A rack can be divided into vertical zones based on the scale of an adult (average size of 1.70 m). The lowest rack area is called the bending zone. It reaches an average height of 60 – 80 cm.

In the bending zone, goods with low turnover are often stored. However, the expected turnover is not the only decisive factor for goods placement. The storage zone close to the floor is also suitable as a storage location for heavy and large-volume goods.

Rackzones: bending zone, gripping zone, viewing zone, stretching zone

Bending zone from an ergonomic point of view

For ergonomic reasons, goods with a high handling volume should not be stored in the picking zone, as the order picker has to expend additional physical effort when, for example, he has to go down on his knees to reach the goods to be picked. On the one hand, this additional effort is exhausting for the person; on the other hand, it costs additional time during the picking process.

The next higher rack area is called the gripping zone. You can find more information on this under Rack zones – gripping zone.

Image source: Teaser – © SK_Design – Fotolia.com; Image in article – © Rfc1394 License: (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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