Do I need an Annual Racking Inspection?
Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Employers have a legal obligation to routinely inspect any ‘work equipment’ which could deteriorate or be damaged: Storage Racking falls within the definition of ‘work equipment.’
The problem with racking in particular is that it tends to be abused in a busy environment and employees may not appreciate the risks associated with it until something happens; either the racking collapses into the aisle, or items fall from the pallets.
Racking inspections, by competent persons, are recommended under HSG76 guidance which refers to BS EN 15635, The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974), PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) and the SEMA Codes of Practice.
Racking Inspections are therefore required where;
- Damage to racking exists
- Risk that racking could become damaged
- Taking precautionary measures to prevent accidents
- Calculating the load capacity of your storage system
In not having a Racking Inspection, it could be argued in a Court of Law, that the Warehouse Owner did not ensure their employee’s safety “so far as is reasonably practicable”.
How often should we have a racking inspection?
You should have your racking inspected as soon as possible following installation, ideally before the racks are even loaded. If there are installation issues with the new racking these could be identified within any warranty period and remedied immediately by the Manufacturer or Supplier. If you have started to load the racking, you would then be responsible for the repairs/remedial works.
After the initial inspection you should continue to have your racking inspected regularly at intervals of not more than 12 months (EN15635, HSG 76 and SEMA guidelines) or following any significant layout or operational changes.
What is a SARI?
Formal inspections should be carried out only by someone who is suitably qualified or experienced. SARI Inspectors have qualified through training, have extensive experience in storage equipment and warehouse design and have passed in depth theoretical and practical examinations by the UK Trade Association SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association). They also carry the appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance.
By employing a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) you can relax in the knowledge that your racking is being kept to the high standards as outlined by SEMA in compliance with BS EN 15635, HSG76 and the SEMA Code of Practice.
Cernel carry out Racking Inspections on
- All makes of pallet racking
- Industrial shelving systems
- Mezzanine floors used for storage
Your Cernel Racking Inspection will include
- A detailed report on your pallet racking or shelving system
- Photographs and detailed explanations of defect types
- Recommendations and observations of your warehouse operation in relation to storage and good working practices