Large amount of pallet racking in a warehouse.

Why Regular Pallet Racking Inspections Are Important

Posted by Chas on

According to Australian Standards, pallet racking must be inspected at least every twelve months. But why does the Australian Standard specify this and why is it important?

The main reason racking needs to be inspected regularly is safety.

Pallet racking goes through a lot on a day to day basis. Not only is it holding large weights, but it can also occasionally get damaged, especially through getting hit by equipment like forklifts. In relation to the weights that pallet racking holds, if overloaded, the racking can become damaged or risk collapsed.

Whether it’s damage, overloading, or just general wear and tear, all of this poses a safety risk. And because of this, it’s important that pallet racking is inspected regularly. If there is a problem, it can be rectified quickly so that it no longer poses a safety risk. This is the reason why the Australian Standard requires that pallet racking gets inspected every twelve months at a minimum.

Beyond safety, it’s also important that pallet racking is kept in good condition in order to avoid damage to stock and the warehouse in general. Poorly loaded or damaged pallet racking can collapse and, assuming no one is hurt, the stock that the pallet racking is storing will surely be damaged, not to mention other parts of the warehouse.

If a collapse like this happens, and you’re lucky that no body is hurt, it can still be a costly mistake. As a business, the damaged stock needs to be replaced, as well as repair to the damaged warehouse and replacement of the collapsed pallet racking. This doesn’t even mention the lost productivity from having to clean everything up.

All in all, damaged pallet racking poses a big risk to both safety and the general operation of a business. This is why regular inspections are needed.

What Happens At A Pallet Racking Inspection?

The good news is that a pallet racking inspection is usually pretty easy.

Our pallet racking inspectors aren’t there to catch a business out or get them in trouble. Instead, they’re there to find any potential hazards, damage, or safety issues, and putt a plan in place to have it rectified. This may involve requiring an immediate fix to some of the pallet racking, but it may also involve simply suggesting something be fixed in the near future before it gets worse.

For more serious pallet racking damage, the inspector may require that the pallet racking be unloaded until it’s fixed. This can be very inconvenient to a business but, as already mentioned, it’s less inconvenient that a pallet racking collapse that can injure or shut down a business!

After the pallet racking is inspected and anything that needs to be fixed is fixed, the pallet racking is then certified for another year.

What Happens If Pallet Racking Isn’t Inspected

If pallet racking isn’t inspected yearly and there’s an accident, there can be serious repercussions for business owners.

Business owners are ultimately responsible for the operation of a warehouse and the safety of everyone who works there. So, if a business owner isn’t doing what they’re obliged to do in terms of workplace safety or what’s described in the Australian Standard for pallet racking, they can be held responsible for injuries and deaths that occur in the workplace.

Because of this, complying with the Australian Standard on pallet racking is extremely important.

Book In A Racking Inspection Today

If you’re overdue for a racking inspection, get in touch with us today to book one in. We’ll inspect the racking then provide a quote on what needs to be done to get it fixed. From there, your pallet racking will be compliant and good for another year.

Roof Demolition for Emergency Building Rectification Works

Do You Need Demolition Services?

Posted by Chas on

Roof Demolition for Emergency Building Rectification Works

As a full service construction company, we here at A1 Precision Solutions work with many different types of clients who have a lot of different needs. One common project that we’re enlisted to do is around our demolition services, but at the same time, a lot of clients come to us with a demolition project when in reality, they may need something else. This usually comes about at end of lease time when the client is trying to get their building back to the state that it was in when they first rented it.

All of this is because as a commercial tenant, the client may have made some modifications to a building, and now those modifications need to be removed. Because of this, the client immediately things “I need some demolition experts.” Here we’re talking about removal of internal walls, or carpeting, or other commercial fit out items. But in actual fact, a lot of businesses are actually looking for a make good service rather than a demolition service; thankfully, we do both.

The Different Between Demolition And Make Good

Demolitions and make goods are often confused. This is because a big part of the make good process can be the demolition work itself. A make good is a lot more though.

A make good refers to a commercial tenants obligation to return the building or premises back to how it was when they first rented it. This can vary of course. Some buildings are just a shell when they’re first rented, others may have basic facilities already installed. With that, landlords may want to keep some elements of the tenants fit out; this can all be negotiated.

Because of this, a make good often involves removing the fit out (i.e. demolition) while also involving repairs or installation of other items.

For example, an office tenant may have used the existing carpeting in a building, but also installed a number of partitioned offices, and in doing so, damaged the existing carpet. A make good of the facility may involve the demolition work of removing the partitioned offices while also repairing the carpet to a suitable level. Another example may be the typical demolition work involved in stripping out a building while also repainting it to more neutral colours that aren’t the old tenant’s brand colours. It can really vary.

All in all, a make good is a much fuller and in depth service than a simple demolition.

So What Do You Need?

Well, this all depends on the exact nature of the project, why you’re doing it, and if it’s end of lease work, what’s in your lease agreement.

Of course sometimes demolition work is just that: demolition work. It has nothing to do with an end of lease situation and a client just needs something removed. Other times, a client needs demolition and repair; so basically a make good.

Some clients will have a good idea of what they need, of course, while others need experts to speak to so that they themselves can understand the project better. We can help either way.

If You Need Help, Speak To Us

We’ve worked with clients in a number of different situations, including ones who are quite sure what they need. It’s easy to say “check your lease agreement,” but clients may not have the experience to understand the nuance of what’s required to finalise a commercial lease. In a situation like this, it can be useful to speak to your landlord, but it can also be useful to speak to a commercial construction company like A1 Precision Solutions. We have experience here and can help navigate and clarify the requirements.

That being said, it’s important that you start working with us early. This way we can have plenty of time to plan the project and make sure it goes smoothly.

Office area in a warehouse.

Three Reasons To Move Offices

Posted by Chas on

Every business experiences changes. Sometimes these are changes we want, sometimes they’re changes we don’t want. When it comes to office relocations it’s the same thing; sometimes a business moves because it wants to, sometimes it moves because it needs to. That being said, even if a business is moving offices because it wants to, it can still be inconvenient as well as be a disruption to the business. Because of this, a decision to move offices shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Let’s explore some of the reasons why a business may choose to relocate. This list isn’t exhaustive of course, and your reasons for relocating will depend on your business needs. However, if your business is experiencing any of the below, it may be a good opportunity for a fresh start in a new location.

The Lease Is Up For Renewal

Commercial leases tend to be longer than residential leases, so when they’re up for renewal, it’s re-signing or extending the lease isn’t always a simple task. As a tenant, your business may need something out of the premises that the landlord isn’t either willing or able to supply. On the other side of this, with a lease up for renewal, your landlord may be seeking to renegotiate the lease terms and asking for something your business isn’t willing or able to supply. So either way, it may be best for your business to find a new office.

Although this isn’t an ideal situation, moving a business due to leasing issues can give that business a fresh new start. It’s a good time to evaluate your business’ needs and plan for the future. Basically, turn this situation into an opportunity.

The Business Is Growing

Having to move offices because your business has grown out of your old one is a good problem to have. Like other office moving situations, it can be a bit disruptive, but a lot less disruptive than having an overcrowded office. As businesses grow they take on more staff, and what may have worked in term of office space a few years ago just doesn’t work anymore.

When moving a business in order to expand, it’s also a good opportunity to evaluate your needs and perhaps look for a facility that the business can grow into over time, eliminating the need to move yet again if the business continues to grow. It can also be a good time to look into more premium office space or get a more premium fit-out now that the business can afford it.

General Change Of Business Needs

Just like a business grows over time, sometime the general needs of a business will change, making their current premises no longer suitable. If you have a business that relies on a warehouse, perhaps you need to be closer to a customer base that’s recently moved. Businesses that rely on IT infrastructure may need a more modern building that can support it. A new product or service may mean certain facilities are needed on site or close by. The list goes on.

Because of all of this, a business may find itself needing to move simply because its needs change. This can be an exciting time because it’s acknowledging how things are changing and evolving, and can be treated like a new era. Embrace it!

If You Are Moving Offices, Get Some Help

Whatever the reason for relocating a business, it’s often best to work with experts like A1 Precision Solutions. We offer complete end to end business relocation services including not only physically moving office furniture and equipment but also office and building fit-out services.

For vacating an old office, it’s also important that the old premises is left in a suitable condition for your landlord. For this, we offer end of lease make good services.

Combined, we can provide all aspects of business relocation. This means you only need to work with one provider, ensuring the relocation happens quickly, easily, and with minimal disruption.

Unloaded double deep pallet racking.

What Happens To Complete A Warehouse Fit-Out?

Posted by Chas on

Here at A1 Precision Solutions, we do a variety of different fit-outs. We do a lot of office fit-outs involving getting businesses set up with things like office partitions, installation of utilities, carpeting, and more. We also do a lot of warehouse fit-outs as well, which are another important part of our business. However, what’s involved in a warehouse fit-out? How is it different from a other fit-outs? And what should you expect if you’re doing one.

Let’s Start With The Floor

Building from the ground up, it’s important to make sure the flooring for the warehouse is suitable for use and in good repair. Obviously most warehouses have a simple concrete floor but, depending on what the warehouse will be used for, the flooring may need to be changed. For example, for warehouses storing potentially hazardous materials, flooring that can be easily cleaned of spills may need to be installed. And of course, if the flooring of the warehouse isn’t in good condition, it will need to be repaired.

Planning Of The Warehouse Layout

Warehouse optimisation needs to be done before any storage equipment is considered. This ensures that the layout of the new warehouse is conducive to optimal storage densities while also making sure it’s easy to operate within the warehouse, move materials throughout the warehouse, and more.

Part of planning the warehouse layout may also involve deciding if something like a mezzanine level will be installed and, if it’s installed, where it will be and how it will be used. All in all, there’s a lot that goes into planning the layout for a new warehouse in order to ensure it operates at its highest capacity.

Installation Of Storage Systems

Warehouses typically have pallet racking and shelving to store goods on. The type of pallet racking or shelving will depend on what’s being stored, how it needs to be stored, and how it may need to be accessed. Different types of warehouse storage systems have their own pros and cons, and it’s often important to get expert advice on the exact kind of storage that’s going to be needed. This will all be worked out when the initial plan and optimisation of the warehouse is designed.

Installing the pallet racking in a new warehouse is very often the the biggest part of the warehouse fit-out process, and also often one of the most expensive parts of a new warehouse fit-out. We can provide all the advice on the exact type of pallet racking needed for the project.

Installation Of Safety Systems

The most important part of a new warehouse fit-out is the safety systems. Safety systems may be as simple as line markings and safety barriers, but may also be more complex and involve sophisticated safety systems.

Safety in the workplace always needs to be of the highest priority, so it’s important to plan safety systems and not cut any corners here. While cost savings can often be made in other areas, safety is not an area to go with a budget option.

Materials Handing Equipment

Every warehouse needs some sort of materials handling equipment. This may be as simple as a couple of forklifts, or it may be a variety of different pieces of equipment including conveyor systems, access equipment, and much more. The type of MHE needed in a warehouse will very much depend on what’s being stored there, how it’s being stored, and how it needs to be moved. There’s a variety of specialised equipment that works perfectly with what needs to be done.

Contact Us About Your Next Warehouse Fit-Out

We’re a true end-to-end commercial construction company that can help help with all aspects of a new warehouse fit-out. Whether it’s pallet racking, flooring, safety, or anything else, A1 Precision Solutions can provide all aspects of a warehouse fit-out. Speak to us about your next project.

 

 

Outside of a very large cool room mid-construction.

The Different Types of Sandwich Panels

Posted by Chas on

Sandwich panels are a great type of building material that combine light weight with good rigidity. Of course they’re not as strong as load bearing materials like concrete, but they work well for insulating walls, roofing, and more. Here at A1 Precision Solutions, we use sandwich panels in a variety of ways, most notably in the construction of cool rooms and large cold storage facilities. Sandwich panels work well here because of their insulated core and generally light weight.

So what, exactly, is a sandwich panel, and what are the types that are used in construction?

A sandwich panel is made up of three layers. The middle layer is typically a low density insulating core while the two outer layers, the skin, is a rigid material like aluminum. Since the panel is made up of a core layer sandwiched between two outer layers, it’s called a sandwich panel. The make up of the core and the material the skin in made out of will depend on the type of sandwich panel and what it’s being used for. For example, the core may be solid to provide more insulation or it may be a honeycomb shape to be rigid while reducing weight.

EPS Panels

EPS panels, or expanded polystyrene sandwich panels, use a polystyrene core. Because of this, EPS panels work well as an insulator and are often used in refrigeration. However, their use goes beyond this. Because of their insulating properties, EPS panels are quite versatile, and are often used in office and industrial settings as a general insulator to keep workplaces naturally cool or warm.

With that in mind, EPS panels also work well in the construction of clean rooms because, again, their insulating property keeps temperatures relatively consistent, which can often be needed in these kinds of environments.

PIR Panels

PIR stands for polysocyanurate. Like EPS panels, PIR panels work great for insulation, often even more so. Another advantage of PIR panels is that, unlike EPS panels, the make up of the core structure is resistant to rodents, making it less susceptible to damage by pests.

As mentioned, PIR panels work great as an insulator but they can be more expensive than EPS panels. Because of this, it’s important to choose wisely when considering whether to use PIR or EPS panels in a project requiring insulation. Of course, the highest amount of insulation possible is great, but if it’s not needed, EPS panels may be a better option.

XFLAM Panels

A main drawback to EPS and PIR sandwich panels is that they’re not fire resistant. XFLAM panels, on the other hand, have great insulating properties while also being resistant to fire. Like other insulating sandwich panels, XFLAM panels work well in cold storage environments, clean rooms, and the construction of processing facilities that may need temperature control. However, if the facility being construction also has fire concerns, XFLAM panels are likely the way to go.

As with PIR versus EPS panels, although fire safety is important, if there’s no risk of fire in the facility (or if it’s mitigated another way), the extra expense of XFLAM panels may not be worthwhile. So similarly, it’s important to choose the type of panel correctly and also make sure it works well with the rest of the project.

And More

Although we’ve discussed the main type of sandwich panels here, there are many more that are manufactured for various specialised applications. If you have a project coming up that may require the use of sandwich panels, speak to us early so we can help decide the type of panel being used and how it will work into the facility as a whole.

Warehouse containing many rows of selective pallet racking. A forklift is in the foreground.

The Differences Between New And Used Pallet Racking

Posted by Chas on

Running a business can be expensive, so it’s important to find savings where you can. In a warehousing business, one of these savings can be on pallet racking. Pallet racking comes in a lot of different varieties and brands and, although it can be great to get new racking, if your business is looking to save money, used pallet racking may be a good option.

Let’s take a look at new versus used pallet racking to explore the benefits of each. All in all, good quality used pallet racking can be almost indistinguishable from new pallet racking, so it may be a good choice for your business. However, if you’re willing to pay the higher price for new pallet racking, if may be worthwhile.

The Benefits Of New Pallet Racking

The biggest benefit to buying new pallet racking for a warehouse is that you can take advantage of the latest technology in warehouse storage and pallet racking in general. Sure, if all you need is selective pallet racking, it may be tempting to go the budget route, but technology changes, even for the simplest warehouse storage systems. The steel may be stronger, there may be better fastening systems allowing for higher loads, or it may just be more durable. Getting the newest of anything, racking or otherwise, ensures you’re getting the best and most up to date thing possible.

With this in mind, buying new pallet racking ensures you’re able to get exactly what you want. If you’re on a budget and only considering used pallet racking, you may need to shop around in order to find the type of racking you’re after, especially if you’re after something relatively uncommon. Of course, pallet racking can be customised, whether it’s new or used, but your choice is a lot higher if you’re willing to consider something new.

The final benefit to buying new pallet racking is that you’ll know the history. Of course, most pallet racking dealers only stock good quality used pallet racking, and here at A1 Precision Solutions we thoroughly inspect all of our used pallet racking, but you never know the history of it beyond what you’re told. We’re not saying this to scare customers away from used racking, but some people like the peace of mind afforded by buying a new product.

The Benefits Of Used Pallet Racking

The most obvious benefit of buying used pallet racking is the money saving. The amount of money you’ll be able to save buying used racking for your warehouse will depend on what type of racking you’re getting, but if your business needs to save money, it can be significant. The money saving is the biggest reason to buy used pallet racking rather than new.

Additionally, although it may be difficult to find some brands or types of pallet racking used, used pallet racking does give some choice in terms of finding older racking that may be compatible with your current racking. Since racking designs change over time, going with used pallet racking may be the most practical option if you need uniformity between your racking.

Finally, even though used pallet racking is older and has been used before (it’s in the name), it’s still going to be up to relevant Australian Standards if it’s purchased from a reputable dealer. All of the used racking that we sell adheres to AS4048:23. Although the price of used racking is the biggest selling point to it, the fact that used racking is still certified to the standard is, perhaps, the most important aspect of buying it. Of course new racking adheres to the standard, but, for workplace safety purposes, it’s extremely important that you ensure used racking adheres to the standard as well.

Which Is Right For You?

Regardless of whether you decide to purchase new or used pallet racking, ultimately you’ll get a good product and a great storage solution for your warehouse. However, sometimes a business needs advice on the way to go. If you’re not sure what type of racking you need, feel free to contact us to discuss your warehouse storage needs. We’re happy to help.