Loaded advice for successful shelving

suppliers can help determine which codes may apply.

Carefully analyze the layout of the desired shelving area. Discover the best arrangement by considering factors such as width, depth, height and weight of the shelved products, width and depth of shelf selected. clearance for handling the shelved products(loading and unloading), and adequate working aisle width to service the shelf.

with choosing the right units. It results in better utilization of your display area and increased protection of your employees, customers, products and the shelving itself.

The Shelving Manufacturers Association suggests 14 steps to purchasing the most appropriate shelving and getting the most out of it:

Before acquiring particular shelving, make sure it will comply with all codes and restrictions, including federal, state, local, fire, building (Uniform Building Code, Building Officials and Code Administrators), and safety and health codes (OSHA).

Local municipal engineers or shelving

Consider the size, height and weight of the load expected to be carried on a single shelf. Remember that under certain conditions, multiple stacking of products on a shelf may be necessary, and multiple stacking increases the spacing between shelves and may reduce post capacity.

After determining the load area and amount. refer to a manufacturer's load chart to select an appropriate shelf. Shelves are rated using an Evenly Distributed Load (EDL) and come in various classes for different magnitudes and types of loads. Take into account that some shelves under safe loading might cause functionally or aesthetically unacceptable deflection.

After choosing the proper shelf, it is now time to choose the proper post. Critical factors to consider are (l) the maximum distance between shelves, since as space between shelves increases, post capacity decreases, and (2) the total weight applied to the entire unit.

Take into account that removal or realTangement of one or more shelves will affect post capacity.

Shelving typically requires the use of side and back bracing to prevent sway and lateral movement. Bracing is most commonly accomplished by using bars, straps or angles placed in an "X" arrangement or by using rectangular plates, gussets or corner braces. Braces should be located in the proper position vertically. Closed backs (panels) and closed sides (panels) can also provide bracing.

The shelving manufacturer should provide the proper bracing pattern for your application.

While there are many ways to connect shelves to the post, the predominant methods are mechanical fastening (nut and bolt), compression clips, and ledge-type clips. Regardless of the type of connection used, care must be exercised to ensure overall integrity of the shelving unit.

Shelving should never be installed without ensuring plumbness and levelness in all directions. Out-of-plumb installations cause eccentric loading conditions and may reduce the unit's capacity. To correct out-of-plumb or non-level installations, use foot plates, shims or adjust the bracing. Shims can be anchored or tack-welded to the foot. Manufacturers can provide shims, foot plates and installation details.

Sufficiently anchored structures are more rigid and resist overturning and shifting. One common anchor is a steel foot plate attached to the vertical post and then secured to the floor with floor anchors (he foot plate also better transfers the load and protects the floor surface). Less common is tying directly to the building. Although the practice may be acceptable, it should be reviewed by a qualified engineer to ensure that no adverse loading is transferred between the building and the shelving.

Shelving to be installed in an area near or integrated with material handling vehicles should be protected against accidental impact and subsequent damage to the posts and other members. Solutions include corner protectors fastened or imbedded in the floor, guides, guard rails or other barriers.

Consider the type of floor (concrete, wood, asphalt, steel, etc.) upon which the shelving will be Placed' Calculate and compare overall loading (usually in pounds per sq. ft.) with the rated capacity of the floor system and its supporting structure. This is

(Continuedfrom page 9) cially concerning structural considerations 50@ from American Institute of Timber Construction.

"Evaluation of Checking in Glued Laminated Timbers"' 8 pg.' $1.25 from American Institute of Timber Construction (AITC).

X Construction

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Shelf loading can vary drasticallY from an evenly distributed load (EDL) to a concentrated load. All theoretical capacity calculations (load and deflection) are based on an assumed EDL; however, in actual practice a true EDL is almost unachievable. A non-EDL causes the shelf to perform as though it were more heavily loaded.

Manufacturer-provided shelf loads and deflections are usually based on EDL and usually allow for modest non-EDL. Specification must be made if a radical departure from EDL is expected. A shelf should never be used as a "ladder" to reach higher shelves.

How to choose the right racking, shelving and fixtures for your business.

Even the slightest amount of impact during loading/unloading (especially mid-span at the leading edge) can result in damage to or failure of the shelving. One common solution is installing reinforcing bars or angles in the front, rear or side flanges.

Toppling of a shelving unit results from a number of conditions that can cause instability, such as overloading the top portion of the shelving, nonuniform loading, out-of-plumb installation and impact. Typical remedies include securely anchoring the unit and tying units together across the aisle at the top.

Shelving should be periodicallY inspected for loose bolts, damaged posts or shelves, proper seating of shelf and clip, and possible overloading. Any damage is dangerous. Post damage is most serious; units should be unloaded immediately and repaired or replaced before returning to service.

X Fire Exposure

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