Racking Inspections

 Warehouse safety is a priority for every UK business that stores, moves, or handles palletised goods. One of the best ways to reduce risks and maintain compliance is to have your racking inspected by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI)  the highest level of racking inspection competence in the UK. A SEMA inspector brings technical expertise, independence, and a deep understanding of how racking systems behave under daily warehouse operations. Here are the top benefits of hiring a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector and why so many UK warehouses rely on them. 1. Full Compliance With HSE’s HSG76 Guidance The UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requires racking to be inspected by a “technically competent person.” A SEMA Approved Inspector meets — and often exceeds — this requirement. By hiring a SARI, warehouse owners can demonstrate: Proper duty of care Compliance with the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations Safe storage and handling of mater...

Warehouse operations depend on safe, reliable pallet racking systems. Even minor damage can quickly escalate into major safety risks, expensive repairs, and legal consequences. That’s why HSE (HSG76) and SEMA strongly recommend at least one expert racking inspection every 12 months . Annual racking inspections are not just a “best practice” they are a critical requirement for maintaining safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. 1. Required by HSE & SEMA Guidelines The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) clearly states that racking must be inspected: ✔ Regularly by staff ✔ Periodically by a technically competent person Under HSG76 , a technically competent person typically means a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) or an independent specialist with formal qualifications. Annual inspections help you: Meet HSE legal expectations Demonstrate compliance during audits Avoid penalties or enforcement actions Maintain a safe working environment Skipp...

 Pallet racking plays a crucial role in warehouse operations. It holds heavy loads, supports daily picking activities, and keeps inventory organised. But with constant forklift movement, frequent pallet handling, and high storage demands, racking systems face wear and tear that is often unseen. This is why every warehouse needs a certified pallet racking inspector   not as an option, but as a necessity. In this blog, we explain why certified inspectors are essential and how they help warehouses maintain safety, compliance, and efficiency. 1. To Ensure Warehouse Safety Damaged or weakened racking can lead to: Rack collapse Injuries or fatalities Product loss Temporary shutdowns A certified inspector is trained to spot issues that warehouse staff might overlook, such as: Bent uprights Missing beam locks Misaligned frames Overloading Floor fixing issues Regular inspections reduce the risk of accidents and keep your warehouse safe. 2. They Ide...

Warehouse safety is more critical than ever, especially as operations grow more complex and fast-paced. One of the most effective ways to improve workplace safety is by ensuring your team understands how to identify, report, and manage rack damage. While standard training courses offer general knowledge, bespoke online rack safety training provides a more personalised, relevant, and impactful learning experience for your warehouse staff. Below are the top benefits of choosing a tailored online rack safety course for your team. 1. Training Tailored to Your Actual Warehouse Setup No two warehouses are the same from layout and equipment to racking types and traffic flow. Bespoke online rack safety training is customised to your facility. Trainers review your racking systems, common issues, and operational challenges and then adapt the session so it matches your environment. This means your team learns safety practices that are directly applicable and practical to their daily work. ...

Warehouse safety is evolving rapidly as technology, automation, and smarter design reshape how storage systems are built, used, and maintained. Traditional pallet racking will always remain essential for warehouse operations, but the future of racking safety lies in adopting modern innovations that prevent accidents, reduce manual risk, and improve long-term efficiency. As businesses store more products at higher volumes and greater heights, investing in advanced safety solutions is no longer optional, it’s a necessity. Smart Racking and IoT Monitoring One of the biggest breakthroughs in warehouse safety is the rise of smart racking systems equipped with sensors. These IoT devices can monitor rack load levels, detect vibration, track temperature changes, and even identify early signs of structural stress. Instead of waiting for an annual inspection to uncover hidden dangers, warehouse managers receive real-time alerts when something goes wrong. This technology makes it possible to t...

For warehouse operators, an inspection of your racking system isn’t just a formality, it’s a critical safety checkpoint. A single failure in the pallet racking can disrupt operations, put staff at risk, and lead to costly downtime. Why It’s Important Racking systems hold thousands of kilograms of goods above workers’ heads. Without proper preparation and inspection, issues like damaged frames, misaligned beams or overloaded loads can develop unnoticed. These issues may result in collapse or injury. How to Prepare Effectively Prior to the inspection: Document your system : Know your racking types, ages and any modifications made. Take inventory of damages : Identify visible damage, missing guard rails or warped beams. Review loading protocols : Ensure staff are aware of load limits, correct stacking and pallet conditions. Clear obstructed access : Inspectors must reach all aisles and see all structural parts of the racking. Engage your team : Communicate the upcoming...