What are industrial catwalks?
Warehouse and industrial catwalk systems are a safe and practical way for employees to reach elevated areas in a factory or warehouse. They offer an easy means of accessing equipment in addition to acting as elevated footpaths for workers, and can be made-to-order to address the individual demands of your operation.
Industrial catwalks are designed to avoid disrupting activities on the floor, and can be installed very quickly with no new construction needed. Catwalks coupled with mezzanines are a highly effective way to maximize the utilization of space in your facility and boost your capacity without having to go through the expense and hassle of new construction.
How Are Catwalks Used?
Commercial facilities use catwalk systems for a variety of purposes, the most typical being to link two points on the warehouse or plant floor without inhibiting the wider workflow. As a secondary benefit, this may also improve safety, as catwalks can route employees away from dangerous equipment, substances, forklifts, or other potentially unsafe activities.
Catwalk systems can also facilitate overhead access to tanks, hoppers, machinery and other large installations. Oftentimes, it can be difficult to service and adjust large equipment using floor level options such as aerial lifts. Catwalks can be situated so that workers can readily access equipment for routine maintenance activities.
Warehouse catwalks are frequently used in combination with mezzanines to provide access to elevated work and storage areas. Mezzanine and catwalk combinations can make use of the vertical area in a building, significantly enhancing space utilization and efficiency.
Catwalks come in a broad range of styles, so you can choose one that meets your individual needs. If you’re not sure what type of catwalk would work best for your operation, contact Welch Equipment for a consultation.
What are the benefits of using industrial catwalks?
There are several benefits to using industrial catwalks in your building. For one, they can be readily customized to fit the specific needs of your business. They are an ideal solution for small businesses with anticipation of growth.
Additionally, catwalk systems provide safe and convenient access to all parts of your warehouse. This is especially helpful in facilities where installed fixtures must be regularly accessed or where there is a lot of floor activity. Ultimately, industrial catwalks make more of your warehouse accessible while also keeping it safe.
How are industrial catwalks installed?
Prefabricated catwalk systems usually come in sections that can be readily assembled at your location. Supports, walkways, rails and stairs can all be put together relatively easily. Catwalk assembly can be completed by your employees or warehouse experts like Welch Equipment.
Customized catwalks are a more involved process. After an initial site survey, system design, fabrication and installation can take several weeks.
Are industrial and warehouse catwalks safe?
Without question, catwalks are safe. They are outfitted with stairs and safety rails, and their sturdy steel architecture can easily withstand accidents like light lift truck impacts and other safety events.
As a matter of fact, catwalk systems can significantly improve the safety practices within your operation by removing workers from potentially dangerous activities. For facilities with heavy lift truck traffic, catwalk systems can keep pedestrians away from forklifts and reduce accidents.
For some industrial tasks like smelting or chemical processing, catwalks can be vital equipment for distancing employees from potentially dangerous processes.
Catwalk Systems Near Me
If you think your operation could benefit from the use of catwalks, or you want to discuss options for catwalk or mezzanine systems, contact an engineering expert at Welch Equipment today.
