Racking Safety Legal Requirements
Click to read our rack repairs leaflet.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers are duty-bound to keep their racking in a state of good repair, which includes regular inspections to make sure everything is up to scratch.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) are another key piece of legislation that states work and storage equipment including pallet racking must be fit for purpose, properly maintained and regularly checked to make sure it’s still safe to use.
Also, there’s the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) HSG 76, which is the industry standard for warehouse safety. While it’s not technically the law, it’s widely accepted as the best guide for keeping warehouse managers compliant.
Why Are Pallet Racking Inspections Important?
Over time pallet racking can start to take a beating from impacts by forklifts, overloads and just general wear and tear which can compromise its structural integrity and put your whole operation at risk.
SEMA-approved inspectors are recommended for compliance with regulations across your pallet racking. This can help identify issues like bent uprights, damaged beams, missing safety clips and overloaded bays before they turn into serious safety hazards or even cause a costly collapse.
This helps you to stay on the right side of the law, reduce the risk of accidents, protect your employees and avoid the hassle and expense of costly downtime, repairs or enforcement action.
By setting aside time for regular pallet racking inspections, you can:
- Keep your staff and visitors safe
- Reduce the risk of racking collapse
- Catch potential problems before they become major issues
- Stay up to date with UK health and safety regulations
- Get more life out of your storage system
Regular inspections are essential to keeping your warehouse safe, compliant and efficient.
NSI Projects’ 5 Golden Rules for Safer Pallet Racking
So here are our top 5 tips for making sure your pallet racking is safe, compliant and up to the job:
1. Don’t Overload The Racking
One of the biggest risks with pallet racking is overloading it which can cause it to collapse under the weight. So always:
- Follow the load capacity on limits on the racking
- Spread loads evenly across each bay
- Never overload beams or shelves
- Make sure your staff know how to load safely
And remember: ignoring load limits is a recipe for disaster.
2. Report Damage Immediately
Even small signs of damage can turn into major safety risks if left unchecked. So make sure staff are trained to report:
- Bent uprights
- Damaged beams
- Loose fixings
- Missing safety clips
- Forklift impact damage
Reporting problems early allows repairs to be made before they become a bigger issue.
3. Do A Weekly Visual Inspection
Your warehouse staff should be carrying out a weekly visual check to make sure everything is still in good working condition and to identify potential hazards in the workplace. When they do their check, they should be looking for:
- Bent or damaged components
- Leaning or misaligned frames
- Missing beam locks
- Damaged floor fixings
- Signs of overloading
Keep a record of each inspection so you can track any problems that may arise.
4. Arrange an Annual Rack Inspection
While a weekly visual check is a good idea, it’s no substitute for a proper professional inspection. An annual inspection by a qualified rack inspector will:
- Make sure your pallet racking is compliant with current UK health and safety legislation
- Identify hidden damage, structural weaknesses and potential safety issues before they become major problems
- Qualified inspectors use a traffic light system for risk assessment
- Give you peace of mind that your warehouse is running safely and efficiently
To arrange a pallet racking inspection service from a SEMA Approved rack inspector (SARI) – visit our contact us page to get in touch or call us on 0800 027 1966 today.
5. Ask NSI Projects For Help If You’re Unsure
If you’re ever unsure about the condition of your pallet racking, don’t take any risks. Get in touch with NSI Projects if you spot:
- Damage caused by forklift impacts
- Leaning or unstable racking
- Missing or damaged components
- Changes to your warehouse layout
- Any concerns about safety or compliance
Our experienced inspectors will give you the lowdown on your racking, recommend any repairs and help keep your warehouse running safely.
Keep Your Warehouse Safe and Running Smoothly
Regular inspections are one of the simplest ways to keep your employees, your stock and your business safe and secure. By following our 5 golden rules, you’ll be:
- Improving warehouse safety
- Reducing the risk of accidents
- Meeting your legal responsibilities
- Protecting your investment in pallet racking
- Giving your staff greater confidence in the workplace
Need advice or want to book a professional pallet racking inspection?
Get in touch with NSI Projects today to book an expert racking inspection or chat with one of our specialists.
