At Oakway Storage, we are fully equipped to carry out a variety of Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) approved racking inspections, such as pallet racking inspections and cantilever racking inspections. We also provide in-depth and detailed written safety reports once the racking inspection has been completed, as this will give you a full breakdown as to what state your racking is in.
Any repairs that are necessary to keep your warehouse fully functioning and up to standard following the inspection, can be performed by our highly trained team of professionals. In addition to racking inspections, we also do much more such as; including supplying pallet racking equipment and installing it, providing conveyor systems and mezzanine flooring.
our racking inspections are carried out professionally and ARE FULLY SEMA compliant
What Are Racking Inspections?
A racking safety inspection (often referred to as a racking inspection), is a visual inspection of warehouse and storage systems to ensure that the racking is safe to use.
These racking inspections follow a hierarchical approach using several levels of checks as laid out by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Immediate Reporting
As soon as a safety problem or damage is observed by any employee, they should immediately report it to the Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS). Employees should receive training, information and instruction on the safe operation of the racking system, including the parts affecting their safety and the safety of others.
Visual Inspections
The PRRS should ensure that visual inspections are made at weekly or other regular intervals based on risk assessment. A formal written record should be maintained by the warehouse.
Expert Inspections
This is the part where we come in… A technically competent person should carry out racking inspections and a written report needs to be submitted to the PRRS with observations and proposals for any action necessary. Our written safety reports will contain a traffic light system, determining the risk level and status of your racking. Green: requires surveillance only; Amber: hazardous damage that requires actions as soon as possible; Red: very serious damage that requires immediate action.
SEMA Approved Racking Inspections
SEMA approved racking inspections are recommended by The HSE to be carried out at a minimum of once every 12 months in the UK, however legally, the warehouse owner has a responsibility to ensure the safety of their staff – inspections of equipment and storage should be done annually. For more details on racking inspection and maintenance, visit The HSE website.
As full SEMA members, Oakway Storage can provide racking inspections in a range of cities in the UK including; Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds and Northampton. Safety and quality are paramount in all the equipment that we produce and these priorities continue with our racking inspections.
If these checks and inspections are not carried out, your company could be:
● At a higher risk for injuries in the workplace
● Met with expensive repairs due to damage that could have been prevented
● Fined for not complying with SEMA standards
● Facing potential downtime for your warehouse
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a racking inspection and how often do I need one?
If you are an owner or user of a racking system, yes. You will need a SEMA approved racking inspection a minimum of once a year (recommended by The HSE) and regular visual inspections from competent staff.
Are racking inspections a legal requirement?
No, but several pieces of legislation and government guidance suggest they are a good idea. It is however, a legal requirement for a warehouse owner to ensure the safety of their staff whilst at work. Read more on this topic in our complete guide.
What is a SEMA approved racking inspector?
A SEMA approved racking inspector is a person who has passed rigorous testing set out by SEMA and upon completion, they receive a SEMA approved inspectors qualification.
What is a PRRS?
A PRRS is known as a Person Responsible for Racking Safety. This person’s job is to ensure that the racking is used, inspected and maintained in accordance with the appropriate regulations and guidelines.
How much does a racking inspection cost?
The cost for racking inspections can vary as we price inspections according to the storage capacity of your warehouse, rack type, and environment. To request a quote, you can get in contact with us.
