What are supports for containers, drums and reels for racking systems?
Supports for containers, drums and reels are accessories for pallet racking systems designed to provide a suitable resting surface for loads that cannot be placed directly on the beams like a standard pallet due to their shape or base configuration.
The supports are designed for different types of loads. Container supports accommodate containers with feet or bases that require specific support points, while drum and reel supports feature a V-shaped cradle to ensure the correct positioning of cylindrical loads. Both types are fitted to the racking beams in a configuration suited to the racking system and the intended load.
These accessories expand the versatility of pallet racking systems, enabling them to store loads with shapes and base configurations that differ from standard pallets. The appropriate support must be selected based on the type of racking, the characteristics of the load and the intended configuration, ensuring stable support and compatibility with the system.
Supports for containers without bottom runners
Container supports are designed for pallet racking systems storing loads without bottom runners, such as containers with feet. In these cases, the feet alone may not provide adequate stability when resting directly on the beams. The supports provide dedicated contact points that accommodate the shape of the container base, helping to ensure correct positioning and reduce the risk of materials falling.
Each load unit requires two supports, one on the right and one on the left. Each support rests on both the front and rear beams, providing two longitudinal bearing surfaces for the container’s feet. Depending on the intended configuration, the supports can be fixed to the beams or simply placed on them.
V-Shaped supports for drums and reels
V-shaped supports are designed for storing cylindrical loads, such as drums and reels, on pallet racking systems. They provide a suitable seating surface where direct placement on the beams may not ensure correct positioning. The V-shaped cradle helps keep the load stable and accommodates its shape and dimensions when first placed in position.
Each load unit is supported by two V-shaped supports, one fitted to the front beam and the other to the rear beam of the racking system. This arrangement provides two opposing support points to hold the cylindrical load across the depth of the bay. Each support is secured to the beam to keep it in position during loading and unloading operations.
Benefits of Supports for containers, drums and reels
Dedicated supports allow pallet racking systems to accommodate load units that are not suitable for direct placement on the beams. The main benefits include:
- Improved load stability: The supports provide a bearing surface suited to the shape of the container, drum or reel, helping to ensure correct positioning.
- Greater storage flexibility: Pallet racking systems can accommodate a wider variety of load units, rather than being limited to standard pallets.
- Improved warehouse organisation: Storing these types of loads on the same racking system can reduce the need for dedicated storage areas.
Standards and regulations for pallet racking accessories
Pallet racking systems used in the workplace are subject to the requirements of Italian Legislative Decree 81/2008, which requires employers to provide suitable work equipment and take the necessary measures to ensure worker safety in relation to the risks associated with its use.
For operational aspects relating to the safety of storage systems, the relevant technical reference is UNI EN 15635. The standard provides specific guidance on accessories designed to support load units and also addresses special loads, requiring suitable accessories for the safe handling of configurations such as pallets with feet, drums and reels.
Custom-designed supports for pallet racking systems
To select the most suitable supports, we assess the load unit and the existing racking system, considering the type of container or the dimensions of the drums and reels, the load weight, beam layout and spacing, and handling requirements. This assessment allows us to identify the most appropriate solution and ensure compatibility between the supports, the racking system and the load. We also determine the most suitable installation method for the support type and intended configuration, including whether the supports need to be secured to the beams.
FAQ
Container supports are designed for load units with feet rather than bottom runners and are used in pairs, with one right-hand support and one left-hand support. Drum and reel supports, by contrast, are designed for cylindrical loads and feature a V-shaped cradle. In this configuration, one support is positioned on the front beam and the other on the rear beam of the racking bay.
Placing a container with feet directly on the racking beams may not provide sufficient stability or adequate load support. The limited contact points can affect load distribution and increase the risk of the container shifting, particularly if impacted during handling. Where necessary, dedicated supports provide a bearing surface suited to the shape of the container base.
The suitability of the support depends on the characteristics and dimensions of the load to be stored. The V-shaped cradle is designed to accommodate cylindrical loads, but compatibility between the support, the load dimensions and the racking configuration must be checked before installation.
The installation method depends on the type of support. Container supports can either be secured to the beams or simply placed on them, depending on the intended configuration. Drum and reel supports, on the other hand, must be secured to the beams.