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In the world of fast product movement and speedy order fulfilment, effective storage has become crucial and therefore shelving and racking systems have attracted great scrutiny. Finding a balance between high storage capacity and affordable prices can prove challenging, but this is exactly where two tier shelving comes into play, as the perfect combination of increased storage volume and cost effective solutions.
In essence, two tier systems work exactly like mezzanine floors, utilising all available headroom of a building, but they cost a lot less. Of course, these systems can’t be used for office space or reception areas like mezzanines can, but if storage is all you need, then this type of shelving can really make the difference. It’s important, however, to know the ins and outs of a two tier shelving system, as it helps to know both its benefits and its limitations, in order to invest in the right solution for your particular needs.
Building Regulations for Two Tier Shelving
As mentioned above, a mezzanine floor is not just for storage and, even if that’s what you need it for, there are so many environments and applications that can benefit from it. Within a picking and packing operation, if stock and staff can be accommodated in the same space, under the same roof, this can lead to great improvements in logistical efficiency.
Indeed, warehousing and distribution are two industries that most gain from the benefits of mezzanines, because distribution centres and warehouse very often face high demands and rely heavily on proper processing. To that extent, maintaining a highly organised warehouse or distribution centre is crucial, so lack of storage can be a hazardous occurrence, especially when incoming and outgoing deliveries register significant increase.
Loading Capacities for Two Tier Shelving
It’s important to know what kind of load a two tier shelving unit can bear, but the truth is their loading capacities vary greatly depending on the type of shelving the system uses. Typically, mounted structures permit loads ranging from 3.5 to 5 kN per square metre, but greater loading is possible.
Raised storage areas are tailored structures and not off the shelf products, as they are designed to meet each business’ particular needs. However, you can get an idea of loading capacities by researching the type of shelving provided by each supplier. The Rapid Racking Design team uses the strong and sturdy Rapid 1 range as basic shelving for two tier systems, which means you can benefit from capacities of up to 350kg per shelf. They’ve been tested to FEM, so you can be sure to benefit from safety and durability. Nevertheless, should your business operations require some particular type of shelving, we can also use all steel bays or even pallet racking as the main structure of a two tier system. In this case, maximum shelf loads may vary.
Materials for Two Tier Shelving
As mentioned above, the great advantage of raised storage areas is that they can help you double your storage capacity with low costs, but these systems also allow for some flexibility and variation, especially as far as materials go. In terms of walkways, these can be supported either by purlins, in which case you can benefit from greater spans of walkways, or by angles that are fixed onto the front of the rack.
Shelf materials are also quite varied, the most economical option being chipboard. Melamine shelves are also available, with the added benefit of a smooth, wipe clean finish. However, if you need a two tier shelving unit in a damp environment, or an oily one, then steel panels would be the most durable option. For areas with sprinkle systems, where free air flow is needed, wire mesh shelves represent the ideal answer.
The flooring material is also an important consideration and the most common type is represented by particleboard. Typically, the particleboard is 38mm thick and it comes with the added benefit of allowing you to add non slip or decorative floor surfaces on top. Another option is open grid steel flooring, which has the benefit, just like wire mesh shelving, of allowing light and water penetration.
Installation of Two Tier Shelving
As with any other bespoke shelving and racking solutions, two tier systems can take a while from conception to installation, but the Rapid Racking Design team offers you the quickest two tier on the market with delivery between 3 and 5 working days, if you need a fast solution to your storage needs. The installation process, as obvious, depends greatly on the complexity and size of the project, ranging from the most elementary structures that can be installed in as little as one day to highly complex and large warehouse projects that can take up to weeks.
It’s also worth taking into account that lighting supports must be incorporated into the tiered structure, typical raised storage areas specifying a 300 lux lighting level, which comes in addition to the emergency lighting. When it comes to dismantling and relocating the structure, similar times to installation should be allowed for, although it’s good to know that you’d have to apply for building regulations and fire approvals all over again.
Installation of two tier systems should only be performed by experienced and professional installers. The Rapid Racking Design team employs SEIRS registered installers, which is a guarantee for a qualitative installation process in accordance to SEMA standards. In fact, the Storage Equipment Installers Registration Scheme is an initiative forwarded by SEMA exactly as to raise the standards of health and safety when it comes to the installation of storage equipment.
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