Racking is essential in a warehouse as it allows businesses to store more items and ensure there is a place for everything.
However, it can be dangerous if not looked after properly.
Poorly maintained and installed racking can mean items can fall, causing damage to property and harm to workers. This can be especially dangerous if racking is installed at height.
Inspecting your warehouse racking gives you the opportunity to identify any issues before they become significant problems. In this article, we’ll look at why warehouse racking inspection is so important, as well as how to make sure your inspections are effective.
Find out more about health and safety requirements when working in a warehouse
Is warehouse racking inspection a legal requirement?
Warehouse racking inspections aren’t required by law. However, it’s vital to ensure that racking is safe to use and poses no risk to employees, suppliers, and visitors.
Health and Safety legislation like the Health and Safety at Work Act places a legal duty on employers to keep people safe. If someone is injured, then the employee could be held liable.
Inspecting your warehouse racking on a regular basis is the best way to keep everyone safe and protect your business.
What other benefits can regular racking inspections have for your business?
What can cause damage to warehouse racking?
There are several factors that can lead to racking being damaged in a warehouse environment. Racking in the following circumstances is at the most risk of damage:
- Racking in high-traffic areas
- Racking that has already been damaged
- Racking in cold and temperature-controlled areas
- Racking that is exposed to water and rain
Any damage to racking can reduce its load-carrying capacity, meaning a higher risk of it failing.
How often should warehouse racking be inspected?
The HSE recommends that a visual inspection of racking should be carried out at regular intervals. These ‘regular intervals’ should be determined by risk assessment, looking at factors including the size of the warehouse, equipment used, and how often items are accessed.
If risk assessments aren’t possible, weekly checks are recommended.
It’s also recommended that a racking inspection takes place after damage is caused. For example, if a forklift collides with racking.
A more thorough or ‘expert’ inspection should be carried out at least every 12 months.
Who is a PRRS?
A PRRS is a ‘person responsible for racking safety.’ This is someone within the business who ensures that the racking system in a warehouse is safe and compliant.
The HSE recommends that you nominate a member of staff to act as your PRRS. This can be someone in your health and safety team or someone with good knowledge of racking and shelving.
Who should carry out a racking inspection?
Visual inspections should be carried out by your PRRS, or someone they trust to carry out inspections to a high standard. These can be carried out at ground level, unless there is a serious issue that the PRRS wants to check in more detail.
The thorough inspections should be carried out by a ‘technically competent’ person. This is someone with the skills and experience to understand the risks of poorly maintained and installed racking.
The HSE recommends that this person is SEMA-approved; however this isn’t a mandatory requirement.
The technically competent person can be someone from within your business or a third-party inspector.
What should be looked at in a visual inspection?
When carrying out a visual inspection, the PRRS should look out for the following:
If damage to racking is identified, the HSE recommends giving racking a ‘green,’ ‘amber’, or ‘red’ rating.
- Green. The racking is still serviceable, but keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t get worse
- Amber. The racking should be offloaded as soon as possible, and repair work organised. If repair work hasn’t been carried out in four weeks, the racking is upgraded to a red rating
- Red. The racking should be offloaded and repaired/replaced immediately
Should records be taken?
Yes, there should be written records (for example, a logbook) detailing when checks have been carried out and what actions have been taken.
If there is an accident or insurance claim, these records can show the steps you have taken to keep your warehouse safe.
When a thorough inspection takes place, the technically competent person will compile a report detailing what actions should be taken. This will be sent to the PRRS.
Should everyone in the warehouse be involved in racking inspections?
Yes. We all have a part to play in keeping the warehouse safe. It’s essential to encourage all staff to report any issues they spot to the PRRS. The PRRS can then act to ensure that any problems are resolved quickly and safely.
All employees should receive training on how to use racking safely, and what to look out for.
Increase the safety of your warehouse with high-quality racking
Health and safety are of paramount importance in a warehouse environment. Choosing safe, sturdy racking that fits the needs of your warehouse will not only help optimise your processes, but make your warehouse a safe place to work.
Racking + Shelving Limited supply and install a range of custom-designed storage solutions across the UK, including pallet racking and cantilever racking. Our team of experts will work with you to ensure your warehouse stays safe and compliant from the very beginning.
Contact us today
to find out more and to book your no-obligation consultation.
