Why Regular Racking Inspections Are Crucial for Warehouse Safety

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Racking systems are the backbone of any warehouse or storage facility. But while they’re designed to hold tons of materials, they’re not invincible. Daily wear and tear, forklift collisions, overloading, and poor installation can all compromise the safety and stability of your racking. That’s why regular racking inspections are not just good practice they’re essential.

In this post, we’ll explore why racking inspections matter, what they involve, and how often they should be carried out.

What is a Racking Inspection?

A racking inspection is a formal assessment of your warehouse storage systems to identify any damage, defects, or potential hazards. These inspections ensure that your racking complies with relevant safety standards such as SEMA guidelines in the UK and helps prevent accidents or costly structural failures.

Why Racking Inspections Matter

  1. Protect Employees
    Damaged racking can collapse without warning, posing a serious threat to warehouse staff. Regular inspections identify weaknesses before they become dangerous.

  2. Compliance with Legal Requirements
    In the UK, employers have a duty under PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) to ensure equipment is safe. Routine racking inspections help meet these legal obligations.

  3. Minimise Downtime and Costs
    Catching issues early means cheaper repairs and fewer disruptions. Unplanned downtime due to collapsed racking can cost thousands in repairs and lost productivity.

  4. Insurance and Liability Protection
    Insurers often require evidence of regular inspections. If an accident occurs, a lack of documentation can leave your company exposed to liability claims.

Types of Racking Inspections

  1. Daily/Weekly Visual Checks
    Conducted by trained warehouse staff to identify obvious damage or risks.

  2. Expert Racking Inspections (Annual or Biannual)
    Performed by a qualified SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI). This involves a detailed audit of structural integrity, load signage, and installation compliance.

Common Issues Found During Inspections

  • Bent or twisted uprights

  • Missing beam locking pins

  • Damaged or leaning frames

  • Incorrect or missing load signs

  • Unsafe modifications to the racking

  • Forklift impact damage

How Often Should You Inspect Your Racking?

  • Daily/Weekly: Visual inspections by your in-house team.

  • Annually: A formal inspection by a certified expert (required at least once per year in the UK).

  • After Incidents: Anytime there’s an impact or suspected damage from forklifts or falling loads.

Who Should Perform a Racking Inspection?

For formal inspections, always use a qualified racking inspector ideally a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI). They have the expertise to evaluate safety risks, provide detailed reports, and recommend remedial action.

If your team needs basic training, consider enrolling them in a rack inspection awareness course to help them perform routine visual checks.

Conclusion

Racking inspections aren’t just another box to tick they’re a vital part of your warehouse safety strategy. Whether you're managing a large distribution centre or a small storage unit, regular inspections protect your people, your products, and your bottom line.

Need a Professional Racking Inspection?
Seeracking Inspections offers certified racking inspections and training courses across the UK. Book your inspection today or learn more about our Rack Inspection Training Course.

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