Pallets play a key role in the operations of warehouses
across various industries. Many types of pallets exist, but most warehouses use
wooden pallets. Wooden pallets are cheap and come with many other advantages,
but you must maintain them in a certain way to avoid damage and to increase
durability. Consider the following tips to increase the lifespan of your
pallets.
1. Use the Correct Pallets for the Correct Products
Pallets are not universal equipment that can hold any item.
Although standard-size pallets are available, you will probably require a
customized pallet for your specific products. The process starts with
understanding the characteristics of your products and how to load your
products on a pallet properly.
For example, putting excessive weight on the pallets not
only damages the pallets but may also damage the products themselves.
2. Oil the Pallets
Oil helps preserve and maintain wooden pallets. Also,
oiling wooden pallets increase the pallets' resistance to moisture and grease
that may be present in the warehouse. However, you must use pallet-friendly
oil, such as food-grade mineral oil, that doesn't contain toxic ingredients.
3. Cover Scratches Immediately
Moisture, bacteria, grease, and dust can quickly accumulate
in your wooden pallets. These substances can cause various forms of damage to
the pallets, so you must cover any scratches as soon as you discover
them.
One way to cover the scratches is to use a wood polish that
provides a protective layer over the pallet’s surface. If the scratches have
become too large, paint the pallets to provide a fresh look and prevent further
damage.
4. Use a Pallet Recovery Program
Create a closed-loop system that includes pallet recovery,
repair, and return. This system will boost the durability of your pallets by
guaranteeing regular pallet repair. The result may be the doubling of the
wooden pallet lifespan.
5. Repair Wooden Pallets Consistently
Never use damaged pallets since they are a safety hazard in
your warehouse. But you can repair the damaged pallets instead of throwing them
out. Pallet repair is cheaper than the cost of new pallets. So regularly
inspect your pallets, and schedule repairs as soon as you notice any form of
damage.
6. Avoid Contact
If a forklift operator doesn't lower the pallet when
positioning it near another object, the pallets may get damaged. Typically,
wood pallets will splinter and become less functional.
The solution is to train and constantly remind warehouse
workers and operators to place the pallets as far apart as possible when
positioning them on the ground. Also, always separate unit loads in the
warehouse.
7. Be Accurate
You must adequately insert the pallet into position, even
if you are using a pallet jack or forklift. Incorrect insertion of the pallet
can result in damage to the wooden pallet and stringers. Also, the inaccurate
insertion will cause uneven distribution of weight among the pallets. The
result will be damage to the pallets as well as the products.
8. Ensure Pallets Remain Dry
As mentioned earlier, moisture is one of the elements that
can quickly destroy wooden pallets. Constant exposure to moisture can cause
pallets to weaken and disintegrate. Also, the moisture will attract and support
the growth of mold.
The small plants will not only destroy the pallets but will
make your products less desirable, especially if the products arrive at their
destination with mold on them. For instance, federal and state laws prohibit
businesses in the food and pharmaceutical industries from accepting products
with mold.
Hence, always keep the pallets in a dry and well-ventilated
area. If you need storage for your pallets, shop the selection of pallet racks
from Lone Star Pallet Rack. We are a leading pallet rack business that provides
a wide selection of pallets. Contact
us
for a customized system that suits your business's specific needs.
