Storage Solutions for Documents & Records

For any storage solutions for documents & Records, it is generally recommended to choose steel shelving with an appropriate weight capacity that can efficiently handle the records loads of any organizations. Some suggestions that will help you choose the best storage solutions for documents & Records application to any organization that can be private of government.

Dimensions Of Shelves

Recommended: 42″ wide X 16″ or 32″ deep (for most applications)It is generally recommended that shelves for storage should be 42 inches wide, this enables storage of three rows standard records center cartons (12″ wide x 15″ long x 10″ high). The depth of the shelve depends on the dimensions available and storage needs. Shelves 16″ or 32″ deep are preferable. For the best use of space in a records center, purchase shelving that is 32 inches deep, which allows for boxes two-deep on each shelf. If efficient use of space is not a concern, 16″-deep shelving will hold a row of boxes one-deep. Shelving of other depths is suitable for records storage, but is not as preferable. Boxes stored on shelves that are 15″ or 30″ deep will hang slightly over the edge. Shelves 16″ or 32″ deep are preferable, since the cover of the shelving provides modest protection to the boxes in the event of a fire or a water leak from the ceiling. You may also consider purchasing shelving that is either 18″ or 36″ deep. However, such shelving is a little deeper than is necessary and does not make optimal use of space. Organizations with large records centers might consider purchasing special steel shelving that is 8 feet (96″) wide, which can hold seven boxes across and reduces the number of uprights needed.

Shelving Gauge

Recommended: Based on weight of records
Weight capacity is key to the shelving you choose. Some manufacturers use a lighter- gauge steel that provides a weight capacity equal to or greater than 18-gauge steel. Based on the manufacturer’s printed weight capacity, there may be other types of shelving to consider besides solid steel shelving, such as woven or wire-meshed shelving.

Heavy-duty steel shelving of 18-gauge or lower is generally recommended for records storage. The smaller the gauge number, the stronger the shelving; thus 16-gauge or 12-gauge steel shelving is also appropriate. Shelving higher than 18-gauge is weaker and may not be appropriate for records storage. Paper is heavy and, over time, may cause this weaker shelving to buckle under the weight.

The estimated weight of a standard records storage box is approximately 35 lbs / 16 Kg. A 42″-wide shelf 16″ deep holds one row of boxes (three across) which is approximately 105 lbs / 47.7 Kg. But a 42″-wide shelf which is double-deep (30″ or 32″) and stacked two- high will hold twelve boxes and approximately 420 pounds. To choose what shelving would work best for your organization, determine the number of boxes you will be