Imagine the impact on your business if your pallet racking system were to collapse during a busy shift. It could cause lasting injuries, stock loss, and significant downtime. Unfortunately, this scenario happens more often than you might think. Neglected racking systems can lead to serious safety hazards. However, regular inspections can prevent these risks.
In this blog, we will explain the legal requirements for pallet racking inspections set by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE). We will examine how these inspections are conducted and why they are crucial for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.
By following the right processes, you can protect your staff, ensure compliance, and avoid costly disruptions. We will also demonstrate how First Floors’ inspection services help you stay compliant and maintain a safe workplace.
Take control of your warehouse safety today by making regular inspections a priority.
Legal Requirements for Pallet Racking Inspections
Under UK law, pallet racking systems are considered workplace equipment. This means they must comply with strict safety regulations. Compliance is essential for ensuring safety and maintaining legal protection. Failing to adhere to these rules can result in severe penalties and significant risks for employees.
The main regulations governing pallet racking safety include:
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998: This regulation states that all work equipment, such as pallet racking, must be regularly checked and maintained for safety. These inspections ensure the equipment remains functional and secure.
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHASAWR 1999): Employers must assess risks to identify hazards associated with workplace equipment, such as racking systems. Regular inspection of racking is a key part of these assessments to ensure the safety of workers.
- HSG 76: This document, published by HSE, offers clear advice on how to design, install, maintain, and inspect racking systems. The steps ensure compliance with the relevant regulations. It also provides clear guidance on what to look for during an inspection and how to ensure safety standards are met.
If you don’t follow these rules, it could result in serious legal consequences. This can result in fines, penalties, or even the need to shut down your business.
5 Key Areas to Inspect During Pallet Racking Safety Checks
- Structural integrity: Check for cracks, rust, bends, and damage to the beams, uprights, and bracing. Damaged components can compromise the stability of the racking system and pose a serious safety risk.
- Load capacity: Ensure that the racking system is not overloaded and that the load is evenly distributed. Overloading is one of the most common causes of racking failures and can lead to collapses.
- Safety features: Inspect safety components like locking pins, beam protectors, and guardrails. These features help prevent accidents caused by racking failure or forklift collisions.
- Damage from forklift collisions: Forklifts often cause damage to racking systems. Look for signs of impact damage, such as bent beams or missing bolts. Regular inspections can help identify these issues early and prevent further damage.
- Corrosion & rust: Racking systems exposed to moisture may experience rust and corrosion, which can weaken the structure over time. Regular checks for rust and corrosion can prevent these issues from becoming severe.
For more information, head over to our post on PUWER Inspection Checklist for Pallet Racking Compliance.
Consequences of Non-Compliance & Why Inspections Are Crucial
Regular inspections are crucial in preventing risks that can compromise safety and efficiency. Without routine checks, your racking system can pose serious threats to both employees and the business itself. Companies that fail to follow HSE regulations may face big fines, penalties, or even closure until they comply. These penalties can significantly disrupt your business and damage your reputation.
Secondly, workplace injuries are a significant concern. Racking failures due to inadequate inspections can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Routine checks help prevent these risks and protect your workforce. Increased costs are another issue, as unnoticed problems can escalate into costly repairs and operational downtime. Early inspections identify issues before they become expensive and disruptive.
Not following the rules can raise your insurance costs. If an accident occurs due to faulty racking, your liability expenses may also increase. In 2021, there was a prominent case when a manufacturer in Sheffield was fined £60,000 following a serious crushing incident involving its employee. Father-of-two Wayne Hatton was left permanently disabled, having his lower right leg amputated and two toes from his left foot removed. An 800kg steel pallet fell on the then supervisor.
Why Choose First Floors for Your Pallet Racking Inspections?
With more than 30 years of experience, First Floors is your go-to partner for pallet racking inspections and warehouse safety in the UK. We provide tailored inspection schedules based on your racking type, traffic, and risks. We are there to prevent accidents happening, providing expertise to create the safest possible pallet racking systems.
Our services include:
- Bespoke inspections tailored to your warehouse needs.
- Comprehensive reports with clear actions to maintain compliance.
- We offer maintenance and repair services to ensure your racking system remains operational and safe.
Working with our team means your pallet racking inspections are done by SEMA-approved experts. This helps make sure your warehouse meets UK HSE standards. So why not take the next step towards a safer and more compliant warehouse?
Call 01789 764172 or get in touch to schedule your professional pallet racking inspection today.