High Density Pallet Storage
Narrow aisle pallet racking is a high density storage solution providing up to 50% more storage capacity than standard pallet racking.
Narrow aisle racking aisle widths are 1.8 metres to 2.3 metres. Compared to standard pallet racking, which has an aisle width of 3 metres to 4 metres, narrow aisle racking provides an opportunity to fit more pallet spaces in a given storage area.
The trade off with narrow aisle pallet racking is access, which requires the use of specialist equipment. Standard pallet racking can be accessed by a standard counterbalance forklift truck, narrow aisle racking can only be accessed by narrow aisle forklifts, also known as trilateral or bilateral turret trucks. Narrow aisle trucks do not need to turn in the aisle, instead using a rail- or wire-guided system with articulated mast to access racking bays.
Narrow aisle pallet racking is ideal to maximise warehouse capacity, in order to extract the greatest possible revenue from storage premises. This pallet racking type is best suited to high-roofed warehouses, making full use of vertical storage capacity.
Very Narrow Aisle Racking (VNA Racking)
Taking the benefits of narrow aisle racking further, very narrow aisle racking or VNA racking, has an aisle width of 1.5 metres to 1.6 metres.
This pallet racking type also requires the use of specialist handling equipment, known as a VNA forklift or turret truck.
Of all available pallet racking types, very narrow aisle racking offers the greatest space utilisation. Where narrow aisle racking provides around 50% space utilisation, very narrow aisle racking offers 55% space utilisation. Depending on the footprint of a warehouse, a 5% storage capacity increase can provide a significant revenue boost.
Wire- or rail-guided access equipment is essential to very narrow aisle racking. Initial investment in new racking and handling equipment provides a long-term increase in revenue which, for many businesses, provides a return within a matter of months. Furthermore, investing in VNA racking often provides an alternative solution to moving premises which is costly and disruptive to operations.
Pallet Racking Add-Ons
Narrow aisle pallet racking comes with a range of optional add-ons to boost safety and efficiency.
Safety of both the warehouse operative and the racking system itself, are addressed during the initial site survey and design process. However, many racking add-ons can be retrofitted, as requirements develop.
Damage to the racking itself, which is common in a busy warehouse, can adversely affect the structural integrity of a racking installation and therefore, must be avoided where possible. Upright protectors, fitted to the racking uprights at ground level, use a ballistics-grade polymer to deflect impacts. Prodek use Rack Armour upright protectors which prevent damage through improved visibility of racking uprights and provide protection in the event of an impact.
Design and Installation
Prodek provide an end-to-end pallet racking design and installation service.
Working with a single supplier for all storage requirements across a business puts less pressure on the customer and results in faster project completion times.
A narrow aisle pallet racking installation begins with a site survey. Prodek engineers will undertake a thorough assessment of operational requirements, working to understand where the business is now and what its long term objectives are. Engineers bring a wealth of experience to every pallet racking project, identifying potential pinch points and bottlenecks, and opportunities to maximise efficiency.
Prodek pallet racking service includes:
- Survey and design
- Building Regulations
- Project management
- Manufacture and installation
- Rack inspections
Racking Inspection Service
A legal requirement for every business using racking as part of operations, a racking inspection must be carried out every 12 months.
The inspection is designed to ensure every racking installation continues to comply with Provision and Use of Workplace Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. The rack inspector must be a technically competent person, having received training in accordance with the Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA).
Pallet racking inspections ensure workplace equipment is safe to use. Damaged racking, depending on the severity, will be classified as either amber or red, which must be replaced. Prodek racking inspectors are suitably qualified to provide an assessment of racking integrity. A full report is provided, detailing any damaged racking components with an accompanying layout to identify problem locations.
Additional Services
Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking – FAQ’s
What are the advantages of narrow aisle racking compared to standard pallet racking?
Narrow aisle racking offers a high-density storage solution and allows businesses to extract greater revenue from their storage premises; providing significantly more storage capacity than standard pallet racking and optimising vertical space in warehouses.
Can I use standard forklifts with narrow aisle pallet racking?
No, narrow aisle racking requires specialised narrow aisle forklifts, also known as trilateral or bilateral turret trucks. These forklifts use rail- or wire-guided systems.
Is narrow aisle racking suitable for all types of warehouses?
Narrow aisle racking is most effective in high-roofed warehouses, where vertical storage capacity can be fully utilised. It may not be the best choice for warehouses with lower ceilings.
For more information, contact Prodek today.
What is the difference between narrow aisle racking and very narrow aisle racking (VNA racking)?
VNA racking has even narrower aisles, typically 1.5 to 1.6 meters wide, and offers a higher space utilisation rate (around 55%) compared to narrow aisle racking (around 50%). It requires specialised handling equipment called VNA forklifts.
Are there options to enhance safety and efficiency in narrow aisle pallet racking systems?
Yes, you can retrofit additional safety and efficiency features, such as upright protectors, shelves, anti-collapse mesh, and more, to your narrow aisle racking system.
Check out Prodek’s range of Racking Protection.
What services does Prodek offer for narrow aisle pallet racking solutions?
Prodek provides comprehensive services, including site surveys, customised design, compliance with building regulations, project management, manufacturing, installation, and rack inspections for safety and compliance.
For more information, get in touch with the team at Prodek.
Why is a yearly racking inspection necessary, and who can perform it?
Yearly racking inspections are a legal requirement to ensure the safety of workplace equipment. The inspection must be conducted by a technically competent person, trained in accordance with industry standards, such as those set by the Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA).
For racking inspections, contact Prodek today.
What is very narrow aisle pallet racking?
Very Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking (VNA Racking) is a storage system with extremely narrow aisles, typically 1.5 to 1.6 meters wide. It maximises storage in tight spaces.
What is the minimum aisle width for racking?
The minimum aisle width for racking varies, but for narrow aisle pallet racking, it’s typically 1.8 to 2.3 meters, while Very Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking (VNA Racking) has aisles as narrow as 1.5 to 1.6 meters. The width depends on storage needs and equipment used.
What is the width of a pallet racking aisle?
The width of a pallet racking aisle can vary based on the type of racking. For standard pallet racking, it typically ranges from 3 to 4 meters. In contrast, narrow aisle pallet racking has aisles between 1.8 to 2.3 meters wide, while Very Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking (VNA Racking) has even narrower aisles, usually 1.5 to 1.6 meters wide. The choice depends on storage needs and the equipment used.
How can I get a quote for narrow aisle pallet racking or related services from Prodek?
You can request a quote for narrow aisle pallet racking and other services by contacting us through our website or contacting our customer support. We will then assess your needs and provide a customised quote based on your requirements.
For a custom quote from Prodek, get in touch with us today.