The rails are the central element of the pallet rack: they support the loads and guarantee the stability of the storage levels. However, in many warehouses, pallets rest directly on the rails without additional accessories, which can create risks: falling goods, unstable pallets, localised overloading, deformation of the rails, etc.
To make your installations safer and optimise the lifespan of your racking, a number of accessories can be added directly to the rails. Here are the most important and their uses.
1. Safety pins or keys
Why use them?
They prevent the rails from coming loose from the uprights, particularly in the event of a forklift impact or mishandling.
Advantages :
- Essential for compliance
- Simple installation
- Immediate security
A must for :
All racks, whether new or used.
2. Metal gratings
Role :
They create a continuous surface on the level by resting directly on the rails.
Advantages :
- Better load distribution
- Prevents damaged pallets from falling over
- Suitable for non-palletised products
- Complies with fire requirements (depending on type of grating)
Ideal for :
- Heterogeneous goods
- Carton storage
- Products that are irregular or too small to rest directly on the rails
3. Wire mesh or panels
Usefulness:
Placed above the rails, they prevent objects from falling, particularly when no pallets are in use.
Advantages :
- Lightweight, easy to install
- Provide good visibility
- Reducing the risk of objects falling while picking
Perfect for :
- Order preparation areas
- Storage on cardboard
- E-commerce warehouses
4. Pallet rear stops
What are they for?
They prevent the pallet from being pushed too far over the rails, which is particularly important in narrow aisles.
Advantages :
- Prevents pallets from falling over the other side of the rack
- Protects goods and staff
- Guides pallet positioning
Recommended for :
- Automated warehouses
- Narrow aisles (VNA)
- Pallets handled by front-mounted or retractable forklift trucks
5. Pallet separators
Function :
They help to maintain regular spacing between pallets stored on the same level.
Advantages :
- Cleaner organisation
- Better pallet extraction
- Reducing collisions between charges
- Less risk of pallet deformation
Useful for :
- Companies with a large volume of references
- Multi-reference storage on a single level
6. Supporting cross-members (reinforcing rails)
Description :
Rails positioned perpendicular to the rails to create additional support under the pallet.
Advantages :
- Increases stability
- Reduces the load applied directly to the rails
- Allows pallets of various formats to be stored
For which cases?
- Damaged pallets
- Non-standard pallets (half-pallets, plastic pallets, etc.)
- Very heavy loads
7. Metal trays or wooden panels (as required)
Role :
Create a solid level on top of the rails.
Advantages :
- Flat surface
- Ideal for short-wheelbase goods
- Good stability for boxes, bins or small objects
Important information:
Wooden panels must comply with fire standards and the admissible load.
Metal panels offer greater resistance and a longer lifespan.
8. Lateral stops and anti-fall protection
Usefulness:
Keep pallets and goods level and to one side.
Advantages :
- Reduces the risk of collision between pallets
- Prevents non-palletised objects from falling over
- Improves picking safety
Conclusion
To ensure the safety of your pallets and your staff, it’s essential to equip your beams with the right accessories. Pins, gratings, crossbars, stops… each solution meets a specific need: stability, safety, organisation or load optimisation.
The choice of accessories will depend on :
- The nature of the goods
- The type of pallets used
- The working environment
- The load capacities required
- Regulatory compliance
A properly equipped racking system is an investment that improves safety, productivity and the lifespan of your installation.