Flue Space Matters! Keep Your Colorado Warehouse Safe with Wire Backstops & Dividers
Organized, Secure Hand Stacking with Wire Dividers & Backstops
Hand-stacking inventory on pallet rack shelves provides easy access for split-case, open-case, and case-pick operations. A simple and cost-effective way to keep SKUs organized—while also improving pick speed and accuracy—is by installing wire dividers within the bay. Separating SKUs with wire backstops and dividers streamlines product selection and reduces the risk of items shifting into adjacent slots. Beyond organization, wire dividers serve another crucial function: safety. When mounted at the back of a bay, they act as a backstop to prevent inventory from falling into the open flue space—a key fire safety and warehouse efficiency concern. Keeping these areas clear helps your Colorado warehouse maintain compliance and prevent hazards.
Wire decking products are designed to withstand various warehouse environments, with protective coatings that ensure durability in any climate. Their open-mesh structure is ideal for meeting fire and worker safety regulations, allowing both light and sprinkler water to pass through without obstruction. There are several styles of wire dividers available, each with its own advantages depending on the layout of your pick area and the types of inventory being stored. Standard-sized dividers are designed to fit most pallet rack applications, but custom heights and depths can also be ordered to meet specific warehouse requirements.
Wire Dividers & Backstops Keep Flue Space Open
Wire Dividers & Backstops
- Hanging dividers
- Clip-in / Snap-on style
- Backstop divider
- Carton stop / Flue space divider
- Up-turned deck / Reverse waterfall
Hanging Dividers – These dividers are easily secured using J-hooks at the top of the bay, with additional support at the bottom for a stable fit. This setup provides a strong, fixed barrier within the rack system. However, if bay elevations change due to reslotting or inventory adjustments, new dividers may need to be purchased.
Clip-in / Snap-on dividers – A more flexible and cost-effective option, these dividers attach to the wire decking from the bottom and extend upward to varying heights. Unlike hanging dividers, they can be repositioned as long as they remain shorter than the bay height, making them ideal for adjustable storage configurations.
Clip-in divider installation illustration:
Carton Stop / Flue Space Divider Stop
Preventing inventory from falling behind the rack into the flue space is essential for maintaining fire safety and warehouse efficiency. A few popular solutions include:
- Backstop Divider – Snap-on wire dividers provide a simple and effective way to prevent inventory from being pushed into the flue space. Standard sizes are designed to fit a 96″ beam length, though custom sizes can be ordered to meet specific warehouse needs.
- Upturned Deck – Also known as a reverse waterfall, this is a single-piece wire deck solution with a raised back that acts as a built-in backstop for hand-stacked inventory or cartons.
- Carton Stop / Flue Space Divider – These three-sided raised wire stops securely clip onto the wire deck to keep inventory from shifting into the flue space. In addition to improving fire safety, they can also segment inventory on the shelf, making it easier to pick from both aisles when needed.
 Up-Turned Wire Deck / Reverse Waterfall |
 Backstop Divider |
Don’t Let Your Inventory Take a Dive
Hanging Dividers
Of all the wire divider options, only hanging dividers provide full top-to-bottom protection to keep your inventory from falling into the flue space. Choosing the right divider depends on inventory size and stacking method. In many cases, partial dividers offer sufficient protection, but for taller items or stacked inventory, hanging dividers may be the better solution. Your Apex professional can help determine the most effective setup for your specific needs.
Apex Has Your Back (Stop)
The Apex team is your trusted partner for wire decking solutions and warehouse safety essentials that keep your operation running smoothly. Whether you’re looking to prevent inventory spills or optimize flue space compliance, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch today for expert advice and full-service support. Plus, check out our website for cost-effective options on used wire decking and other storage solutions.
