What are industrial catwalks?
Warehouse and industrial catwalks are a safe and practical way for workers to access overhead areas in a plant or warehouse. They provide a convenient way of accessing equipment in addition to serving as walkways for employees, and can be made-to-order to fit the individual requirements of your operation.
Warehouse catwalk systems are designed to avoid disrupting operations at ground level, and can be installed very quickly without the need for new construction. Additionally, industrial catwalks, paired with mezzanines are a highly effective way to take advantage of the vertical space in your facility and increase your capacity without the considerable pain of new construction.
How Are Catwalks Used?
Commercial operations use catwalks for a wide range 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 an organization’s safety posture, since catwalks are able to channel employees away from dangerous machinery, substances, lift trucks, or other potentially unsafe activities.
Catwalks can also provide elevated access to tanks, hoppers, machinery and other large installations. Generally, it can be awkward to service and adjust large equipment using floor level options like aerial lifts. Catwalk systems can be positioned so that workers can freely access equipment for regular maintenance activities.
Catwalks are often used in conjunction with mezzanines to enable access to overhead work and storage areas. These types of configurations can make use of the aerial area in a building, greatly improving space utilization and efficiency.
Catwalk systems are available in a wide array of styles, so you can find one that meets your individual demands. 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 numerous advantages to using industrial catwalks in your facility. For starters, they can be quickly and easily adapted to suit the specific needs of your business. They are a perfect solution for small businesses with anticipation of growth.
Additionally, industrial catwalks provide safe and convenient access to all areas of your building. This is particularly beneficial in facilities where installed fixtures must be regularly accessed or where there is a lot of ground activity. Essentially, industrial catwalks offer better access to more of your facility while also keeping it safe.
How are industrial catwalks installed?
Prefabricated catwalk systems usually ship in sections that can be easily assembled at your location. Supports, walkways, stairs and rails can all be bolted together fairly easily. Catwalk installation can be completed by your own team or outside contractors like Welch Equipment.
Custom designed catwalk systems are a more involved process. After an initial site analysis, engineering, fabrication and installation can take a few weeks.
Are industrial and warehouse catwalks safe?
Catwalks are quite safe. They are outfitted with safety rails and stairs, and their heavy steel construction can easily withstand accidents like light forklift impacts and other safety events.
In fact, catwalk systems can significantly enhance the safety practices within your operation by removing workers from potentially risky activities. For warehouses with heavy lift truck traffic, catwalks can route pedestrians away from forklifts and prevent accidents.
For a few industrial jobs like smelting or chemical processing, catwalks can be crucial equipment for separating people 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.
