Health and safety are crucial in any industrial workplace. Without routine inspection and maintenance, pallet racking can pose serious risks. Even the best-quality pallet racking needs regular checks to prevent small issues from escalating into accidents.
Durability is essential for storing heavy goods safely, and inspections can highlight problems like loose nuts and bolts, which affect structural stability. Minor forklift bumps can cause significant damage over time.
Regular inspections and proactive maintenance are vital. Professional installation by 2h Storage Solutions service ensures proper SEMA racking inspection and compliance with health and safety regulations, reducing accident risks and legal issues. Safe and fit-for-purpose racking is essential for any industry storing stock on shelves.
Is it a legal requirement?
Although it is not a legal requirement that you carry out SEMA inspections annually, employers and warehouse owners disregard HSE’s advice without an annual racking inspection, potentially facing legal and moral responsibility in case of accidents.
Failing to have a SEMA-approved inspector’s inspection could imply negligence in ensuring safety “so far as is reasonably practicable.” HSE, SEMA, and Storage Equipment Experts advocate for yearly SEMA-approved inspections to uphold safety standards.
Following HSE’s guidance is crucial, ensuring businesses prioritize safety with thorough racking inspections.
Who is SEMA?
The UK-based regulatory body SEMA, or the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association, is focused on the design, manufacture, and installation of pallet racking systems that are adjustable.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) standards recommend that workplaces procure racking from SEMA-approved inspectors or organizations adhering closely to their guidelines.
SEMA consistently updates and annually publishes its guidelines to ensure organizations stay informed about the latest best practices.
What are the risks of unsafe racking?
Various types of racking, like cantilevers, pallets, or shelving, pose uniform hazards if poorly installed, maintained, or overloaded. These hazards endanger workers and the public, risking injury or loss.
1. Collapse
Racking failures, such as collapse and load loss, often occur due to exceeding the Safe Working Load (SWL) or poor installation, including loose or absent fixings. Additionally, degradation from sagging shelves or corrosion of racking and fixings can lead to collapse over time.
Forklift collisions with warehouse racking can cause havoc, even with structurally sound racking. SEMA inspections identify risks and suggest measures to prevent contact with moving machinery.
Forklift impacts can cause damage, even if not leading to collapse. Any damage to load-bearing structures warrants inspection by a qualified individual.
2. Loss of load
Unsafe racking can result in items falling, leading to serious injuries or fatalities if struck by falling objects.
3. Domino Effect
A single rack overturning can trigger a chain reaction, causing adjacent racks to collapse, escalating damage and injuries.
4. Employee Falls
Employees may resort to climbing racking for convenience or lack of proper access, risking falls. Unsafe racking can collapse under a climber’s weight, leading to falls. SEMA inspections, alongside safety management, mitigate this risk, preventing workplace fatalities.
5. Inhibited Evacuation
Overstocked warehouses may have racking pushed beyond capacity, causing overhanging loads and obstructed pathways, hindering safe employee evacuation during emergencies.
Conclusion
Routine SEMA inspections are not legally mandated, but neglecting them disregards HSE guidance, risking accidents. Annual inspections are advocated to uphold safety standards.
