What are industrial catwalks?

Industrial catwalks are a safe and efficient way for workers to gain access to overhead areas in a warehouse or plant. They offer an easy means of accessing equipment in addition to serving as elevated footpaths for employees, and can be made-to-order to suit the specific demands of your operation.

Industrial catwalk systems are engineered to avoid disrupting operations at ground level, and can be assembled overnight with no new construction needed. Catwalks coupled with mezzanines are a great way to take advantage of the vertical space in your facility and increase your capacity without having to go through the expense and hassle of new construction.

How Are Catwalks Used?

Industrial facilities use catwalks for a variety of purposes, the most common being to connect two locations on the warehouse or plant floor without inhibiting the wider workflow. This can also greatly enhance an organization’s safety posture, as catwalks are able to channel workers away from dangerous equipment, chemicals, lift trucks, or other potentially unsafe operations.

Catwalks can also facilitate overhead access to hoppers, tanks, machinery and other large installations. Generally, it can be awkward to maintain and adjust oversized equipment using floor level options like scissor lifts. Catwalk systems can be stationed so that employees can freely access equipment for routine service tasks.

Catwalks are frequently used in conjunction with mezzanines to facilitate access to overhead storage and work spaces. Mezzanine and catwalk combinations can make use of the cubic area in a building, significantly improving space utilization and efficiency.

Catwalks come in a broad range of styles, so you can choose one that meets your individual requirements. If you're not sure what type of catwalk would work best 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 warehouse. For starters, they can be quickly and easily customized to suit the specific needs of your operation. This makes them a perfect solution for a small business with big growth plans.

Additionally, industrial catwalks provide safe and easy access to all areas of your building. This is especially beneficial in facilities where installed fixtures must be regularly accessed or where there is a lot of floor activity. Essentially, industrial catwalks make more of your warehouse accessible while improving safety.

How are industrial catwalks installed?

Factory built catwalks typically come in sections that can be readily assembled onsite. Supports, walkways, stairs and rails can all be put together relatively easily. Catwalk assembly can be done by your employees or outside contractors like Raymond West.

Customized catwalks are a more involved process. After an initial site analysis, system design, fabrication and installation can take a few weeks.

Are industrial and warehouse catwalks safe?

Catwalks are quite safe. They come equipped with stairs and safety rails, and their heavy steel architecture is nearly impervious to minor mishaps like moderate lift truck impacts and other safety events.

As a matter of fact, catwalks can greatly enhance the safety practices inside your operation by separating employees from potentially risky activities. For facilities with heavy forklift traffic, catwalks can route pedestrians away from forklifts and reduce accidents.

For a handful of industrial processes like chemical processing or smelting, catwalks can be crucial equipment for separating people from potentially hazardous 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 Raymond West today.

Raymond West's Tucson facility serves Pima County, including Tucson, South Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita and surrounding areas

Raymond West | Tucson Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Tucson Service Area
(520) 729-4222