and custom mezzanines. The choice as to which type of system to get will all depend on your storage and material handling needs. For more information about custom mezzanines, visit http://msshouston.com/cantilever-racking-6/uncategorised/custom-mezzanines.

Four Main Types of Mezzanine Systems

A mezzanine is an elevated platform often used in warehouses and facility centers to maximize space and use as storage systems for small items or big equipment. Mezzanine manufacturers create both standard-sized and custom-fabricated systems, according to the preference of the client.

There are four main types of mezzanines that serve as material handling, distribution, space saving, storage and access solutions.

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Free Standing Mezzanines

As the name implies, free-standing mezzanine structures are stand alone. They are constructed within an existing building or structure which is designed to maximize clear space under and above the mezzanine. Also known as structural, steel, or wide span mezzanines, this type of mezzanine incorporates wide column spacing and high PSF (pounds per square foot) capacity. They are usually engineered for a specific need.

Building Supported Mezzanines

Building supported mezzanines are ideally installed in a warehouse building that is designed to support additional loads. A blended system can also be developed in which a mezzanine is supported partly by the building structure and partly by columns, as long as the foundation can support the additional load. This type of mezzanine is usually strong and stable as the entire building structure is what keeps it standing.

Rack Supported Mezzanines

Rack supported mezzanines are the most economical way of creating additional floor levels using standard pallet rack components, provided that the rack system can support the additional loads.Additional materials, however, are required for the decking, stairs, and fall protection. For instance, catwalks can be installed in these systems.

Shelving Supported Mezzanines

Shelving supported mezzanines are ideal for storage of smaller items alongside existing shelving. This is an economical way to make more efficient use of existing space. This type of mezzanine is the least flexible in terms of installation and reconfiguration.

Mezzanines are very useful for warehouse operations and material handling, provided that you know which type should be installed in your facility. For more information about warehouse storage systems, consult with the mezzanine manufacturers at MSS Houston or visit their website at http://msshouston.com/racking-systems/uncategorised/mezzanine-manufacturer.

Maintenance Tips for Industrial Mezzanines

Industrial mezzanines are used in many industries for various applications such as storage and additional space. To maintain its function for regular usage and enable it to last for a very long time, proper precautions should be observed. Here are some maintenance tips for industrial mezzanines.

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1. Mezzanine floors should be inspected and monitored on a regular basis. Any visual defects such as dents, buckles, tears to any beam, stanchion, floor joist or even loose nuts and bolts will require specialist advice from the manufacturer, supplier, or independent structural engineer. If one of the above damages has been found, immediate attention should be made.
2. Damage to decking can be an evidence of excessive loading. Thus, it is important to not overload your mezzanine. Always keep in mind the maximum weight capacity of the storage system and do not exceed its weight limit. Any sign of decking cracking, breaking up, or other obvious distress will require specialist advice and repair.
3. Strictly follow maximum weight capacity of the system. Loading notices must be supplied by the mezzanine manufacturer or supplier and prominently displayed around the mezzanine.
4. The structural steel framework and decking of your industrial mezzanine should not be altered without reference to and advice from the supplier and/or manufacturer or a qualified structural engineer.
5. Positions of staircases and other forms of access and escapes must not be changed without prior reference to the supplier and/or manufacturer. Likewise, change of usage of a mezzanine may require alterations to the loading characteristic originally calculated, reference to the supplier, manufacturer or structural engineer should be sought. 

An industrial mezzanine can work effectively for you and your warehouse needs. However, if not used and maintained properly, it may even cause more harm and damage than help. For more information about fabrication, installation, and use of industrial mezzanines, consult with the experts at MSS Houston or visit its website at http://msshouston.com/cantilever-racking-10/uncategorised/industrial-mezzanine.

Maintenance Tips for Your Warehouse

Warehouse maintenance is the process of controlling the movement and storage of materials within a warehouse. It involves activities such as storage, shipping, receiving, putaway and picking. The maintenance of warehouse operation is an essential process to ensure maximum utilization of both facility and equipment assets of a company.

To maintain and continuously improve the operation of your warehouse, here are some effective tips to consider.

1. Warehouse maintenance involves keeping the warehouse facility and all its aspects in good condition and shape, such as grounds, utilities, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, fire protection, security systems, and more. Even before any operation starts, make sure that there is well-organized system involving these aspects.

2. Storage systems such as industrial mezzanines should be well installed and can accommodate the equipment or stored items well. To maximize warehouse space, opt for custom fabricated mezzanines and storage systems.

3. Implement efficient storeroom inventory tracking system. This will help you track inventories easily and more conveniently without the hassles of manually counting stocks every hour or so.

4. For safety and security, equipment should be handled with care at all times and only by authorized personnel. Post warning labels and signs at all sides and corners of the warehouse. First aid kits should also be available in cases of emergency.

5. Regularly check the condition of each equipment piece in the warehouse. If you notice some damage – whether major or minor – tell the officer-in-charge right away and discontinue the use of the equipment temporarily. Have it fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

6. Invest in a warehouse maintenance software system that will provide you with a set of computerized procedures to handle the receipt of stock and returns into a warehouse facility model and manage the logical representation of the physical storage facilities. This will make your life in handling warehouse operations easier.

These are just some ways on how to maintain the operation and materials handling inside the warehouse. For more information about storage systems such as industrial mezzanines, visit http://msshouston.com/cantilever-racking-10/uncategorised/industrial-mezzanine.

Choosing Elevated Platforms

An elevated platform is a useful piece of equipment installed in any room or warehouse space to provide additional space vertically, especially when room expansion or addition is not possible.  The existence of elevated platforms is often utilized for an additional work space, monitoring room, multipurpose space, and storage solution.

When choosing an elevated platform for your warehouse, there are several things you need to consider, including the following:

Size and Volume– Choose an elevated platform that fits exactly in your available warehouse space. If there is no standard-sized platform ideal for your warehouse space, opt for custom fabrication that is perfectly according to your preferences and specifications.

Safety – Choose an elevated platform that is safe to use, work on, and store items on. Ensure that the materials used for the platform are of high quality and can withstand the test of time and rigorous activities.

Durability – Choose an elevated platform that is durable to hold heavy items and strong enough to accommodate operational activities. Each platform, however, features a maximum weight capacity. Be sure to know this as this will serve as your guide when storing items or using the platform for a specific activity.

Platform Surface –Choose an elevated platform with a platform surface that is safe to walk in, such as one that is embossed with a safety tread and features smooth steel with silica sand for slip resistance, open grating, or wood surfaced. The most ideal platforms are made from durable materials inclduing carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum and may be finished with industrial enamel, epoxy paint, zinc finishes such as Galvacon.

Choosing an elevated platform for your warehouse should be fairly easy, especailly if you are equipped with the right knowledge. For more information about warehouse storage systems and elevated platforms, visit http://msshouston.com/cantilever-racking-8/uncategorised/elevated-platform.

Dos and Don’ts in Using Cantilever Racks

Although it may seem quite easy to use, a cantilever rack requires correct utilization and proper maintenance to prolong its life and avoid any damage or accident in the warehouse. Because of this, there are a couple of guidelines to follow and practices to observe when using cantilever racks as a storage system in the warehouse.

Below are the dos and don’ts and using cantilever racking systems which can serve as your guide on what to follow and what to avoid when it comes to using the cantilever rack.

Dos in Using a Cantilever Rack

• Store only items that are suitable in your cantilever rack, such as pipes, lumbers, steels, and other long and heavy items.

• Consider the maximum weight capacity of your cantilever rack. Make sure that the total weight of the items stored in your rack is within this weight capacity. Otherwise, the rack or the items stored may suffer from damage.

• Regularly check and monitor the condition of your cantilever rack. Inspect for any damage or loose bolts or nuts to ensure that the rack is still in good condition for use.

Don’ts in Using a Cantilever Rack

• Do not store items more than the total allowed capacity of the storage system. This will only damage the rack and reduce its life span.

• Do not use the rack if there is any damage on it. Even a loose nut or bolt can cause a lot of harm and huge accident, especially if the heavy items stored in it slip and fall down.

• Do not allow any unauthorized person to access the cantilever rack, especially if the items stored are big and heavy. This is a safety measure that needs to be observed strictly in the warehouse. Posting of signage and warning labels can help guide workers inside the warehouse.

When using cantilever racks, it is important to observe proper safety measures to avoid any accident in the warehouse. For more information about the different types of storage systems, visit http://msshouston.com/cantilever-racks.html.

Maintenance Tips for Your Cantilever Racking Systems

Cantilever racks are useful for storing long and heavy items, such as pipes, steel, timber, and the likes. They are made durable to withstand the heavy weights of the stored items. However, they still require proper use and maintenance, so they can last for a long time and avoid any forms of damage.

Here are some essential tips in maintaining your cantilever racking systems.

1. If you will assemble your racking system by yourself, read the manual that comes with it first before trying to set up any parts of it. If you can, seek the assistance of professional cantilever rack installers to ensure that you will be able to assemble the product as accurately as it should be.

2. It is very important that the cantilever rack structure be installed in a plumb, level, and square condition. Setting it up on an uneven flooring might make it unstable and unbalanced, and may cause further damage.

3. Load items with total weight according to the maximum capacity of the type of rack you have. Cantilever racks are classified as to light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty, with specific maximum capacity for each. Make sure that you don’t exceed the maximum weight they can carry. Otherwise, they can stand unstable or be damaged immediately after several uses.

4. Ensure that all hardware and parts are installed in place and properly tightened before the cantilever racking system is to be used.

5. Make regular monitoring and inspection. The moment you see damage, put down all items stored in the rack and have it fixed right away. If damage is non-repairable, better to replace it with a new and functional one to ensure safety and security.

These are just some of the maintenance tips for your cantilever racks. For more information about the various types of warehouse storage systems, their installations, and repair, consult with the experts at http://msshouston.com/cantilever-racking.html.

Understanding Cantilever Racks

A cantilever rack is a storage tool designed to keep long items or items with varying lengths, such as pipes, tubes, lumber, steels, and similar materials. It can either be single or double sided, maximizing the storage spaces it provides. Some of the industries that use cantilever racking systems include furniture, cardboard, lumber, steel, plastics, and tubing industries.

Types of Cantilever Racks

Cantilever racks can be classified into four major types – light duty, medium duty, heavy duty, and structural racking systems.

Light duty cantilever racks are used to store long products like metal braces and conduit. They are ideal for storing wide and heavy material that can be lifted into place by staff or a forklift. Often, they are used in in retail as both storage and display.

Medium duty cantilever racks are often used as storage for timbers, pipes, and sheet metals. They are ideal for the storing wide and heavy material that may require a forklift to lift and retrieve, and are widely used in retail and hardware stores.

Heavy duty cantilever racks are used to carry and store really wide and really heavy materials, such as strong metal pipes and columns. They are popularly used by manufacturers, factories, and building suppliers. They are the perfect option when other racks would be under great strain.

Structural cantilever racks are used for loads that free-standing cantilever racks can't handle. Sometimes called extra heavy duty cantilever racking system, they require expert advice, design, and manufacturing ability.

What to Consider when Getting Cantilever Racks

Before getting cantilever racking systems for your warehouse or retail store, here are some of the things that you need to consider and think about.

How many racks do you need? The number of storage system will depend on how many items will you be storing. Make sure to get enough racks so you can store your items properly and presentably.

How durable are the racks? Make sure that your cantilever racks are made of high-grade, high-quality materials that can hold the heaviest of products to be stored.

To know more about your cantilever rack options, consult with the experts at http://msshouston.com/cantilever-racks.html.

Common Industries that Use Mezzanine Storage Systems

With the many advantages it provides, a mezzanine storage system is increasingly becoming more and more popular among various industries and workplaces. Mezzanine manufacturers attest that many companies are starting to see and realize how these storage solutions can effectively increase operation efficiency and workplace productivity.

Here are some popular industries and workplaces where mezzanine storage systems are being used.

Warehouses – Storing hundreds to thousands of product stocks may be a bit challenging with warehouses that have limited floor space. Thus, many facilities that need store non-expiry products opt to have a mezzanine installed so they can maximize the space they have.

Supermarkets – Big grocery stores need to stock up on their items, while having easy access at the same time, so that in case there is a need to replenish, they can easily get a few more stocks to refill the shelves. This is the reason why large supermarkets have mezzanines and elevated platforms installed in them.

Bookstores – Books take up a lot of space. And if a bookstore owner relies on the floor space and shelves alone, he may not be able to showcase all of the books he is selling. A mezzanine in this type of work place is not only used to store books, but to give buyers extra space to lounge around and select books they want to buy.

Corporate offices – Sometimes, the need to expand the office rises in the middle of the company’s operation. However, due to many reasons, adding additional rooms or getting new floor area is not an option. Thus, mezzanines are installed to provide new office rooms or function areas.

Mezzanine manufacturers are happy of this outcome. Aside from these, more and more industries are starting to see the benefits of storage systems. For more information, visit MSS Houston at http://msshouston.com/racking-systems/uncategorised/mezzanine-manufacturer.

Effective Maintenance of Warehouse Mezzanine

No matter how durable and well installed a warehouse mezzanine is, it will wear out in time, especially if not maintained properly and regularly. Just like any other warehouse equipment and devices, the mezzanine floors and elevated platforms should also be kept clean, functional, and maintained all the time.

Here are effective tips on how to maintain your warehouse mezzanine.

1. Regular inspection of the mezzanine storage system and other elevated platforms should be carried out at a series of levels of competence.

2. The storage system should only carry load that is equivalent to or less than the maximum safe load capacity given by the manufacturer.

3. Aisles and catwalks should always be clear and free from any obstruction. The use of anti-slip mats will help workers walk and transport products conveniently, and keep them safe from falling, slipping, or stumbling over.

4. When using pallets, they should be in good condition and are placed correctly.

5. Warehouse staff and fork lift truck operators should be encouraged to report all damage immediately as it occurs to ensure appropriate action is taken to protect the safety of operatives and others.

6. For any noticeable damage, no matter how big or small, the mezzanine should be repaired immediately. Contact the manufacturer or installer right away and inform them of the situation so they can provide assistance and ideal solutions.

7. Implement preventive electrical and mechanical maintenance at all times.

A mezzanine storage system can provide many advantages to industrial company owner when maintained regularly and kept operational at all times. MSS Houston is one of the leading mezzanine and storage systems manufacturers in Houston. For more information about the right use, installation, and maintenance of warehouse mezzanine, consult with its professional staff and visit its official website at http://msshouston.com/cantilever-racking-21/uncategorised/warehouse-mezzanine.

Safety Tips In Using Steel Mezzanine

To maximize the use of overhead space, many industrial companies choose to install steel mezzanine platforms in their facilities and warehouses for added efficiency using available space. Like all equipment, however, it is critical to follow guidelines both for configuration and for regular use to ensure safe operation and protection of workers.

Below are some safety tips to keep in mind when using steel mezzanine platforms.

1. If access to the platform is frequent, it would be appropriate to install a suitable stairway or passenger lift. This access would allow small lightweight items to be carried manually while providing stable footing and suitable handrails for safety.

2. Make sure that your mezzanine is equipped with complete safety features such as safety gates or a double rail structure.

3. If flooring is slippery, use non-slip mats that will prevent falls and slips of workers. Ensure that the entire surface, including stairs and lifts, are easy and convenient to walk in.

4. Install good lighting that will provide sufficient light to assist people walking around the mezzanine and to allow people to see adequately for other tasks such as storing, stocktaking, and accessing stairs.

5. Any railing must be secured in such a way as to be effective in stopping people falling from edges. Safety mesh can also stop people and objects falling from edges.

6. Undertake regular cleaning and maintenance. Identify whether there are small damages that need to be fixed, and fix them right away.

No matter how professionally a steel mezzanine is installed, workers and employees still have the responsibility in watching over themselves and keeping their colleagues safe. For more information about mezzanines and other storage systems, visit http://msshouston.com/cantilever-racking-20/uncategorised/steel-mezzanine.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Racking System

A racking system can make or break your warehouse if the wrong type is chosen or installed. Therefore, before having one installed in your warehouse, it is best to think it through and choose the right system that will work for your operations.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing racking systems for your warehouse.

1. Know your storage density. By familiarizing yourself with the volume and density of your stocks, you can identify deep-lane storage opportunities and which type of storage system is best for your products.

2. Identify whether you will do FIFO or LIFO. Understand your requirements before selecting a racking storage system. If you will do First in, First Out (FIFO), consider pallet flow racks. But carefully analyze your choices as buried loads may significantly increase your material handling labor costs.

3. Consider forklift access. Will you be installing high storage and deep racks? If so, consider having forklifts or fork trucks for easier and more convenient access. This will help reduce damage to both product and racks, as well as increase productivity and create a safer workspace.

4. Review warehouse lighting and made adjustments if necessary. Improving your lighting system upon installation of racking systems will generally increase operations accuracy, reduce rack damage, and improve work environment, all at the same time.

5. Check for rack decking. Pallet variations are a way of life. Bottom board and fork pocket location, and damage, can impact the safety of both driver and product. You might need additional rack components such as pallet supports and decking to mitigate problems associated with inconsistent pallet type.

These are just some of the important factors to consider when choosing which type of racking systems should you get for your warehouse or distribution center. If you need further help and assistance, it’s best to consult with the experts at http://msshouston.com/pipe-racks.html.