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Warehouse Safety Audits: Where Racking Inspections Fit In

In any warehouse environment, safety isn’t just about following rules, it’s about protecting people, assets, and productivity. One key component of an effective warehouse safety audit is the racking inspection. While safety audits often focus on areas like fire safety, manual handling, and vehicle movement, racking systems are sometimes overlooked, despite being a critical part of your infrastructure and one of the biggest potential sources of risk.

At A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd, we help warehouses across the UK stay compliant with HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association) guidance by integrating professional racking inspections into wider warehouse safety strategies.

Why Warehouse Safety Audits Are Essential

A warehouse safety audit assesses how effectively your operations protect staff, visitors, and equipment from harm. These audits identify potential hazards, evaluate compliance with regulations, and ensure that all equipment, including racking systems, is fit for purpose.

Regular audits are not just best practice; they are essential under HSE guidance (HSG76 – Warehousing and Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety). Failure to identify and correct hazards can result in accidents, damaged goods, and enforcement action from the HSE.

Where Racking Inspections Fit In

Your racking system is a structural component that bears heavy loads and operates in high-traffic areas. Forklift collisions, overloading, and wear over time can all weaken the structure. That’s why racking inspections form a vital part of any warehouse safety audit.

According to HSE and SEMA guidance, there are three key inspection levels that should be integrated into your safety audit routine:

1. Daily Visual Checks (by Warehouse Staff)

Trained warehouse operatives should perform simple, quick visual checks to spot obvious damage such as damaged beams, uprights, missing safety locks, or twisted baseplates. These should be reported immediately to the Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS).

2. Regular Internal Inspections (by the PRRS)

Weekly or monthly in-house inspections should be logged and reviewed. The PRRS ensures damage is monitored, and necessary repairs or isolations are arranged before the next audit.

3. Annual Expert Inspections (by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector)

At least once every 12 months, a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) must carry out a formal, independent inspection. This detailed assessment follows the SEMA Traffic Light System (Red, Amber, Green), classifying damage severity and recommending corrective action.

By combining these three levels of inspection, warehouses can demonstrate compliance with PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) and maintain safe, functional storage systems.

How Racking Inspections Strengthen Your Safety Audit

Incorporating professional racking inspections into your audit provides several benefits:

• Improved Compliance: Demonstrates adherence to HSE and PUWER regulations.

• Reduced Risk of Accidents: Early detection prevents collapses and injuries.

• Enhanced Maintenance Planning: Helps schedule timely repairs and replacements.

• Stronger Insurance Claims: Documented inspections provide evidence of due diligence.

• Increased Operational Efficiency: Safe racking means less downtime and disruption.

A racking inspection is not an isolated process; it complements the broader warehouse safety audit, ensuring every structural element of your facility meets legal and operational standards.

Consequences of Overlooking Racking in Audits

Failing to include racking inspections in your safety audit can have serious repercussions:

• Damaged racking left unnoticed can lead to collapse or equipment failure.

• The HSE can issue enforcement notices or fines for non-compliance.

• Injuries caused by racking failures can result in prosecution or business closure.

• Insurance claims may be invalidated if inspections weren’t up to standard.

Partner with A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd

At A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd, we work with warehouse managers, health and safety officers, and logistics companies to deliver SEMA-approved racking inspections that form a vital part of your overall safety management plan.

Our inspections include:

• Comprehensive on-site assessments

• Detailed reports with traffic light risk grading

• Repair recommendations and compliance guidance

• Follow-up advice to maintain ongoing safety

Stay Compliant, Stay Safe

Your warehouse safety audit isn’t complete without a professional racking inspection. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to ensure compliance, prevent costly accidents, and protect your workforce

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

A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd – Keeping Your Warehouse Safe, Compliant, and Efficient.

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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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