The need for Pallet Racking Inspections.
Pallet Racking is classed as 'Work Equipment' under PUWER regulations and therefore requires regular inspections. Our Rack Inspection Training course allows you to comply with your statutory requirements to conduct weekly racking inspections.
HSG76 & SEMA guidelines
HSG76 is the HSE guide to Warehousing & Storage and clearly sets out the need for and type of racking inspections required in a warehouse. HSG76 & the SEMA guidelines (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association) stipulate that you appoint a PRRS (Person responsible for rack safety) to be responsible for rack safety. It is their responsibility to ensure the racking is installed, used, inspected & maintained in accordance with the appropriate regulations & guidelines. You must ensure that personnel are trained & competent in the use of materials handling equipment and also the storage capabilities of the racking to enable safe use of the warehouse. This should include recognition of pallet types, checks on suitability, the correct method of loading and unloading racking, & recognition of defects or damage that could affect safety. Staff should also be aware of follow up action necessary to make affected locations safe and instigate a repair process to rectify the identified issues.
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Appoint a competent person to be responsible for rack safety now known as a PRRS
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A PRRS (Person responsible for rack safety) is responsible for ensuring the racking is used, inspected & maintained in accordance with the appropriate regulations & guidelines.
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Personnel should be trained and competent:
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In the use of materials handling equipment
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In the storage capabilities of the racking to enable safe use of the warehouse.
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To include recognition of pallet types & checks on suitability,
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The correct method of loading and unloading racking
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Recognition of defects or damage that could affect safety.
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Remedial actions to make affected locations safe.
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There are two tiers of Racking Inspection
What is the requirement for weekly racking inspections?
Weekly inspections take the form of a documented visual inspection from ground level to identify damage. The recommended frequency is weekly or as determined by your risk assessment. This inspection should be supported by a system to ensure damaged storage racks are offloaded according to risk category and remedial actions or repairs are carried out by competent persons. You must also implement system for reporting damage as and when it happens. Our training courses address this need and equip you staff to meet the requirements to fulfil weekly inspections along with sample documentaion.
What are the requirements for annual rack inspections?
Expert inspections should be carried out by a SEMA approved inspector or suitably qualified person. These inspections should be carried out as soon as possible following installation but within 3 months. Thereafter Expert inspections should be carried out at intervals not exceeding twelve months. Expert inspections are also required following any significant equipment changes. these inspections are in addition to your weekly inspections.
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Annual inspection by a SEMA approved Rack Inspector or suitably qualified person
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As soon as possible following installation or major changes to the system
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At intervals of not more than 12 months (ref HSG76 'Storage')
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These inspections to be in addition to your own weekly inspections.
