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Everything You Need to Know When Preparing for a Warehouse Racking Inspection

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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...
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PUWER and Racking Safety: What Every Warehouse Manager in Yorkshire Should Know

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Warehouse safety isn’t just about preventing accidents it’s about staying compliant with UK regulations that protect both employees and businesses. One of the key regulations that applies to all storage equipment, including pallet racking, is PUWER  the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 . If you operate a warehouse in Yorkshire , understanding how PUWER affects your pallet racking system is essential to maintaining a safe, compliant, and efficient workspace. What Is PUWER? PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) is a set of UK health and safety rules enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) . The regulations apply to any equipment used at work  from forklifts and conveyors to pallet racking systems , shelving, and mezzanine structures. In simple terms, PUWER requires that all equipment used in the workplace must be: Safe to use Properly maintained Used by trained personnel Regularly inspected by a competent person This...
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Why Regular Pallet Racking Inspections Are Essential for Yorkshire Warehouses

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In busy warehouses across Yorkshire , pallet racking systems play a crucial role in keeping operations organised, efficient, and safe. However, these structures often face daily wear and tear from forklifts, heavy loads, and constant activity all of which can cause hidden damage over time. That’s why regular pallet racking inspections are essential for every warehouse in the region, whether you’re based in Leeds, Sheffield, Hull, or York . 1. Protecting Your Workforce Employee safety should always be the top priority in any warehouse. Damaged or overloaded racking can easily collapse, leading to serious injuries or worse. Regular inspections help you identify early signs of damage such as bent uprights, missing safety pins, or weakened beams before they become dangerous. Tip: Under HSE guidance (HSG76), warehouse owners must ensure that racking systems are properly maintained and safe for daily use. 2. Meeting UK Safety Regulations While pallet racking inspections are not exp...
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Location: United Kingdom
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How the Right Racking System Can Boost Warehouse Efficiency

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In a busy warehouse, every second counts  from how quickly pallets are accessed to how safely goods are stored. One of the most effective (and often overlooked) ways to improve operational performance is by installing the right racking system . Whether you're running a small distribution centre or a large logistics hub, the layout and structure of your storage directly affect productivity, safety, and cost efficiency . In this post, we’ll explore how the right racking system can transform your warehouse operations, increase capacity, and support long-term growth. 1. Maximising Space Utilisation Every square metre in a warehouse has a cost — especially in the UK where storage space is at a premium. A well-designed racking system uses vertical space efficiently, freeing up valuable floor area for equipment movement and workflows. Selective racking allows for easy access to every pallet, ideal for warehouses with a wide range of SKUs. Push-back or drive-in racking increase...
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SEMA Approved Racking Inspector Checklist: Ensure Your Racking Meets UK Standards

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Pallet racking systems are the backbone of any warehouse, but even the strongest structures can become unsafe without regular inspections and maintenance. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that all racking undergo an annual expert inspection by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) . To help you stay compliant and prepare for professional inspections, we’ve put together a comprehensive SEMA inspection checklist . This will give your team a clear understanding of what inspectors look for and ensure your racking meets SEMA and HSE UK safety standards . 1. Uprights and Frames A key focus during inspections is the condition and stability of uprights and frames. SARIs check for: Bent, twisted, or damaged uprights Signs of impact damage from forklifts or pallet trucks Loose or missing base plates and fixings Corrosion or rust that may weaken the structure Proper installation and alignment of all frames Even minor damage can significantly reduce load capaci...
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Key Differences Between Visual and Expert Racking Inspections

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Warehouse safety is critical for businesses that rely on pallet racking systems. One of the most important ways to maintain safety is through regular racking inspections . However, not all inspections are created equal. There are two main types: visual inspections and expert inspections . Understanding the differences between them can help you protect your warehouse, staff, and inventory. 1. What Is a Visual Racking Inspection? A visual inspection is a basic check of the racking system. It is often conducted by warehouse staff or managers and usually involves: Looking for obvious damage to beams, uprights, and braces Checking for loose bolts or connectors Identifying leaning racks or signs of impact from forklifts Ensuring weight limits are followed Visual inspections are quick, low-cost, and helpful for spotting immediate safety hazards , but they have limitations. Limitations of Visual Inspections: May miss internal or structural damage Cannot identify subtl...
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Who is qualified to carry out racking inspections? Roles, training, certifications

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Ensuring the safety of warehouse racking systems is not just best practice, it’s a legal requirement under UK health and safety regulations. Poorly maintained or damaged racking can lead to serious accidents, stock damage, and costly downtime. That’s why regular inspections are essential. But the big question is: who is actually qualified to carry out these inspections? Let’s break it down. 1. Daily and Weekly Checks - Carried Out by Warehouse Staff While not a replacement for formal inspections, warehouse staff are the first line of defence. Trained employees should perform visual checks as part of their daily or weekly routine. They can quickly identify: Bent or damaged uprights Missing safety pins or locking devices Overloaded beams Signs of rust or corrosion These in-house checks should be logged and reported, but they are not considered formal inspections . 2. The Role of a PRRS (Person Responsible for Racking Safety) Under HSE guidelines, every workplace using pallet rac...
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