Fire Safety, Mezzanine Installation
How to Make a Mezzanine Safe with Fire-Rated Protection
Make a mezzanine safe by installing fire-rated protection, such as, structural fireproofing, fire-rated ceilings, partitions, and compliant escape routes.
Tailored solutions for high-traffic areas
With the demand on your pallet racking, it is likely that it will experience some wear and tear or even damage. Any damage can impact the safety of the system, which is why it is vital you implement racking impact protection.
First Floors are pallet racking specialists that supply and install a range of protection products so you can confidently use your system knowing it is protected from impact and will withstand the demand. Every pallet racking storage system meets unique business needs, and the protection put in place needs to work as part of that, so we will examine your system and combine protection products to create a bespoke solution.
Speak to our expert team today to find out more about protection services.
How protection products prevent damage
Often, pallet racking is surrounded by machinery and mobile plants that are part of the business operations, such as forklifts. Sometimes, these can make contact with the pallet racking system, damaging them.
Plus, like most things, heavy usage will create wear and tear to the system.
Pallet racking protection products are installed around or on racking structures to prevent impact damage that could compromise the structural integrity of the racking system.
The aim of these products is to extend the lifespan of the racking system, all the while ensuring it remains structurally sound and safe for those working around it.
Discover more about how pallet racking systems work and get a quote for our products and installations by contacting our team today.
Protective options for every system
Rack End Barriers
Rack-end barriers are heavy-duty barriers placed at the ends of pallet racks to prevent forklift and vehicle impacts.
These benefits include:
Protection against impact at high-traffic points
Reduces damage to rack columns and the overall racking structure
While these can be used anywhere, they are often used in warehouses with narrow aisles and frequent forklift traffic.
Column Guards
Column Guards are placed at the bottom of individual racking uprights and protect these parts of the system from collisions and accidents.
The benefits of this type of protection are:
Easy to install
Simple to replace if they get damaged
Prevents minor impacts causing buckling or collapse of rack uprights
Again, these can be used anywhere but are more likely to be used in warehouses with tight turning circles where forklift accidents are more common.
Corner Guards
Corners of any structure are vulnerable, and this is especially the case with pallet racking. So, corner guards protect the system’s corners from impact and damage.
The advantages of these protection products are:
Robust protection for corners and edges
Prevents costly structural damage and repair
These are a good addition to any racking storage system and are used in high-traffic areas or where the racking systems turn corners.
Rack Protectors
As well as adding protection to the structural elements, you need to protect the racking itself. Rack protectors attach directly to the racks and act as barriers that shield against forklift damage.
Benefits include:
Directly protects the racking legs and frame from collisions
Can be customised to specific racking designs
You will often find this racking impact protection product used in warehouses where there is heavy machinery and high levels of equipment usage.
Upright Protectors
For localised impact resistance, upright protectors are installed around the vertical racking uprights.
Why install this protection product?
Prevent damage to vertical supports and reduce the risk of collapse
Can be made of various materials, including steel, plastic, or rubber
These are typically used across all pallet racking systems.
Bollards and Guard Rails
Bollard and guard rails are placed around the entire racking storage system to provide additional protection from vehicles.
The benefits offered by this protection system include:
Control traffic and protect key areas
Provides visible boundaries and shields against heavy impacts
These are ideal for large warehouses that have several vehicles and machinery moving around the floor space.
Supply, installation and ongoing support
As well as pallet racking installation and maintenance, we offer a comprehensive protection service, where our team of experts supply and install a variety of protective products to reduce damage and repairs needed.
This service includes:
System assessment – we will evaluate the system you have and your warehouse operations in order to recommend relevant and optimal protection products.
Supply of products – we will order and supply the products ready for installation.
Installation – our team will efficiently install these products, minimising disruption so you can continue operating while we work.
Maintenance and repair – should any of these protective elements get damaged, we will be on hand to repair or replace the product quickly.
Contact us today to discuss your needs and get a quote.
30+
Years Expertise
Get quick answers to common questions about pallet racking.
We recommend you book a service at least once a year.
If your system is storing particularly heavy loads, we recommend two services a year.
We can advise you on the frequency of services you should be booking for your pallet racking system.
Signs your system needs repairing include:
Bent or damaged beams and uprights
Loose bolts or safety clips
Misaligned or leaning racks
Rust or corrosion on metal parts
Damaged baseplates or floor anchors
Unstable or shifting loads
If you notice any of these signs, immediate repairs are necessary to prevent safety hazards, so contact us.
We would recommend you get issues fixed immediately because even something that might seem small could have a big impact on the system, creating health and safety hazards.
Contact us to book a repair appointment.
The time it will take our team to repair any damage, or an issue will depend on the type of repair needed and its complexity.
We will do our best to get minor repairs completed within a few hours, while more extensive repairs may take a day or more. Reactive emergency repairs are typically done as quickly as possible to minimise downtime.
You can prevent damage by:
Ensuring proper training for forklift operators
Regularly inspecting and maintaining racking systems
Not overloading the racks
Installing protective barriers like corner guards and rack protectors
Following manufacturer guidelines on load capacity
Reduce risk, repairs and downtime
Racking impact protection might feel like another expense to pay after the installation of your bespoke system. However, it is a vital part of the system for several reasons.
Safety and Risk Mitigation – without racking impact protection, the risk of severe damage that could affect the structural integrity of the system is higher, also increasing the chances of damaged goods and employee injury.
Cost-effectiveness – by installing protection when the system is set up, you reduce the need for frequent repairs or replacements when aspects are damaged.
Regulatory Compliance – pallet racking protection ensures that your racking systems meet regulatory compliance, specifically health and safety standards.
Still not sure why you need racking protection? Contact our team to learn more about the necessities of these products and get a quote for our services.
Latest Insights & Expertise
Make a mezzanine safe by installing fire-rated protection, such as, structural fireproofing, fire-rated ceilings, partitions, and compliant escape routes.
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More room, less hassle
Every project starts with understanding how your workspace needs to function. First Floors delivers practical, engineered solutions that help businesses expand, organise, and improve their environments with minimal disruption.
Whether you’re planning a single upgrade or a complete transformation, our team is ready to help shape the right solution.
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