Racking Inspections
A racking inspection is exactly as it sounds, an adequately trained inspector should regularly check all racking within your warehouse for any sign of damage, stress or defect, no matter how small and inconsequential it may seem. It is a vital part of the process of ensuring safe working conditions and even if you are fully confident in the structural integrity of your racking, slight knocks, overloading and general wear and tear can compromise the safety of your facility. Many of these flaws can be easily overlooked during busy, day-to-day operation, so taking the time to properly inspect for potentially hazardous areas is vital.
According to the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), employers hold responsibility for ensuring safe working conditions for all employees, and will be held liable should they demonstrate a failure to do so.
For warehouse facilities, regular racking inspections are mandatory under PUWER, as even the slightest incident can affect the structural integrity of your racking. Inspections must be undertaken on a ‘regular’ basis by a competent person and these rather vague guidelines essentially mean that warehouse operators must decide for themselves how often they require an inspection. Smaller, low-traffic facilities may only require a routine annual survey performed by a qualified inspector; others will be best suited to a formal inspection every six months. Particularly fast moving or busy warehouses will need a weekly, or possibly daily, inspection by suitably trained individuals. Over time, you should see patterns develop that should help you to decide how often inspections should be performed in your particular case.
If you fail to schedule and perform regular inspections you are leaving yourself open to massive risk. Not only are you risking financial troubles such as severe loss of stock, loss of productivity and legal expenses, you are also risking the health of your employees. Any injuries or health issues caused by neglecting to ensure safely installed and maintained racking will be regarded as a fault on the part of the company, and you will be held liable.
When it comes to racking inspections, Acorn Warehouse Solutions provide the highest standard available, our inspections are carried out in accordance with SEMA Codes of Practice with identification of Red Risk, Orange Risk and Green Risk. Qualified inspectors ensure they remain current and up-to-date by accumulating additional points on an on-going, yearly basis.
We are also fully capable of performing any required repairs and corrections, cutting down on disruption by handling the whole process together.