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Inspections: protecting you and your investment
If you have a racking system, as an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure your working environment is safe. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that British warehouses receive an annual rack inspection from a SEMA (Storage & Equipment Manufacturers’ Association) approved Rack Inspector.
Failure to regularly inspect and properly maintain your racking can result in injuries or the potential worsening of damage, which could lead to catastrophic collapse.
All types of Racking Systems require Inspections.
Inspections: protecting you and your investment
If you have a racking system, as an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure your working environment is safe. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that British warehouses receive an annual rack inspection from a The Storage & Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA) Approved Rack Inspector (SARI).
Failure to regularly inspect and properly maintain your racking can result in injuries or the potential worsening of damage, which could lead to catastrophic collapse.
All types of Racking Systems require Inspections.
Request a Call Back
Please enter your details below, and click “Send request” to be contacted by a Specialist.
Why do you need a Rack Inspection?
It is a quick and simple way for you to stay compliant with Warehouse Storage Health & Safety Legislation and Best Practice Guidelines.
An inspection is required under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, and to comply with “BS EN15635 Steel static storage systems. Application and Maintenance of Storage Equipment”. The HSE publication “HSG76 Warehousing and Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety” recommends inspection by an independent SARI – SEMA Approved Rack Inspector. Enforcing authorities would be looking for the last Rack Safety Inspection Report during an enforcement visit or if there has been an accident
When do you need a Rack Inspection?
Yearly - A technical expert should carry out full inspections every 12 months, with a report at the end that states their observations and recommended next steps.
Weekly - Checks should be carried out weekly by your Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS) – a formal written record should be maintained for each check.
Reactive - When a staff member spots rack damage, they should immediately report it to your (PRRS).
Please call us free on 08000 147 444, or email design@rapidracking.com to discuss your requirements and we’ll find the right solution.
What does an Inspection cost?
Inspection costs are based on how long the inspection will take, generally all inspections require either half day or full day from £495 (Ex VAT).
4 Easy Steps to a rack inspection
Enquiry
Simply enter your details above and we’ll call you back. Alternatively you can call us on 08000 147 444 or email us at design@rapidracking.com.
Form
You’ll receive a form to complete which helps us understand more about your inspection requirements - number of bays, pallet locations, type of racking, etc.
Quote
Once we've received the completed form we'll send a quote based on how long the inspection will take, generally all inspections require either half day or full day.
Book your inspection
We will contact you to book in a visit for a SEMA approved rack inspector (SARI).
Inspection results
Once your inspection has been carried out you’ll receive a damage report, recommended next steps and floor plan summary.
Next steps
It will be your responsibility to make any changes as a result of the inspection however our team of experts are happy to help.
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Top 10 Inspection FAQs
Do I Need a Rack Inspection?
Requirements under HSE guidance is that inspections on a regular basis should be carried out to ensure that the racking installation continues to be serviceable and safe.
What do Rack Inspectors look for?
Our partner inspectors have many years of experience within the racking industry. They will report on all aspects of racking damage and risk including missing or dislodged components, and the quality of the installation. They will also look at how the goods are stored within the racking and comment on the overall safety of the installation.
How often should I have a Rack Inspection?
It is recommended by SEMA and in the HSE document Warehousing and Storage, HSG76, that inspections should be carried out at intervals no longer than 12 months by a technically competent person and weekly by a fully trained member of internal staff.
Is it a legal requirement to have an Annual Rack Inspection?
Yes. Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 there is a legal requirement. Also The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require you to carry out risk assessments, which would include racking inspections. The legislation requires that an Inspection, by a 'Technically Competent' person, should be carried out at intervals of not more than 12 months. Enforcing authorities would be looking for the last Rack Safety Inspection Report during an enforcement visit or if there has been an accident.
Can I carry out an Inspection myself?
It is recommended by SEMA and the HSE in HSG76 that internal inspections are carried out on a weekly basis. The person responsible for racking safety must be trained in rack awareness. The annual inspection must be carried out by an independent SARI - SEMA Approved Rack Inspector.
What type of Racking need to be inspected?
All types of Racking Systems require Inspections.
This could include:
- Adjustable Pallet racking (APR)
- Drive-In/Through Racking
- Live Storage Systems
- Push Back Racking Systems
- Multi Tier Storage Systems
- Automated Racking/Shelving System
- Cantilever Racking, adjustable and structural
- Shelving
- Fabricated Racking/Shelving Systems
What do I get from a Racking Inspection?
On completion of the inspection you will receive a copy of your damage report along with a site layout drawing. The damage report highlights the locations requiring attention and the risk, using the traffic light system.
Red Risk – This is the most serious damage and must be offloaded immediately.
Amber Risk – The identified rack must be offloaded within a 4 week period.
Green Risk – The identified rack must be monitored at every inspection. Should the damage or condition worsen it may be elevated into an amber or red category.
Why should I use a SARI approved Rack Inspector?
SEMA have set a very high standard with the SARI qualification. All SARI inspectors must have relevant experience within the racking industry, complete a training course with SEMA and pass both classroom and practical examinations to prove they are competent to carry out racking inspections to a high standard. With a SARI you can be confident you will get a high standard of inspection.
How do I know a Rack Inspector is qualified?
All SARI Inspectors carry a credit card sized identity card with their photograph and date of expiry of their qualification. These must be renewed annually subject to quality checks by SEMA.
Can I book an emergency inspection if a major issue arises?
Yes. Simply call Rapid Racking on 08000 147 444 or email design@rapidracking.com and we will arrange an inspector to be on site within 24 hours.
