In the United Kingdom, the safety regulations for pallet racks are set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA). These regulations cover the design, installation, and maintenance of pallet racking systems.
Racking Safety Checklist
Design and installation:
– Racks must be designed and installed to support the weight of the materials that will be stored on them.
– Racks must be anchored securely to the floor to prevent them from tipping over.
– Racks must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines.
– Racks should be labeled with the maximum load capacity.
Inspection and maintenance:
– Racks must be regularly inspected for signs of damage or wear.
– Damaged parts must be repaired or replaced immediately.
– Racks should be cleaned regularly to remove dust, debris, and other contaminants.
Loading and unloading:
– Racks must be loaded and unloaded safely.
_ Materials should be stacked in a stable and secure manner.
– Overloaded racks or unstable loads should be avoided.
Training:
– All workers who will be handling materials on the racks should be trained in proper loading and unloading techniques.
– Workers should be trained in proper inspection and maintenance procedures.
– Workers should be trained to recognize and avoid potential hazards.
Emergency procedures:
– An emergency plan should be in place in case of an accident or incident.
– Workers should be trained in emergency procedures and evacuation procedures.
Record Keeping:
– Keep records of regular inspections, maintenance and repairs.
– Keep records of any incidents or near-misses that occur.
– Use these records to demonstrate compliance with safety regulations
It’s important to comply with these safety requirements in order to ensure the safety of workers and to prevent accidents and damage to the facility. It’s also important to keep in mind that regulations may vary depending on the location or the specific requirements of the facility, so it’s important to check the regulations that apply to the specific case.
Having regular racking inspections is a no brainer!
By conducting regular pallet racking safety inspections, companies can reap several benefits:
- Improve safety – These inspections can identify and address hazards and risks such as damaged or worn parts, overloaded racks, or improperly loaded materials, preventing accidents and injuries to workers, and protecting the facility and its contents.
- Ensure compliance with regulations – Regular inspections can confirm that the racking system is in compliance with UK safety regulations set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA), avoiding fines and penalties for non-compliance.
- Enhance efficiency – Properly maintained and inspected racks can improve the efficiency of the warehouse or facility by ensuring that materials are stored and accessed safely and easily.
- Save costs – Regular inspections can detect potential problems early on, reducing costs for repairs, replacements, or accidents.
- Improve Business Image – Demonstrating compliance with safety regulations can enhance the company’s reputation and relationships with employees, customers, and regulators.
- Obtain better insurance terms – Insurance companies often require regular safety inspections, and if an accident happens, the inspections can serve as evidence that the company did everything possible to prevent it.
It’s crucial to keep records of all safety inspections, maintenance, and repairs, to demonstrate compliance with safety regulations and to have a reference for future inspections.
How often should pallet racking be inspected
Pallet racking should be inspected regularly (at least once a year) to ensure that it is safe and in good condition. The frequency of inspections will depend on the type of operation and the equipment used, as well as the regulatory requirements.
According to the Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA), pallet racking systems should be inspected at least once a year by a qualified inspector, or more frequently if the system is subject to heavy use or there is any indication of damage or wear. In addition, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that a safety inspection of the whole warehouse should be carried out at least once a year, and more frequently if there are specific risks or hazards present.
It is important to note that safety inspections should be seen as a continuous process, and not a one-time event. Regular inspections, preventative maintenance and good housekeeping can help identify potential hazards early and prevent accidents from occurring. In case of incidents, near-misses, or complaints, it is important to carry out an immediate inspection to identify and rectify any problems as soon as possible.
High rate of accidents and injuries compared to other industries – this needs to change
The warehousing and storage industry has a high rate of accidents and injuries compared to other industries. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that in 2018/2019, the sector had a rate of 4.4 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, higher than the overall rate of 2.8 per 100,000 workers for all industries. Common causes of accidents in warehouses include slips, trips and falls, being struck by falling objects, manual handling injuries, vehicle-related incidents and injuries caused by defective or poorly maintained equipment such as pallet racking or conveyor systems. It’s important to implement safety measures and regular inspections to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with regulations, as the actual number of incidents may be higher due to underreporting.
Contact us today
You can trust 2h Storage Solutions Ltd for all your pallet racking needs. With over 30 years of experience, we provide supply and installation solutions throughout Yorkshire and the North East. Our equipment and expertise will solve any storage problems you may have. Our products, including office storage, shelving, racks, and more, meet the highest standards. Contact our design team today at 01937 585057 to schedule a free site survey and consultation or book a racking inspection.