Racking Inspections

The West Midlands has been considered the pulsing heart of logistics and manufacturing sector of the United Kingdom. Being home to major transport links, bustling industrial estates, large distribution hubs in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, and Dudley, all of which rely on pallet racking systems each and every day. As warehouses get busier and pressure on the supply chain intensifies, however, racking safety is more paramount than ever. Rising Demand on Warehousing in the West Midlands The last few years have witnessed a spur in the e-commerce, manufacturing, and logistics growth. The centrality of the West Midlands, together with road, rail and air transport links has created a top location as a storage and distribution centre. This has led to: Higher storage density – racking systems are pushed to capacity. Increased forklift traffic – more opportunities for accidental damage. Greater staff numbers – more people exposed to potential risks. The greater the pre...

Whether you run a busy distribution centre in Birmingham, a manufacturing hub in Wolverhampton, or a smaller warehouse elsewhere in the UK, racking safety audits are essential for compliance, efficiency, and the wellbeing of your staff.  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires that racking is maintained under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and inspected at least annually by a “technically competent person” —typically a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) . A racking safety audit doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, you can make the process smooth, efficient, and beneficial for your operations. Why Racking Safety Audits Matter Legal compliance – demonstrate adherence to PUWER and HSG76 guidelines. Risk reduction – identify and address racking damage before it causes accidents. Cost savings – avoid downtime, emergency repairs, and potential fines. Staff confidence – reassure your workforce that the...

In a warehouse, safety is not just about following rules, it’s about creating a reliable system for tracking and maintaining the health of your storage infrastructure. One of the simplest yet most effective tools for doing this is a racking inspection logbook . Whether your warehouse is large or small, a logbook can make a big difference in keeping your racking inspections organised, compliant, and effective. What Is a Racking Inspection Logbook? A racking inspection logbook is a central record where all inspection findings, repairs, and safety actions are documented. It can be a physical folder, a spreadsheet, or even a digital inspection management system. It typically includes: Dates of inspections (both in-house and professional) Details of damage or defects found Photos of damage (if available) Actions taken to repair or replace damaged components Inspector names and qualifications Why It’s Important 1. Ensures Legal Compliance In the UK, the HSE recommends ...

 A warehouse racking system is the backbone of your storage operation but only if it’s safe, stable, and well-maintained. Racking inspections are essential for identifying hidden damage, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and preventing costly accidents. If you’ve booked a professional inspection, a little preparation can make the process faster, smoother, and more effective. Here’s how to get your warehouse inspection-ready. 1. Clear and Organise the Area Before the inspection, remove unnecessary clutter from aisles and around racking systems. This not only improves safety but also allows the inspector to easily access every part of the structure. 2. Check for Visible Damage Do a quick visual check for bent uprights, twisted bracing, missing beam locks, or loose base plates. Addressing obvious issues early can help reduce the number of reportable defects. 3. Verify Load Notices Make sure your racking load capacity signs are visible, legible, and match the actual ...

When it comes to warehouse safety, racking inspections are one of the most critical tasks you can’t afford to ignore. A damaged or unstable racking system doesn’t just put your inventory at risk — it can endanger the lives of your team and disrupt operations. Whether you perform in-house visual checks or hire a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector, here are the 10 essential safety checks every inspection should include. 1. Upright Frame Condition Inspect upright frames for dents, bends, rust, or any sign of impact damage. Even minor damage can weaken the rack’s load-bearing capacity. 2. Beam Deflection and Damage Check beams for bends, cracks, or noticeable sagging when loaded. Excessive deflection is a sign the beams may be overloaded or structurally compromised. 3. Missing or Damaged Beam Locks Beam locks or safety clips prevent accidental dislodging. Make sure they are in place, undamaged, and securely fitted. 4. Base Plate and Floor Fixings Ensure base plates are correctly an...

In a busy warehouse, safety is everyone’s responsibility — and that includes the racking system. While most businesses rely on annual expert inspections, many overlook the importance of day-to-day racking checks by their own team. That’s where racking inspection training becomes essential. In this blog, we’ll explore why every warehouse team should be trained in basic racking inspections, what the training involves, and how it helps prevent costly and dangerous accidents. 1. Racking Damage Happens More Often Than You Think Forklifts bump into uprights. Loads are misplaced. Beam locks go missing. These incidents are common — but if not identified and addressed early, they can lead to catastrophic racking collapses. Fact: Most racking failures happen due to unnoticed or unreported damage. With proper training, warehouse staff can perform regular visual checks and spot early warning signs before they turn into major risks. 2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance In the UK, regulatio...