Operator Error

The best lessons are often learned the hard way. Chicago-based REB Storage Systems International’s Lori Palmer and Tom Lesko share some of the common mistakes they see when it comes to racking in records centers, potentially saving business owners from a costly firsthand lesson.

• Many companies start storing cartons without an overall building plan. They start buying whatever used rack/decking they can find. Not all used racking necessarily is right for records storage, nor may it be the right product to achieve overall maximum capacity in your building.
• Companies may not be aware of the requirements of the local jurisdiction or their insurance companies. (Is 50 percent open decking required? Will in-rack sprinklers or additional lighting in egress aisles be required?)
   
• Some companies are not aware of the code requirement of their jurisdiction for maximum commercial vertical and horizontal travel distance to approved fire exits. (Sometimes costly fire-rated stair towers are needed because the maximum allowable travel distance is exceeded.)
   
• Companies may have insufficient knowledge of the pressure and capacity of their overhead sprinkler systems and the supply of water. (Is the existing system adequate or are costly fire pumps required?)
   
• Companies may have insufficient knowledge of the seismic zone requirements in their geographical areas.
• Companies may purchase used racks that are not suitable for records storage or that result in reduced capacity in their buildings.
• Companies may store cartons in less than optimal storage methods resulting in lost storage at greater racking cost.
   
• Some companies may store active files and X-rays that should be in open-file shelving in carton storage racks.