What are industrial catwalks?

Warehouse and industrial catwalks are a secure and practical way for employees to access elevated areas in a warehouse or plant. They offer a convenient way of accessing equipment as well as serving as walkways for workers, and can be tailored to suit the specific demands of your operation.

Warehouse catwalks are engineered to prevent disruption of activities at ground level, and can be installed overnight without the need for new construction. Catwalks paired with mezzanines are a highly effective way to take advantage of the vertical space in your building and augment your capacity without having to go through the expense and hassle of new construction.

What are catwalks used for?

Industrial facilities use catwalks for a variety of reasons, the most common being to connect two points on the warehouse or plant floor without inhibiting the wider workflow. This can also greatly enhance an organization’s safety posture, as catwalks can route employees away from dangerous equipment, substances, forklifts, or other potentially unsafe activities.

Catwalks can also allow elevated access to hoppers, tanks, machinery and other large installations. Generally, it can be awkward to maintain and adjust large equipment using floor level means such as scissor lifts. Catwalks can be situated so that workers can freely access equipment for regular service functions.

Catwalks are often used in combination with mezzanine systems to enable access to overhead work and storage spaces. These types of configurations can make use of the vertical area in a building, significantly improving space utilization and efficiency.

Catwalks come in a wide range of types, so you can select one that meets your individual needs. If you're having a hard time choosing the right catwalk for your operation, contact Raymond West for consultation.

What are the benefits of using industrial catwalks?

There are several advantages to using industrial catwalks in your facility. For one, they can be quickly and easily customized to fit the specific needs of your business. This they are a perfect solution for small businesses with big growth plans.

Additionally, industrial catwalks enable safe and easy access to all parts of your warehouse. This is especially helpful in facilities where installed fixtures must be serviced frequently 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 catwalks usually ship in components that can be readily assembled onsite. Walkways, supports, stairs and rails can all be bolted together relatively easily. Catwalk installation can be done by your employees or warehouse experts like Raymond West.

Customized catwalk systems are a more involved process. After an initial site analysis, engineering, fabrication and installation can take several weeks.

Are industrial and warehouse catwalks safe?

Catwalks are quite safe. They come equipped with safety rails and stairs, and their sturdy steel construction is nearly impervious to minor mishaps like light lift truck impacts and other safety incidents.

As a matter of fact, catwalk systems can significantly enhance the safety practices within your facility by separating workers from potentially risky activities. For warehouses with heavy lift truck traffic, catwalk systems can keep pedestrians away from forklifts and prevent accidents.

For some industrial processes like smelting or chemical processing, catwalks can be vital equipment for distancing employees from potentially hazardous activities.

Catwalk Systems Near Me

If you would like to learn more about catwalk systems, or you want to discuss options for catwalk or mezzanine systems, contact an engineering expert at Raymond West today.

Raymond West's Sacramento facility serves the greater Sacramento area and other parts of Northern California, including Sacramento, Elk Grove, Auburn, Placerville, Vacaville, Fairfield, Sausalito, Napa, Santa Rosa, Redding, Eureka and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Sacramento Material Handling Equipment Supplier

900 National Dr
Sacramento, CA 95834
(800) 675-2500