Earthquake-ready automated storage: How Hanel Lean Lifts ensure safety and compliance in hazardous environments

For businesses in earthquake-prone regions, ensuring the safety and stability of storage solutions is not just a compliance requirement—it’s a necessity for operational continuity and workplace safety. Automated storage systems are transforming warehouses, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities by maximising space utilisation, enhancing inventory management, and enhancing operational efficiency. However, in seismically active areas, businesses must go a step further by ensuring these systems can withstand earthquakes without compromising safety or functionality and adhere to all seismic regulations.

We understand the unique challenges businesses face in seismic zones. Through our partnership with Hänel, we provide robust, earthquake-resistant storage solutions designed to meet and exceed regional safety standards. Our approach ensures that companies in Australia and New Zealand can operate with confidence, knowing their storage infrastructure is resilient and compliant. Together with Hänel, we have successfully installed Lean Lifts in earthquake-prone regions across Australia and New Zealand, ensuring compliance with structural regulations while maximising storage efficiency.

The challenge: Safeguarding your business from seismic risks

Seismic activity presents a significant challenge when installing automated storage systems. Different regions have unique seismic hazard factors and soil classes, requiring tailored structural solutions. Key concerns include:

Structural integrity: Your storage system must withstand potential seismic forces without failure, protecting inventory and personnel. A system not designed for earthquakes can pose serious safety hazards during seismic activity.

Minimise business disruption: For businesses in high-risk areas, investing in a seismic-resistant automated storage system is not just about compliance—it’s about protecting assets, ensuring workplace safety, and maintaining business continuity.

Compliance with local regulations: Different regions, including Australia and New Zealand, have strict seismic codes that must be adhered to. Navigating these regulations can be complex, requiring specialised expertise.

Approval process: Regulatory approval from local structural engineer is required to ensure that your storage solution meets seismic safety requirements. Without expert guidance, this can become a lengthy and complicated process

The solution: Earthquake-resilient Haenel Lean Lifts for ultimate protection

At Headland, we take a proactive approach to seismic safety, working closely with Hanel to ensure all Lean Lifts installed in earthquake-prone regions meet the highest industry standards. Our process includes:

Comprehensive seismic assessment: We understand your site’s seismic hazard factor (Z) and will work with your local appointed geotechnical engineers to determine the soil class and local regulations. Every location is unique, which is why we customise each installation to account for specific seismic risks, ensuring maximum safety and functionality.

Custom engineering solutions: Our team collaborates with Hanel engineers to design and implement reinforced anchoring systems, vibration-absorbing components, and other structural enhancements appropriate for your specific needs.

Compliance support: Navigating seismic regulations can be complex, but we simplify the process by providing expert guidance to ensure all installations meet local standards.

Our goal is to provide you with a seamless installation process that not only meets regulatory requirements but also ensures your storage solution remains safe and operational in the event of an earthquake.

How your business benefits from a seismically resilient storage system

By choosing a Hänel Lean Lift designed for earthquake resistance, your business gains several key advantages:

• Long-term reliability
• Risk mitigation & business continuity
• Regulatory compliance & peace of mind
• Insurance & cost savings

A seismic-ready storage system is an investment in the future stability of your business. With Headland and Hänel, you can be confident that your automated storage solution is built to withstand even the most challenging conditions.

Conclusion: Ensure safety & compliance with Headland and Hanel

If your business operates in an earthquake-prone region, ensuring your storage system is compliant and disaster-ready is critical to avoid disruptions. In partnership with Hänel, we provide expert guidance to navigate seismic compliance, ensuring safe and successful installations. While regulatory approval lies with the customer, we support the process by leveraging our expertise and connections with local structural engineers. By thoroughly assessing seismic loading requirements and ensuring adherence to regional codes, we help businesses implement compliant, efficient solutions.

Is your facility located in an earthquake-prone area?

Don’t leave your business vulnerable to seismic risks. If you operate in a seismically active region, ensuring your automated storage system’s safety and compliance is critical. Let Headland’s experts guide you through the entire process—from compliance to installation—to safeguard your warehouse, hospital, manufacturing plant, or logistics centre for the long term.