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How Often Should You Inspect Your Warehouse Racking? Understanding Racking Inspection Frequency

In a busy warehouse environment, racking systems play a vital role in storage and logistics — but they’re also one of the most overlooked when it comes to safety maintenance. Knowing how often your racking should be inspected isn’t just best practice; it’s a legal and financial necessity.

At A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd, we’re often asked: “How frequently should we inspect our pallet racking?” The answer? Regularly, with different levels of inspection carried out daily, weekly, monthly, and annually. Let’s break it down.

Why Racking Inspection Frequency Matters

Racking failures can lead to catastrophic consequences: collapsed storage systems, damaged stock, injured staff, downtime, and legal penalties. According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), employers must maintain work equipment in a safe condition, in line with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

HSG76, the official HSE guidance on warehouse safety, states that all racking systems should be inspected:

• Immediately after installation

• After any incident (e.g. impact or earthquake)

• At regular, planned intervals – including an expert inspection at least once a year

So, what does that look like in practice?

Racking Inspection Frequency Explained

Here’s the recommended inspection schedule, following SEMA’s tiered inspection system:

1. Daily: Visual Checks by Staff

• Performed by: Trained warehouse operatives

• What to do: Look for obvious damage – bent uprights, dislodged beams, missing safety locks or clips, signs of overloading

• Why it matters: Catching fresh damage early prevents hazards from being overlooked

• Tip: Integrate into daily shift routines or walkarounds

2. Weekly: Internal Racking Audits

• Performed by: Warehouse manager or Health & Safety officer

• What to do: Conduct a more thorough inspection with a standard checklist and record issues

• Why it matters: Helps track trends and recurring risks before they become serious

• Tip: Use a traffic light system to assess severity (Green, Amber, Red risk categories)

3. Monthly: Damage Reviews and Repairs

• Performed by: Operations or safety manager

• What to do: Review previous damage reports, confirm if repairs have been completed, and escalate unresolved issues

• Why it matters: Prevents unresolved damage from becoming a liability

• Tip: Log every repair with dates, technician name, and description of the fix

4. Annually: Expert Racking Inspection

• Performed by: A SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors (SARIs) like A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd

• What to do: A comprehensive, independent inspection following SEMA and HSE guidelines

• Why it matters: Legally required for compliance under HSG76 and PUWER; provides an official inspection report

• Tip: Schedule your annual inspection in advance and retain the report for at least 3 years

Additional Inspection Triggers

Besides scheduled inspections, you should also conduct racking checks:

• After a forklift impact or collision

• After modifications or reconfigurations

• Following severe weather or seismic activity

• If staff report unusual movement or instability

If you're ever unsure whether an inspection is needed, assume it is. Early action can prevent major problems down the line.

How A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd Can Help

We provide independent expert racking inspections by SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors across the UK. Our inspection services include:

• Full visual and structural checks

• Traffic light risk reporting system

• Digital and hard-copy inspection reports

• Actionable repair guidance

• SEMA-compliant documentation

• Follow-up support and advice

By working with us, you’ll ensure compliance, improve warehouse safety, and reduce the risk of product loss or injury — all while extending the lifespan of your racking systems.

Final Thoughts: Create a Sustainable Inspection Routine

Racking safety isn’t a one-time task. It’s a continuous process that requires clear responsibilities, reliable scheduling, and expert insight.

With a consistent inspection routine — from daily checks to annual expert inspections, you’ll meet HSE requirements, support PUWER compliance, and maintain a safer, more efficient warehouse.

Ready to book your annual racking inspection?

Contact us today:

📞 Call us: 07947 886161 or 07917 664940
📧 Email: sales@a-zrackinspections.co.uk

A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd – We don’t just inspect. We protect.

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With over 25 years of experience, our SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors offer nationwide racking inspection and training.

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