Pallet Racking Inspection (s) are carried out in accordance with SEMA guidelines. Also, the inspection will be carried out by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector.
Regular annual inspections should be carried out by a health and safety executive to ensure warehouse safety of storage equipment.
The pallet warehouse racking inspection is visual and is carried out at ground floor level by a SEMA approved racking inspector.
A risk analysis is completed prior to the inspections. This is to ensure a successful examination of the racking and storage systems can take place in a safe manner. Also, to ensure all pallet racking locations are accessible.
Racking Inspectors may ask to see copies of internal daily or weekly documentation of checks carried out by the PRRS (person responsible for racking safety). To ascertain suitable rack safety procedures are being maintained and the individual is technically competent. So, should the correct procedures not be in place, the inspector will advise the warehouse owner as to the correct course of action going forward.
You can find our free racking inspection checklist here
What happens During a Rack Inspection?
A full detailed report will be emailed off-site following the inspection. Should any serious damage, potential hazards, or even a structural / loading issue be identified. The inspector will notify the PRRS immediately and issue a ‘Red risk notification sheet’.
This will be released during or immediately following the pallet racking inspection.
Other ‘Amber, Green or less serious observations’ will be included within the full report.
The report will include the following:
A detailed analysis / examination of the equipment and pallet racking
Manufacturer / specification / dimensions
History / supplier / installation
Damage location sheet / drawing
Recommendations / damage prevention
Photos of typical findings
Damage criteria / inspections / awareness
Useful contacts / documents
Guidence on Pallet Racking Inspection Damage Categories
Classification of damage categories are as follows;
RED RISK
A very high level of risk, if the damage is more than twice the SEMA limit, for instance.
As a result, immediate off load and isolation is required.
AMBER RISK
This is a lower level of risk, that doesn’t require immediate off load. However, it is still greater than the SEMA limit.
The location must be offloaded within a 4 week period. Also, no additional load is to be placed following removal. At least not until remedial works have been completed.
If the location is not repaired within the 4 week period, the Amber risk location is automatically upgraded to Red risk.
GREEN RISK
A location with damage present. However, it falls below / within SEMA guidelines.
As a result, damage is recorded and continuously monitored for future inspections.
OTHER
Finally, the inspector may also include this category for an observation of no great risk / damage. For example, a component that has not been installed to the manufacturers specification / guidelines.
If a safety problem or damage is observed by any employee, it should immediately be reported to the PRRS. Also, it is your legal obligation to have systems in place for reporting damage and defects
