Compliance in Action: Warehouse Racking
Overview
At ISO Compliance Register, we believe in the practical application of Standards and legislation to help your business.
In this article, we set out the requirements that are in place for Warehouse Racking; it’s an area that many small businesses miss but one that will cause significant issues if racking fails.
For instance, in 2023/24, there were 138 work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain, with the transportation and storage sector, which includes warehousing, being one of the significant contributors.
What legislation applies to Warehouse Racking?
In the United Kingdom, warehouse racking safety is governed by a combination of regulations and guidelines aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of storage systems.
Here’s an overview of the key legislative and regulatory frameworks:
| Legislation | Description |
| Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) | The cornerstone of health and safety legislation in the UK, the HSWA places a duty on employers to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of employees at work. This includes maintaining safe systems of work and ensuring that equipment, including racking systems, is safe to use. |
| Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) | These regulations require employers to conduct risk assessments and implement appropriate measures to mitigate identified risks. Regular inspections and maintenance of racking systems are essential components of these risk management strategies. |
| Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) | PUWER mandates that work equipment provided for use at work is suitable for its intended purpose, safe to use, and properly maintained. This includes warehouse racking systems, which must be inspected regularly to ensure they remain in safe working condition. |
| HSE Guidance Document HSG76 | The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides specific guidance on warehouse and storage safety through the HSG76 document. This guide outlines best practices for the safe use of racking systems, including regular inspections, proper load management, and staff training. |
| SEMA Codes of Practice | The Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) offers additional guidelines and codes of practice for the design, installation, and maintenance of racking systems. While not legally binding, following SEMA guidelines can help ensure compliance with broader health and safety regulations. |
Typical Compliance Tasks
The following are key Points for Compliance on warehouse racking:
- Risk Assessments: Perform comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with racking systems and implement measures to mitigate these risks. Get a SEMA Approved Inspector to complete the inspection if you don’t have a trained and competent person in-house.
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of racking systems to identify and address any damage or wear. Immediate inspections should follow any incidents that could compromise rack integrity. The regularity of your inspections will be identified in the initial risk assessment.
- Training: Ensure that employees are adequately trained in the safe use and inspection of racking systems.
- Documentation: Maintain detailed records of inspections, maintenance, and any corrective actions taken.
Why Are Racking Inspections Important?
| Safety First | Damaged or improperly maintained racks can lead to accidents, product damage, and disruptions in supply chains. Regular inspections help identify potential hazards and address them promptly, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safe working environment. |
| Operational Efficiency | Well-maintained racks enhance workflow efficiency, minimize storage costs, and prolong the life of the equipment. By ensuring that racks are in good condition, businesses can prevent downtime and maintain smooth operations. |
What is covered on a Racking Inspection?
| Area to Cover | What to Look For: |
| Overall Structural Integrity | Look for signs of damage such as bent components, rust, corrosion, or visible cracks. Pay special attention to uprights, beams, connectors, and bracing. |
| Weld Inspection | Examine welds for any signs of cracks or incomplete penetration. Welds are critical for maintaining rack stability. |
| Load Beams | Check for deflection (sagging) and ensure it is within acceptable limits as per the manufacturer's specifications. |
| Connectors and Bolts | Ensure connectors, bolts, and rivets are tight and properly aligned. |
| Uprights and Footplates | Verify that uprights are plumb (vertically aligned) and securely anchored to the floor. Check footplates for signs of movement or cracks. |
| Load Analysis and Load Distribution | Assess how loads are distributed across the rack's beams and uprights. Ensure even distribution to prevent overloading specific components. |
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