Racking Inspections from Stakapal
Following the installation of a Stakapal racking system and as part of our racking services, we offer all of our customers the option to book an inspection as part of our ongoing customer care. All storage equipment inspections are undertaken by one of our five fully-trained in-house SARIs (SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors). Racking inspections are important for several reasons, especially in industrial warehouse and yard environments.
The HSE’s current document HSG76 Health and safety guidance (Warehousing and storage) recommends that expert inspections be undertaken as below:
- 646 A technically competent person should carry out inspections at intervals of not more than 12 months. A written report should be submitted to your PRRS (Person Responsible for Racking Safety) with observations and proposals for any required action.
- 647 A technically competent person might be a trained specialist within the organisation, a specialist from your racking supplier or an independent qualified rack inspector.
Every customer will receive a full inspection report that is completed to SEMA damage codes.
Take Damaged Racking SERIOUSLY
There is a fine line between what separates safe racking from dangerous.
Protect Your Employees | Protect Your Inventory | Protect Your Investment.
How often should I have a Racking Inspection?
Our SARIs meet the HSE’s requirements for a competent individual to perform annual racking inspections. Our team were fully trained by SEMA to inspect both Cantilever Racking and Pallet Racking. Our team utilises the SEMA traffic light reporting system, which categorises racking risks as Green Risk, Amber Risk or Red Risk.
SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association) develops and influences both National and European Codes of Practice and guidelines for the design, supply and installation of all types of Storage Equipment. Our trained inspectors have therefore gained a wealth of experience and are able to give customers expert advice when it comes to Racking Health & Safety.
Most insurers insist on an annual inspection by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector, and not doing so could invalidate insurance.
Still not sure they are necessary? Find more information about racking regulations UK here.
For more information about Stakapal’s Racking Inspections, contact us.
What type of Racking Inspection do I need?
We offer our customers two types of SARI inspection reports as shown in the table below:
| Report Content | Expert SARI Report | Premium SARI Report |
|---|---|---|
| Suitability of storage equipment | ||
| Suitability of operation | ||
| Correct pallets | ||
| Comment on housekeeping | ||
| Suitability of mechanical handling equipment | ||
| Load notices | ||
| Compatibility of storage equipment | ||
| Load stability | ||
| General safety | ||
| Report | ||
| Damage list | ||
| Material list | ||
| Proposal for corrective action | ||
| Rack configuration | ||
| Rack layout key | ||
| Location of damaged items | ||
| Fully detailed drawing showing all Red, Amber & Green risks |
Stakapal are full members of SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association), with our installation and inspection teams fully SARI (SEMA Approved Rack Inspector), and SEIRS (Storage Equipment Installers Registration Scheme) registered.
Need to check your inspector is qualified? Use the SEMA Validation Tool.
It is good practice to always check the details with SEMA directly to prevent being caught out.
Read some of our related posts
Cantilever Racking Inspections: Are they necessary?
It is usually an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) from the local council, or a Health and Safety Executive Inspector that demands that a company obtains a racking inspection of its cantilever racking by a ‘technically competent person’.
Do You Know YOUR Racking Inspection Responsibilities?
Official SEMA Racking Guidelines SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association) SEMA
Do you need an annual Racking Inspection?
Having supplied the Timber industry for over 55 years, Stakapal
Racking Installation FAQs
Installation involves assembling the frame, securing it to the floor, and adding beams and shelves, following the manufacturer’s instructions and safety standards.
Yes, by ensuring the installation has been put together by a trained and qualified SEIRs member, this will ensure compliance with safety standards and optimal performance, though some systems can be user-installed - which is at the discretion of the individual and is not something we personally advise.
Floors should be level, strong enough to support the load, and free of cracks. Concrete is the most common flooring used.
Installation time varies. A simple setup might take a few hours, while a large, complex system can take several days.
Permitting requirements vary by location. Check with local building authorities to determine if permits are needed.
Racking Inspections FAQs
Racking inspections ensure the structural integrity and safety of storage systems, preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Conduct regular inspections at least once a year, with more frequent checks if the racking is heavily used or if there are known issues.
Stakapal offers all its customers the opportunity to schedule an annual SEMA Racking inspection as part of our ongoing support services. These inspections are conducted by our own in-house SARI’s and to SEMA guidelines.
Inspections can be done by trained SARI (SEMA Approved Racking Inspector) whom are knowledgeable about racking systems and safety standards.
During a racking inspection, a SARI will look for damaged components, loose bolts, signs of overloading, proper alignment, and signs of wear or corrosion.
Unload the affected area immediately, mark it as out of service, and arrange for repairs or replacements. Do not use the damaged racking until it is properly repaired.