Racking and Storage – Let the Buyer Beware
Investment in your warehouse space is huge and comes with a long-term commitment. In these days of ‘buyer beware’, end users can rest assured that SEMA members are stepping up to the plate with manufacturing based on quality, safety and reliability.
Setting up a warehouse can be a challenging task. To run profitably you need a storage solution that makes full use of your space, designed for the type, weight and handling of products and ensures efficient throughput. But, did you know it is a legal obligation to ensure your racking is up to the job.
Minimise Risks
Fortunately, major incidents concerning racking equipment are rare, but they do happen. The consequences can be severe and the last thing your business needs is a HSE investigation discovering you have failed in due diligence! Company directors are responsible and can be liable for hefty fines and compensation claims – and that’s without even mentioning the cost to impact on lives after an accident.
This is where SEMA can help. As the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) we are a leading voice within the warehouse industry working towards improving safe working practices.
Using SEMA members clearly demonstrates your commitment to creating a safe work environment. The design, manufacture, installation and maintenances of your racking system meet SEMA Standards, the requirements of your warehouse and longevity of product.
Design and Manufacture
With so many different types of racking available on the market, choosing the right system is not a decision to take lightly. A racking installation is a heavily loaded engineered product that must be carefully designed for its intended purpose. When you buy from a SEMA Approved Manufacturer - Full Member you are buying reassurance.
Each member continuously engages in independent product design assessments. This guarantees that the product has been designed by a structural engineer to SEMA Codes. Its structural rigidity is calculated to meet precise criteria under specified conditions, to bear heavy loads and, once loaded, the rack or its components should not distort.
Supply
The SEMA Approved Members and SEMA Approved Members - Advanced is made up of like-minded companies who recognise the need to supply high-quality storage equipment. To become a member each company must demonstrate a high level of commitment to safety standards. Through independent assessment they must demonstrate they adhere to over 40 regulations, industry standards, Codes of Practice, and legislative requirements. SDG members form a multi-functional element of SEMA and as such we are fully supported by being part of the group.
SEMA Approved Members and SEMA Approved Members - Advanced must submit and successfully pass an independent audit every three years. The initiative was the first scheme of its type for the industry.
Each certificate is clear proof to the customer on their suppliers skills. You can be safe in the knowledge that your new storage systems meets the correct design, using new products with an installation by that are installed by trained and qualified teams to meet HSE standards and that the member is correctly insured.
Installation
It is a requirement that anyone working on your racking is ‘competent’. After all even the smallest change in its design can affect its structural integrity. It is not sufficient to assume they are working safely otherwise you are breaking the law. Do you know if the installer has used the correct number and type of floor fixings? Is the racking sufficiently shimmed? Are all the fixings positioned and tightened to manufacturers’ tolerances?
Sounds simple enough but how do you know if your installer is appropriately qualified and working safely? In reality, most installers learn ‘on the job’ with little or no formal training.
That is why SEMA established their training program SEIRS, which instructs installers on correct installation methods that follow SEMA standards. Following feedback from industry experts and to increase standards further, last year we launched a new Diploma training programme. The new course challenges installers further. It provides a clear benchmark that any SEIRS-qualified installer has been assessed to the highest industry standards.
So, before you let anybody install your racking, ask to see their SEIRS card.
Maintenance and repair
Once your racking is in place but it now needs a maintenance schedule. Racking systems qualify as work equipment. Under PUWER, it is your responsibility to ensure they are in good working order, maintained and inspected correctly. You need regular racking inspections to prevent and minimise the effects of accidents.
SEMA advocates implementing a tiered system. On a daily basis, employees should be aware of what to look for in terms of damage. They also need the skills to understand how to follow correct reporting procedures. You must also nominate and provide training for someone within your company must complete a weekly inspection. SEMA’s Rack Safety Awareness course provides delegates with the knowledge needed to carry out basic rack inspections in accordance with SEMA guidelines.
You also need to implement a more rigorous bi-annual or annual inspection. The HSE recommends using a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) who is trained and continually assessed to industry standards. They offer competent third-party inspection backed up by an independent report. A SARI’s report identifies and priorities risks to help you manage workplace safety.
In SEMA’s 50-year history, the phrase ‘Let The Buyer Beware’ has never been more appropriate. For peace of mind always use a SEMA member. You can check their credentials by asking to see a current Audit Certificate as proof of QA or visit the SEMA website at www.sema.org.uk
