New rack protection system boosts warehouse safety

Working on the principle that prevention is better than a cure, a team of specialist engineers at Colby Storage Solutions have developed an advanced type of rack upright protector, Colby ProtectaRACK. The innovative design was developed jointly by structural engineers Murray Clarke and Paul Berry, and mechanical engineer Stephen Celati.

Designed to be fitted to just about any type of racking, the patent-pending and design-registered Colby ProtectaRACK outperforms traditional steel and plastic rack protection systems through its innovative design and ease of installation.

Manufactured from heavy-duty 4mm thick plate steel, the Colby ProtectaRACK simply slips over and is bolted directly to the front face of a rack upright, eliminating the need to install separate masonry anchors in the floor.

The Colby ProtectaRACK substantially increases the strength of the rack upright by transferring any forces from an impact to the rack frame bracing, the strongest section of the rack.

The unit’s compact design, and the fact that it bolts directly to the upright, also makes the Colby ProtectaRACK more space efficient in terms of maximising the clear bay entry than other rack protection systems.

Commenting on the Colby ProtectaRACK, Colby Storage Solutions Structural Design Manager, Dr Murray Clarke, said: “Even the best forklift drivers are going to have accidental collisions with racking at times, so it pays to take whatever steps are practically possible to minimise the potential for damage.

“That’s why we have put so much effort into developing the Colby ProtectaRACK.

“Over the years, we have used many different types of rack protection devices, but never been totally satisfied that we had the best possible solution at a price that is attractive to the market.

“That’s why we decided to develop our own rack protection system,” he said.

“We went back to the drawing board and analysed the problem from the ground up to arrive at our innovative and visually appealing design. The Colby ProtectaRACK is our solution to what is an on-going concern in nearly every warehouse in the country.”

In addition to providing superior upright protection, the Colby ProtectaRACK is also quick and easy to fit.

“The new Colby ProtectaRACK, which is designed to suit most suppliers’ standard rack uprights, simply slips over the front face of the upright and is locked in place by two bolts,” said Dr Clarke.

“Because it can be fitted so easily, the installed cost of the Colby ProtectaRACK will be less than that of many of the existing systems on the market.”