The simple answer is, yes!

Racking is classed as workplace equipment. As an employer, you have a duty of care to your employees. So in order to comply with “The Work Health Safety and Welfare Regulations” & “The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998” it must be inspected annually.

SEMA is the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association.

They establish and publish technical standards for all types of storage equipment. SEMA have been around for over 50 years, have a wealth of knowledge and regularly advise the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). They also represent the Storage Equipment Industry in discussions with UK government departments and local authorities.

At least once a year.

But…it really depends on each installation. If your warehouse has a high level of activity, you may need to arrange more frequent inspections. It is also a good idea to carry out weekly rack safety inspections yourself. Ideally, you should arrange for at least one member of staff to attend a rack safety awareness course. We can help with this as we run practical, half-day courses on this very topic! Click here for more details.

Our inspector will conduct a visual inspection of all racking. You will receive a jargon-free inspection report along with a visual layout guide to any damaged racking.

SEMA classifies damage into three risk categories: Red, Amber and Green. The report will clearly state which of these categories your equipment falls into, along with any required next steps.

We take all aspects of safety very seriously, so we are fully compliant with all current Covid-19 guidelines.

All inspections are purely visual so there is no need for our inspector to make any physical contact with people or equipment on site. Minimal equipment is brought on site (a pen/pad to record inspection notes, a tape measure, a torch and a 1m straight edge) all of which will be sanitised before and after each inspection. The inspector will follow hand sanitising procedures, wear a face covering throughout the inspection and will follow all social distancing guidelines. You will not be required to sign anything once the inspection is complete.

It depends on what the inspector finds.

If any of your racking falls into the red category, you must address these issues immediately. Alternatively, your racking might be in perfect working order. In this case, carry on as you are! We will provide you with details of how to access our Client Document Area online. Your reports will be stored here for easy access.

You can read all about our Pallet Racking Safety Awareness & Inspection Course here. Do call us on 0800 917 1103 or fill in our enquiry form if you would like further details. We can even come to your premises – we just need a suitable room equipped with a screen that is compatible with a laptop.

Based in Bournemouth, Linear have been helping businesses in Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Wiltshire and across the South of England for nearly 20 years. If you are looking for pallet racking repair and maintenance information or you would like to arrange a warehouse racking inspections, call upon 0800 917 1103 or fill in our enquiry form here.