Legislation dictates that your racking and shelving should have regular safety inspections. These inspections fulfil your obligations under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998. We can help you with all aspects of racking safety, including inspections from £280.00^* & repairs.

What The Law States

Inspect racking regularly to make sure it is repaired and maintained properly and is safe. You should use three types of inspection: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Immediate reporting of damage & defects;
• Visual inspections at regular intervals; and
• 'Expert' inspections carried out at intervals by a competent person.

Source: Health & Safety Executive 'Warehouse & Storage: Keeping it safe' (INDG412)

Three Levels of Inspection

To ensure that a racking installation continues to be serviceable and safe, the storage equipment should be inspected on regular basis. The frequency of inspections depends on a variety of factors that are particular to the site concerned and should be determined by a nominated 'person responsible for rack safety' (PRRS) to suit the operating conditions of the warehouse. This will take into account the warehouse, the equipment used and personnel involved, all of which could damage the structure. The inspection follows a hierarchical approach using several levels of inspection.

1. Immediate Reporting
   As soon as a safety problem or damage is observed by any employee, it should immediately be reported to the PRRS. You should have systems in place for reporting damage and defects. Employees should receive training, information and instruction on the safe operation of the racking system, including the parts affecting their safety and safety of others.
2. Visual Inspections
   The PRRS should ensure that inspections are made at weekly or other regular intervals based on risk assessment. A formal written record should be maintained.
3. 'Expert' Inspections
   A technical competent person should carry out inspections at intervals of not more than 12 months. A written report should be submitted to the PRRS with observations and proposals for any action necessary. A technically competent person might be a trained specialist within an organisation, a specialist from the rack supplier, or an independent qualified rack inspector.

Source: Health & Safety Executive 'Warehouse and storage. A guide to health and safety' (HSG76)

^* £280 is for a Level 2 'Visual Inspection' carried out by SEC Storage,
subject to VAT at current rate, location and warehouse pallet capacity.
This is equivalent to inspections which should be carried out in house.