Pallet Racking Safety Requirements

Pallet racking safety requirements emphasize the need for prevention in the warehousing and storage industry, which experiences a higher rate of accidents and injuries compared to other sectors.  In 2023, prioritizing safety is imperative for creating a more secure work environment. Carrying out regular inspections not only ensures compliance but also brings a host of benefits to companies.

A qualified inspector should assess pallet racking systems at least annually, with increased frequency for heavily used or potentially damaged systems. View safety inspections as an ongoing process rather than a singular event. Consistent inspections, coupled with proactive maintenance and proper housekeeping, play a crucial role in early hazard detection and accident prevention.

The warehousing and storage industry is considered to have a relatively high rate of accidents and injuries compared to other industries. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in the period of 2018/2019, the warehousing and storage sector had a rate of non-fatal injuries to workers of 4.4 per 100,000 workers, which is higher than the overall rate for all industries of 2.8 per 100,000 workers.

Common causes of accidents in warehouses include:

• Slips, trips and falls, often due to uneven flooring or obstacles in walkways
• Being struck by falling objects, often due to poor stacking or overloading of materials
• Manual handling injuries, often due to lifting or moving heavy or bulky items
• Vehicle-related incidents, often due to poor training or inadequate supervision of forklift operators
• Injuries caused by defective or poorly maintained equipment, such as pallet racking or conveyor systems.

It’s important to keep in mind that these statistics are based on reported accidents and injuries, and the actual number of incidents may be higher due to underreporting. Therefore, it’s important to implement safety measures and regular inspections to prevent accidents and injuries, and to ensure compliance with regulations.

Pallet Racking Safety Regulations

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA) set safety regulations for pallet racks in the United Kingdom. These regulations encompass the design, installation, and maintenance of pallet racking systems.

Some crucial regulations are:

• Materials stored on racks must be within their weight-bearing capacity.
• Racks must be securely anchored to the floor to prevent tipping.
• Regular inspections for damage or wear are mandatory, and any damaged components must be promptly repaired or replaced.
• Safe loading and unloading procedures must be followed, with proper training for personnel involved.
• Racks should be clearly labeled with their maximum load capacity, and users should be informed of this.

Compliance with these regulations is vital to ensure worker safety and prevent accidents or damage to the facility. Maintaining records of routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs is also crucial to demonstrate regulatory compliance.

Benefits of Safety Inspections

Pallet racking safety inspections can provide a number of benefits, including:

Improved safety

Regular inspections can identify potential hazards and safety risks, such as damaged or worn parts, overloaded racks, or improperly loaded materials. This can help prevent accidents and injuries to workers, and protect the facility and its contents from damage.

Compliance with regulations

Regular inspections can ensure that the racking system is in compliance with UK safety regulations.  These are set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA).  Non-compliance can lead to fines and penalties.

Increased efficiency

Regular maintenance and thorough inspections of racks contribute to enhanced warehouse or facility efficiency. This guarantees secure and convenient storage and access to materials.

Cost savings

Regular inspections can identify potential problems before they become serious.  Therefore making savings on costs for repairs, replacements, or accidents.

Improved Business Image

Demonstrating compliance with safety regulations can improve the company’s reputation and relationships with employees, customers, and regulators.

Better Insurance Terms

Regular safety inspections are often required by insurance companies to provide better terms.  If an accident occurs, the inspections can serve as evidence that the company did everything possible to prevent it.

It’s important to keep records of all safety inspections, maintenance and repairs. This is to demonstrate compliance with safety regulations and to have a reference for future inspections.

To arrange a pallet racking inspection in your warehouse call us on 01937 585057 or use the form below:

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