Health and Safety Racking Safety Guidelines

1. Make No Assumptions

When it comes to racking safety, most people tend to assume many important details. If there’s third-party maintenance or work being done on the racking in your warehouse, HSE advises individuals not to assume that the contractor is well trained and is taking the safety precautions when doing the job. 

To help avoid any regrettable events, make sure that you feel confident with the contractor. And remember, according to HSE regulations, it’s your responsibility as the warehouse owner to ensure that people working in your warehouse are competent and legal. It is your duty to ensure that your racking contractor is licensed and insured, and to check to confirm that SEMA has approved him/her.

2. Always Plan Ahead

HSE encourages warehouse owners to always plan ahead for racking system installations. Planning ensures that you have prepared for enough working space and a safe one for that matter. The most important things to consider when planning are the layouts of your racking system in relation to the warehouse. Unless you have your warehouse in good shape, it will be difficult for your racking system to be efficient and safe

3. Practice Regular Racking Inspections

A well-maintained racking system can serve you for years and years to come. Unfortunately, many people tend to ignore their systems hence end up spending too much on replacements. One of the ways you can take care of your racking is by ensuring that you use it properly. For example, avoid overloading and climbing on it. Also, you should physically protect this system. HSE also encourages people to have their racking inspected once a year by a SEMA approved inspector.

This is just a brief summary of the HSE guidelines on racking in warehouses. It is best that you get to read the HSE documents yourself and ask an expert if there are any points you don’t understand. When it comes to HSE, remember the documents offer pragmatic advice which is not legally binding, but you would be adviced to listen to HSE when it comes to matters related to occupational safety. However, don’t mistake the guidelines as being law.