What Do SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors Actually Do?

 Warehouse racking systems carry thousands of kilograms of stock every day. But while businesses focus on productivity and logistics, structural safety is often overlooked — until something goes wrong.

This is where SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors play a critical role.

But what exactly do they do? And why are they so important for UK warehouses?

Let’s break it down.

Who Are SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors?

SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors (SARIs) are professionals accredited by Storage Equipment Manufacturers' Association (SEMA), the UK’s leading authority on storage equipment safety.

To become SEMA approved, inspectors must:

• Complete recognised SEMA training
• Pass technical examinations
• Demonstrate industry experience
• Work independently from racking manufacturers (for impartiality)

This ensures inspections are unbiased, compliant, and technically sound.

What Do SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors Actually Do?

1. Conduct Annual Expert Inspections

According to SEMA guidelines, warehouses should have:

Regular in-house visual checks

A designated PRRS (Person Responsible for Racking Safety)
An annual inspection by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector

During the annual inspection, the inspector:

• Examines the entire racking structure
• Checks uprights, beams, bracing, and baseplates
• Identifies impact damage
• Reviews installation quality
• Assesses load compliance

They assess whether the racking system meets SEMA and industry safety standards.

2. Identify Damage Using a Traffic Light System

SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors classify damage using a structured reporting system:

• Green Risk – Monitor only
• Amber Risk – Requires action soon
• Red Risk – Immediate unloading and repair required

This system removes guesswork and gives warehouse managers clear, actionable steps.

3. Check Load Notices and Safe Working Loads

Inspectors verify:

• Safe Working Load (SWL) signage
• Beam load limits
• Bay load capacities
• Configuration compliance

If racks have been modified or reconfigured without recalculating loads, inspectors will flag serious compliance risks.

4. Review Impact Damage from FLTs

Forklift truck (FLT) impacts are one of the biggest causes of rack failure.

Inspectors carefully check for:

• Bent uprights
• Twisted bracing
• Dislodged beams
• Damaged column protectors
• Floor anchor integrity

Even minor deformation can significantly reduce structural strength.

5. Ensure Legal Compliance

Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), employers must ensure work equipment is safe.

Racking systems fall under this responsibility.

SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors help businesses:

• Demonstrate due diligence
• Maintain compliance records
• Reduce liability
• Strengthen insurance position

Failure to maintain safe racking can lead to prosecution, fines, or serious injury claims.

6. Provide a Detailed Written Report

After the inspection, you receive a comprehensive report including:

• Identified damage levels
• Risk categorisation
• Photographic evidence
• Recommended corrective actions
• Repair or replacement guidance

This report becomes part of your warehouse safety documentation.

What They Do NOT Do

It’s important to understand that SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors:

• Do not carry out repairs (to maintain independence)
• Do not sell racking equipment
• Do not provide biased recommendations

Their role is purely inspection and compliance-based ensuring impartial safety assessments.

Why This Matters for Warehouse Owners

Without proper inspection:

• Minor damage becomes structural weakness
• Insurance claims may be rejected
• Compliance risks increase
• Worker safety is compromised
• Downtime becomes expensive

SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors help prevent catastrophic rack collapse which can cost far more than the inspection itself.

How Often Should You Use a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector?

SEMA recommends:

• Continuous in-house visual checks
• Weekly PRRS inspections
• Annual inspection by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector

High-traffic warehouses may require more frequent expert inspections.

Final Thoughts

SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors are not just “checking shelves.” They are safeguarding:

• Employees
• Inventory
• Legal compliance
• Business continuity

In short, they provide professional, independent verification that your warehouse racking system is safe, compliant, and structurally sound.

If you operate a warehouse in the UK, an annual inspection by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector isn’t just best practice it’s a critical part of responsible warehouse management.