Racking Inspections

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...

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...

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...

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...