Safe Use and Careful Maintenance of Warehouse Racking Systems
Warehouse racking systems are an extremely space-efficient form of storage, capable of holding tonnes of goods within a minimal footprint. However, the combination of vertically stacked heavy loads and the fast-moving workplace transport (commonly forklifts) around these stacks presents significant risks. Minimizing these risks involves focusing on three key areas: Ensuring racking is built, loaded, and, if necessary, modified in line with manufacturers’ guidelines Encouraging safe behavior among employees loading and unloading or working around racking Monitoring any damage to racking frames and ensuring repairs don’t compromise their strength Shelf Life Racking systems should be installed by competent assemblers in line with the codes published by the Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA) ( www.sema.org.uk ). Manufacturers are required to provide safe loading data for all racking systems. For new installations, SEMA members will supply load data notices to be displaye