Full Stop! Keep the Flue Space Clear with Wire Backstops & Dividers
Wire Dividers & Backstops for Safer, Streamlined Hand Stacking
Hand stacking inventory on pallet rack shelves makes items easily accessible for Split Case, Open Case, and Case Pick operations. A cost-effective way to organize SKUs in the pick area and, in most cases, improve pick speed and accuracy is to install wire dividers in the bay. Segmenting each SKU with wire backstops and dividers makes product selection easier and inventory less likely to spill into adjacent SKU slots. Additionally, wire dividers can be mounted in the back of the bay to be used as a backstop to prevent inventory from falling back into the open flue space, efficiently addressing a critical safety concern.
Wire decking products are typically coated for use in any warehouse climate. The unique design is ideal for meeting fire safety and worker safety regulations requiring light and sprinkler water to pass through. Several styles of wire dividers are available, and each has pros and cons depending on your pick area and inventory mix. Dividers are available in standard sizes to fit most rack applications; however, custom heights and depths can also be ordered to meet customer needs.
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 – are easy to secure using J-hooks attached to the top of the bay. The divider is also connected at the bottom, providing a very secure fit. The installation creates a strong barrier top to bottom. However, if the bay elevation changes due to reslotting or inventory changes, new dividers would have to be purchased.
Clip-in / Snap-on dividers – these dividers are freestanding. They clip to the wire deck from the bottom and extend upward at varying heights to the top of the bay. They are a more cost-effective option as you can typically re-profile and still use the same dividers as long as they remain shorter than the bay height.
Clip-in divider installation illustration:
Carton Stop / Flue Space Divider Stop
Prevent inventory from falling behind the rack into the flue space. Two popular choices include:
Carton Stop / Flue Space Divider Stop
Backstop divider – snap-on wire dividers effectively prevent inventory from being pushed into the flue area. Standard sizes will cover a 96″ beam length, but custom sizes can be ordered.
Upturned deck – also called a reverse waterfall, is a single-piece wire deck solution raised at the back to serve as a backstop for the hand-stacked inventory or cartons.
Carton stop or flue space divider – these are three-sided raised wire stops that clip securely onto the wire deck and prevent inventory from encroaching on the flue area. These dividers can also be used to divide inventory on the shelf and allow picking from both aisles.
 Up-Turned Wire Deck / Reverse Waterfall |
 Backstop Divider |
A Little Tipsy?
Hanging Dividers
Of the different types of wire dividers, only the hanging divider provides top to bottom protection to prevent inventory from falling into the flue area. It is important to consider your inventory’s size to ensure you are using the most effective divider for your needs. In most cases, the partial dividers provide the necessary amount of protection; however, if items are tall or stacked within the bay, it may be necessary to use the hanging dividers. Your Apex professional will help guide you to the most effective solution.
The Right Stuff – Rely on Apex for Insight
The Apex team is your go-to source for wire deck products and the full complement of warehouse safety products your team needs to work most effectively. Call today for a free consultation and full-service support. Visit our website for cost-saving information on used wire decking.
