09

Dec

Complete Guide On How To Manage Seasonal Demand in Warehousing

How was your warehouse this Black Friday? Are you dreading the Christmas rush? Most warehouses feel the strain of peaks but instead of getting overwhelmed, now is the time to make a change with some planning to help you manage seasonal demand in warehousing.

There are ways to reduce the impact and ensure your business remains profitable when the orders flood in. With our reliable storage solutions, we can ensure that your systems run smoothly – even when running at peak capacity!

What are seasonal demand fluctuations?

Throughout most of the year, it can be easy to predict product demand and implement accurate inventory planning. However, seasonal demand covers the busy periods in the warehouse when buying habits change due to external events. Most typically they happen during holiday seasons for example when customers are looking to order more such as presents at Christmas. But, it can also cover seasonal events when the consumer is looking to buy more such as items for their annual holiday.

During these periods inventory levels usually run higher with product demand potentially requiring different stock profiles. To run the warehouse successfully you need to implement careful planning to mete the surge in demand.

how to manage seasonal demand in the warehouse

Why does seasonal demand in warehousing cause problems

the main problem is, the need to meet product demand fluctuations. Even though your warehouse can manage capacity for approximately 75% of the year, the other 25% suddenly requires solutions that can meet customer demand and xxx.

The main problem for warehouse owners trying to meet seasonal demand fluctuations, is the ability and flexibility to respond quickly. With customer demand buying earlier for large events such as Christmas, the additional stock requirements and need to hold excess inventory while also increasing pick speeds can place a great strain on the supply chain and the warehouse.

If your warehouse isn’t working at full capacity, here are some of the key areas to consider changing:

1. Warehouse Management – Designed For Speed

The Problem:

At busy times of the year, the key thing you need to unlock is faster picking methods. After all, get your stock from point A to point B in the quickest and safest way possible and it means the order will be despatched Just In Time.

Stock isn’t getting over to the picking and packing area as quickly as you need which is causing delays in getting orders out of the door – the last thing you need is disappointed customers. Even worse, your employees are complaining they can’t locate storage locations to pick the stock or it’s difficult to unload and movement between the zones in your warehouse is limited.

The Solution:

You need to create harmony and a smooth operation in the warehouse to reduce potential bottlenecks, maximise efficiencies and meet the increase in demand. Achieve this by ensuring movement between the different areas is seamless by implementing a racking design that aids the process. Adopt a logical approach – when stock arrives it moves quickly to the correct position for storing. When needed it will be seamlessly picked and moved to the packing area before leaving, on time, for the customer.

flexible storage solutions to accommodate peak seasonal fluctuations

2. Flexible Storage Systems to Meet Market Trends

The problem:

In any warehouse, flexibility has to be the name of the game when it comes to your racking equipment. The design of your storage equipment must have the ability to grow with your business and maximise the potential of your warehouse space.

Your warehouse is full and there is no room to stock more goods but, as seasonal demand for items grows, your storage capacity is limiting the stock levels you can hold. Ideally, you want to avoid the heavy investment of moving premises with extra storage costs, especially with space unused during off-peak season operations. There is also the concern of what happens if there is supply chain disruption.

The solution:

Get your racking systems to drive efficiencies in your warehouse with a solution that matches your processes but also incorporates the flexibility to meet market trends and hold excess inventory when required. Work with warehouse storage experts like Teepee who will design a system that enables adaptability such as adjustable shelving, modular solutions or mezzanine flooring to optimise the available space. Different racking systems can also maximise the footprint of your floor such as Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) racking which utilises the height of your warehouse or Double Deep Racking which offers high-density storage by allowing you to create a depth of two pallets that sit back-to-back.

3. Faster Picking Times During Seasonal Peaks

The Problem:

Speed is the name of the game during warehouse peak season operations. The faster you get stock out the door, the more orders you can send and the bigger your profit. To meet expectations of timely deliveries and increase sales opportunities, your picking speeds need a boost, cut down on errors and prepare for seasonal planning.

 The design of your racking is enhancing the throughput stock and orders are flowing through your warehouse but you still can’t seem to increase picking times. During normal periods, this isn’t a problem but during peaks with seasonal products, it’s quickly creating issues.

The solution:

The first thing you can do is to go digital with your stock control with inventory management software.  You may already have a Warehouse Management System (WMS) in place but does the current system need a review? Can it deliver accurate forecasting and real-time stock inventory to meet fluctuations in demand patterns and eliminate wastage with excess stock?

The second step is automation. As the popularity of these systems increases, prices have been driven down. Even adding in only a few automated systems can quickly provide a large increase in pick time. Last but not least, see if your choice of racking can improve the situation. For example, push-back racking places the pallets on gravity tracks to enable high-density storage locations for several SKUs without needing to move large quantities of pallets to gain access

faster picking times and reduced errors in the warehouse

4. Staff Training

The Problem:

Prepare your team for working in areas with racking and it can provide multiple benefits. Not only will it keep them safe and provide them with the knowledge on how to look after the racking but they will also feel confident in working around the storage equipment.

The problem is, your team on the warehouse floor don’t understand the complexities of working around racking. They haven’t been shown how to read a load notice sign or how to place or remove stock from the racks. This can very quickly lead to damage which, in a busy warehouse when product demand is high, it can be a big problem (see Looking After Your Racking section below).

The solution:

Give your team the confidence they need to work safely in areas with racking and they’ll have the skills to work more efficiently. To achieve this, send them on a training course with experts within the racking industry. Ideally, you want to work with a company that designs and supplies storage equipment that will have a greater understanding of how these systems work and how to use them correctly. For example, our Racking Safety and Awareness Course will equip your employees with the tools they need to recognise damage on racking, correct loading methods and safe operating procedures.

5. Look after your racking

The problem:

Damaged racking is a disaster when the peak season operations periods hit. Ignoring even small damage on your racking is not an option and will likely lead to more serious issues. Getting damaged racking repaired will ultimately reduce order efficiency but throw in the busiest periods of the year and additional cost gains usually made at this time of year will instead slip away.

When you racking becomes damaged it can mean the whole bay being put out of action. But here’s the problem, your warehouse is at peak demand and you don’t have time to get someone in to repair it or consider how to work around a team fixing your racking.

The solution:

Take a proactive approach. This means implementing a regular inspection process with daily inspections by employees who work around the racking – our training can help prepare them for this task. Next, you need to appoint a member of your team to undertake the role of Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS). Their job is to conduct regular, weekly visual inspections and maintain a written record of their findings to ensure your company is meeting Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requirements.

Finally, make sure you book a visit with one of our approved inspectors for your Expert inspection. Conducted at least once a year, the Expert inspection can only be conducted by a qualified inspector. Get one of our inspectors in and they will identify any problems and then provide actionable solutions to keep your warehouse racking safe and compliant with regulations.

A SEMA-accredited Teepee inspector carrying out a warehouse racking inspection

Do you need help with strategic planning for seasonal sales?

If you’re ready to take your warehouse to the next level and get in shape for the peak season in 2025, now’s the time to implement an effective strategy that will help you to meet seasonal trends. Why not contact us and let’s have a chat about what problems your warehouse is facing and how we can help you meet product demand? With over 30 years of experience within the industry, we’re confident that we can find a solution to improve productivity in your warehouse.

12

Nov

What You Should Know About Pallet Racking Safety Guidelines

For any business, it’s common sense to ensure your equipment works correctly, built to product regulations and safe to use. Most of us know where to look for advice and the marks associated with meeting UK standards. However, one area that still seems to cause a lot of confusion are pallet racking safety guidelines. Yet getting it right is critical especially when you consider that in most warehouse situations the structure sits in close proximity to your employees. Ensuring it’s in tip top condition and meeting pallet racking safety guidelines is crucial.

In our blog, we walk you through the different life stages of your racking and explain how guidance from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and industry regulations impact how you look after it and the decisions you make when purchasing racking.

Pallet racking that has passed pallet racking inspections in a warehouse

Warehouse Safety Standards

We’re going to start our blog by looking at the end point – how to look after your racking. We’re covering this area first because it is the one most regulations and industry guidance reference.

When it comes to running your storage facility safely there are numerous documents from the HSE. These advise on safety measures that keep everyone in your the workplace safe.

The following list doesn’t cover everything, but the main guidance you should be aware of is as follows:

  • Health and Safety at Work Act is the primary safety legislation with covers occupational health and safety in Great Britain. It sets out the general duties employers have towards their employees and members of the public. You must also ensure that you maintain workplaces, equipment and systems appropriately and provide information and instruction on safe use, testing or examination to ensure compliance.
  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations reinforce the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974, by outlining that employers identify the risks faced by their employees, contractors and members of the public and take steps to control any danger as well as provide necessary training for employees.
  • Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations aim to ensure that workplaces meet the health, safety and welfare needs of employees. They apply to most workplaces but exclude construction work on sites, those in or on a ship or those below ground at a mine!
  • The Manual Handling Operations Regulations provides guidance on how to avoid, assess and reduce the risk of injury from manual handling.
  • Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations often abbreviate to LOLER place duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over lifting equipment.
  • Work at Height Regulations expects employers to prevent the risk of death or injury caused by a fall from height. Due to the height reached with racking equipment, the design may need to incorporate safeguards for arresting falls and guard rails.

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations often abbreviated to PUWER, place duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over work equipment. It requires owners to ensure that the equipment provided is suitable for the intended use, safe to use, maintained correctly and inspected regularly.

There are two additional pieces of guidance information which are of direct relevance to the warehouse. This includes HSG76 Warehousing and Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety and SEMA Codes. It is not a legal requirement to follow these guidance documents. However, if you fail to meet your legislative requirements and HSE were to take enforcement action they can use the HSG76 and SEMA Design Codes frameworks to bring action against your business. We’ll discuss these in more detail later on.

Pallet Racking Safety Guidelines – Regular Inspections

warehouse safety - inspection

Most of the regulations above place a heavy emphasis on ensuring you maintain your equipment it and works correctly. Your racking is performing the crucial job of keeping tonnes of equipment safely above the heads of your employees. If you have a look at HSG76 it confirms that racking is manufactured from relatively lightweight materials. This fact does limit the amount of abuse it can withstand and any damage will reduce its load carrying capacity. The greater the damage the less strength the structure will have.

For this reason, it is incredibly important to implement regular inspections. The first stage is to ensure your employees have the skills to identify damage on the racking. They should then be aware of how to report it immediately to the person responsible for inspections. You should also nominate a member of your team to perform visual inspections and maintain a formal written record. At Teepee we offer training to prepare your team for working around racking.

At least once a year, you must support the regular in-house pallet racking inspections with an expert inspection. This inspection must be undertaken by a qualified rack inspector who has the correct qualifications. Their role is to conduct racking and storage assessment reports on the racking and advise if it requires repair work.

If you need an expert inspection, book an appointment with one of our Teepee inspectors. Their report will detail specifications, conditions, damage list by location and photographic evidence for remedial works by your approved supplier.

racking repairs - installation

Racking Installation

Be aware that HSG76 states it’s not sufficient to assume contractors carrying out racking maintenance are competent and work safely. You must check and establish their credentials prior to them starting the work. Ensure they have suitable insurance cover, and provide method and risk assessments prior to commencement of work on site.

With very few racking installation qualifications on the market, this can be a difficult area to check. That is why the Storage Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (SEMA) set up their SEIRS training programme for installers of pallet racking. SEMA is a leading voice on safety within the storage equipment industry and if you look at the racking sections in HSG76, you will notice their work is referenced throughout. As one of the SEMA Approved Members, we must commit to using with SEIRS registered installers for our racking installations.

SEIRS is a two-stage training programme which instructs on the correct and safe industry practices for installing racking. Some racking projects are built on construction sites, and it may be a requirement of the project manager for installers to hold a CSCS card. Be aware that CSCS class certain activities such as racking installations as a specialised skill. In these cases you can only access the correct card through one of their partner card schemes. A CSCS card for racking installations is only available through SEIRS.

Pallet Racking Safety Guidelines – Racking Design

At the start of your racking’s journey, it must meet set criterion to ensure the structure is suitable for the job. In other words, it must work for your space, picking methods and stock weight and type.

This is where design codes help. They ensure ensuring suppliers can demonstrate the systems they supply conform to quality standards and health and safety requirements. We meet these conditions by using codes when designing racking. In the UK, we must ensure it conforms to either EN 15512 or SEMA Design Codes which seen as the standards of the industry.

An example of warehouse pallet storage racks designed and installed by Teepee

Trust in Teepee

As a SEMA Approved Member we are regularly kept up to date on the latest industry requirements for the design and installation of racking systems. This way, you know we have created a safe working environment for your employees. To gain our membership we must demonstrate that we work to over 40 regulations, industry standards, Codes of Practice and legislative requirements.

The membership is awarded after we meet the conditions of an independent audit which checks our work across five key areas. These include:

  • SEMA standard compliance
  • Making sure we maintain proper legal and insurance documentation
  • Conformance to Health and Safety requirements
  • Commitment to reduce environmental impacts
  • Work towards the highest quality standards

We have also been awarded SEMA’s top membership level for racking suppliers. By achieving the SEMA Approved Member – Advanced status which demonstrates our commitment to meeting a high SEMA criteria level.

Are you looking to improve your storage solutions? At Teepee, we have created storage systems for major manufacturers and retailers across the UK. With over 40 years experience within the industry, we can help you maximise the performance of your warehouse. We work closely with customers to design bespoke warehouse pallet racking systems that get to the heart of their business. Our systems help them to maximise their storage and boost productivity.

If you have any questions, get in touch with one of our team who are on hand to help you out.

28

Oct

Transform Your Warehouse Into A Treat This Halloween

With Halloween lurking around the corner, is it time to see if you are delivering a trick or a treat and consider whether it’s time to transform your warehouse?

At Teepee, we specialize in supplying warehouse systems such as partitioning, racking, mezzanine floors, and safety barriers—solutions that can turn your warehouse into a functional masterpiece, with less fright and more delight! We can show you how to avoid monsters lurking in the aisles and instead treat your warehouse to a hauntingly good transformation that will enhance productivity, and storage capacity, to increase profitability and safety.

1. Clear the Cobwebs: Organize Your Space with Effective Racking Solutions

transform your warehouse and clear out cobwebs

Don’t let your warehouse feel like you’re navigating a haunted house. Are dark corners making items disappear? Do piles of stock appear to be moving all by themselves? If your warehouse layout is looking more like a horror scene, it might be time to sweep out the cobwebs and go for streamlined and efficient racking.

The best way to get the most out of your warehouse is to go for a bespoke design. That way you can have a racking layout which works perfectly for your business. The design should accommodate stock profiles, and your picking methods, while also enhancing inventory management. It should enhance the journey of stock as it moves through your warehouse, making sure it is easily accessible and seamlessly moves through the space until the moment the order leaves the building.

A bespoke design will also consider the type of storage equipment you need, whether that’s pallet racking for larger goods, narrow aisle racking to increase storage capacity within the footprint of your building or shelving that can fill a tight space in your warehouse.

By getting Teepee to design a racking system tailored to your exact requirements, we’ll take the planning and design weight off your shoulders. Our design will maximise the space in your warehouse and avoid the ghastly scenes of overcrowded aisles and disorganised inventory.

 

2. Banish Hazards with Safety Barriers

transform your warehouse with safety barriers

When things go bump in the warehouse, make sure it doesn’t turn into a horror story. Getting suitable protection around high-risk areas can help your warehouse to operate safely while keeping your workers protected from any unexpected scares. It is also a requirement to ensure you comply with current Health & Safety Legislation and Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) recommendations.

The problem is, with so many options on the market, which is the best one for your racking and business? One advantage of working with a supplier like Teepee is that we are product agnostic which means we can supply the best safety equipment to suit your warehouse – regardless of the manufacturer. We offer a range of steel or impact-resistance plastic safety barriers and guarding systems such as racking safety barriers, pedestrian barriers, end-of-aisle racking barriers including upright protection guards, mezzanine floor stanchion guards and protection barriers around machines, offices and building walls. We also offer a bespoke manufacturing service to meet individual needs.

3. Banish the spectre of unused space

transform your warehouse and maximise unused space

If your warehouse is haunted by the lack of storage space or inadequate areas for picking and packing tasks, maybe it’s time to consider how to maximise your warehouse. Any building has constrains with the height and width of the structure, but it is possible to enhance what you have with a few little treats.

There are plenty of options to incorporate into the warehouse that can provide additional storage capacity. With multi-tier racking you build upwards to utilise the space above your head by creating levels and walkways on which you place shelving to create picking lanes. Another option is to introduce some space-saving models such as Push Back racking which operates on a First In Last Out (FILO) system. The racking stores up to 10 pallets deep and can optimise the space by up to 85%. Pallets load onto a gravity roll track that pushes previous pallets to the back, then, when you pick a pallet, the next one behind will move forward. Pallets load and unload from the same aisle picking space and you can store several SKUs without needing to move large quantities of pallets to gain access.

If it’s usable space you’re looking for, you might want to consider adding a mezzanine floor. These structures are custom-built for your needs and can be used for multiple purposes including additional storage, production space and even offices.

4. Divide and Conquer this Halloween with Partitioning Systems

transform your warehouse with partitioning

Instead of going up, why not look at casting a spell by dividing the floor space you currently have. After all, a chaotic warehouse layout can make it feel like everything’s closing in on you, much like a claustrophobic haunted house.

Maybe you need to better utilise the space on your factory floor. Perhaps, you’re looking to create extra rooms for dedicated workspaces or offices for private meetings. At Teepee, we can supply bespoke and multi-functional partition walls that solve all your nightmare dilemmas.

Our industrial partitioning solutions offer the flexibility you need to create distinct work zones on your factory floor, ensuring the safety of your employees and enhancing the productivity of your business. Whether you need to section off areas for manufacturing, storage, or office space within your factory, our factory partitioning walls are the ultimate solution for all your partitioning needs. If you already have dedicated office space, we can also provide glass office partitions to enhance your layout.

5. Scare Off Downtime with Regular Inspections and Maintenance

transform your warehouse and scare off downtime

Nothing is more terrifying for a warehouse than unexpected downtime due to damage racking. You can avoid frightful surprises by regularly inspecting your storage equipment.

As a SEMA Approved Member – Advanced, we recommend their advice of following a three-tiered inspection approach.

  • Every day your team should be keeping an eye on your racking and reporting if they see any knocks or bumps. Why is this important? Well, your storage equipment is manufactured from lightweight materials and there is a limit to the amount of abuse it can withstand. As explained in HSG76 Warehousing & Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety, any amount of damage can significantly reduce the load-bearing capacity and stability of the racking structure.
  • Once a week a nominated member of your team should perform a visual inspection. The role is also known as a Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS) and they should check everyone is following correct usage, record damage levels and implement action on any points. A formal record of their inspection will be written for your records. To prepare your team for damage checking the racking and undertaking the weekly inspection we offer our Racking and Safety Awareness Course.
  • At least once a year, you must submit your racking to an Expert inspection. This can only be done by a competent and trained inspector with the correct qualifications for this type of inspection. They will conduct racking and storage assessments while also reporting and making recommendations to maintain the safety of your racking. If you need an expert inspection, get in touch and one of our approved racking inspectors to visit your site. They will produce an electronic report that details damage list by location, a traffic light reporting system for the completion of repair work and photographic evidence for remedial works.

If you want to make your warehouse a fright-free zone this Halloween why not get in touch with Teepee. With over 35 years of experience within the industry, we have the knowledge and skills to discuss your project and determine the best solution for your facility! We can also arrange a free on-site consultation to ensure your warehouse design maximises your business.

19

Jun

Warehouse Racking Inspection: The Essential Guide

Warehouse safety is paramount for any business. If your business uses storage equipment like pallet racking, cantilever racking, shelving, and mezzanine floors, you are legally required to conduct an annual expert inspection—in addition to the regular in-house inspections of your storage equipment.

With heavy stock constantly on the move, it’s crucial to prioritise the well-being of your employees. In today’s fast-paced e-commerce landscape, the pressure to maximise storage capacity and speed up output can sometimes completely overshadow safety concerns.

Regular warehouse racking inspections are vital for ensuring a safe working environment and maximising the lifespan of your racking system. What’s more, yearly warehouse inspections are now mandatory under HSE legislation. This blog provides the ultimate guide on warehouse racking inspections to help ensure your business stays compliant with legislation and remains a safe workplace for you and your employees. Let’s dive in.

Book your warehouse inspection today

 

What is a Warehouse Racking Inspection?

A warehouse racking inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of your storage system’s condition. It identifies any potential damage, wear and tear, or non-compliance with safety regulations. Qualified inspectors conduct these inspections, meticulously examining every component of your warehouse’s racking system.

Staff walking away from racking during a warehouse racking inspection

Warehouse Racking Inspection Checklist

A thorough warehouse racking inspection checklist should cover all the essential aspects of your storage system. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas inspectors typically focus on:

  • Uprights: Inspectors will check for dents, rust, cracks, or any signs of twisting or damage to the uprights, which are the vertical support beams of the racking system.
  • Beams: A close inspection of the beams ensures they are free from bends, cracks, or broken welds. Inspectors will also verify that beam connectors and beam-to-upright connections are secure.
  • Beam clips: Missing, incorrectly fitted, or the wrong type of beam clips can compromise the stability of the racking system. Inspectors will ensure all clips are present, properly secured, and the correct type for the specific beams and uprights.
  • Bracing: Both diagonal and horizontal bracing elements are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the racking. Inspectors will check for any bends, damage, or signs of loose connections.
  • Bolts: All bolts, especially floor anchors, are scrutinised for tightness and any signs of damage or shear.
  • Footplates: Bent, twisted, or torn footplates can affect the stability of the racking. Inspectors will ensure they are in good condition.
  • Load notices: These signs display the maximum weight capacity for each bay of racking. Inspectors will verify their presence, legibility, and accuracy.
  • General housekeeping: The overall tidiness of the warehouse around the racking is also assessed. Proper housekeeping practices minimise the risk of accidental damage to the racking system.

Inspectors meticulously examine every component of the racking system, and their inspections can often cover other areas including:

  • Improper loading: Overloaded bays or unevenly distributed weight can put undue stress on the racking system.

  • Modifications: Any unauthorised modifications to the racking system can compromise its safety. Inspectors will look for signs of tampering or alterations.

  • Clearance issues: Adequate clearance between pallets, beams, and aisles is crucial for safe operation of forklifts and other warehouse equipment.

Book your warehouse inspection today

 

Racking that has been cleared of products for a warehouse racking inspection

Warehouse Storage Inspection Requirements: HSE Legislation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK enforces regulations concerning the safety of warehouse racking. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER): PUWER specifically applies to warehouse racking, requiring employers to ensure the work equipment (including racking) is:

  • Suitable for its intended use.

  • Safe for use, handling, storage and transport.

  • Inspected and maintained in a safe condition.

In addition to these HSE regulations, there are industry guidelines that provide best practices for warehouse racking safety. These include HSG76 Warehousing and Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety, published by the HSE.

Teepee: Choose approved Inspectors

Established in 1987, Teepee’s in-house racking inspectors are fully qualified and insured, providing unbiased advice during inspections. We use approved inspectors to conduct comprehensive inspections of all our storage solutions, ensuring your warehouse remains safe and compliant with Health & Safety regulations. Regular inspections will help to minimise warehouse accidents and potential damage. Our experts will provide detailed reports and professional advice, highlighting areas that need urgent attention.

Trust Teepee Warehouse Solutions for your warehouse racking inspections to ensure your storage systems are safe and to reduce future costs by contacting us today.

Book your warehouse inspection today

 

How Often Should Warehouse Racking Be Inspected?

The frequency of warehouse racking inspections depends on several factors, including:

Industry Regulations: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK enforces regulations concerning the safety of warehouse racking. These regulations recommend a minimum of an annual expert inspection by a qualified and insured racking inspector.

Warehouse Activity Level: Warehouses with high traffic and frequent product movement require more frequent inspections compared to those with lower activity levels. In such cases, a weekly inspection by a designated and trained employee is recommended, in addition to the annual expert inspection.

Damage History: If your racking system has a history of damage, more frequent inspections are necessary to monitor any existing issues and prevent further deterioration.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the recommended inspection schedule:

  • Daily: Warehouse staff should be aware of any potential damage and report it immediately.

  • Weekly: A designated and trained employee should perform a more thorough inspection, checking for proper loading and missing or damaged components.

  • Annually: A qualified and insured racking inspector should conduct a comprehensive inspection to assess the overall health of your racking system.

A low-angle shot of a warehouse following a warehouse racking inspection

Teepee: Your Partner for Warehouse Racking Inspections

Teepee isn’t just a supplier of high-quality storage solutions; we’re also your dedicated partner in warehouse safety. Here’s why you should choose Teepee for your warehouse racking inspections:

  • Approved Inspectors: Our inspectors hold the necessary qualifications to conduct thorough and accurate inspections.
  • Expert Advice: We don’t just identify problems – we provide actionable solutions to keep your warehouse racking safe and compliant with regulations.
  • Experience in Diverse Industries: Our experience spans a wide range of industries, so we can tailor our inspections to your specific needs.
  • Traffic Light Reporting System: We use a clear and concise traffic light system to categorise damage, making it easy to understand the urgency of repairs.
  • Repair and Maintenance Services: In addition to inspections, we offer a comprehensive suite of repair and maintenance services to keep your racking system in top condition.

By partnering with Teepee for your warehouse storage inspections, you gain peace of mind knowing your storage system is safe for your employees and efficient for your operations.

Contact Teepee today for an inspection of your warehouse’s racking and storage systems.

Contact Us

 

A warehouse birds eye view during a warehouse racking inspection

 

04

Mar

Improved warehouse safety – make your racking a priority task

Safety has to be a priority in any warehouse. They are busy environments. Heavy stock is moving around and you must protect employees while working in the space. However, over recent years with the fast growth in e-commerce, pressures have increased within the warehouse. With a drive for additional storage capacity and faster throughput of stock, are you remembering to maintain warehouse safety?

In the warehouse, the main focus areas for safety are slips and falls, manual handling and keeping your employees safe around moving vehicles. The challenge, especially as our warehouse spaces get busier, is how to minimise the risks. This is where your racking comes into play. Get the design of your storage equipment right, take the correct measures on maintenance and training and it will address many of your safety issues.

Here is our checklist of key points to consider to maximise pallet racking safety.

warehouse safety - pallet racking safety

Warehouse Safety – roles and responsibilities

Before we look at how your pallet racking can make a warehouse safe, you first need to understand your responsibilities towards warehouse safety. Fortunately, serious incidents around racking are rare, but they can and do still happen. This is why there are several regulations and guidance documents in place that any business owner must follow to meet their health and safety requirements. These are:

In addition to these, there are three regulations and guidance documents which specifically relate to increasing warehouse safety. These also cover safety in the design, installation and use of your pallet racking equipment.

Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) sets out the legal duties of everyone involved in a construction project. Although you may not realise it, large pallet-racking projects fall under the category of construction work. CDM 2015 requires the client (anyone who has construction work carried out for them) to make sure their project is suitably managed and upholds the health and safety of anyone involved.

In conjunction with industry unions, associations and employer bodies, HSE produces HSG76 Warehousing and Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety. The document offers advice to warehouse owners in increasing safety and covers general health, safety and welfare, materials handling and storage.

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, 1998 places the responsibility on employers to uphold safety for their employees by ensuring the work equipment they use is in good working order. The regulations include pallet racking and other storage equipment.

Increase Pallet Racking Safety

Making sure your racking equipment and warehouse space meet industry regulations is essential. However, in an industry with so many different suppliers, knowing who to work with can be a challenge. How do you know they have chosen the right system for your warehouse? Does the design increase warehouse safety standards? Will the structure meet its intended purpose? Are they meeting all the regulations?

Checking the credentials of your suppliers can take a lot of time, especially if you’re not a racking expert! One place to start is by contacting SEMA, a leading voice in the storage equipment industry. Their guidance works through the design, supply, installation, use and maintenance of storage equipment.

To help warehouse owners even further they also work with leading industry suppliers to create a network of approved members. Work with a SEMA Distributor Company such as Teepee and you know they undergo independent audits to ensure they meet all the industry requirements and standards. This provides clear proof to warehouse owners that their new storage system will be correctly designed using new products that are installed by trained and qualified teams to meet HSE standards and that the member is correctly insured. It will save you a lot of time and effort making sure you tick all the health and safety boxes!

warehouse safety - loading

Prioritising pallet racking safety

One of the advantages of working with a SEMA Distributor Company is that you know they are benefitting from the technical expertise available through the group. That means we are kept up to date on the latest industry regulations, technical requirements and design guidance.

To enhance your warehouse safety, we will make sure that your racking considers the following:

  1. Safe working spaces
    Keeping your employees safe when working in areas with pallet racking has a lot to do with the layout of the equipment. Of course, optimising the racking must address how to increase storage capacity, processing order timescales and productivity. But good design and layout will also help reduce accidents, keep your employees safe from moving vehicles and minimise the risk of slips or trips. This includes creating clear pathways, designated loading and unloading zones, and ensuring stock is accessed safely.
  2. Moving vehicles
    In the modern warehouse, you will inevitably see some form of vehicle moving around the space. Forklift trucks are the most common but, with the increase in automation and robotics, the requirements are changing. However, with warehouse workers also using the space there needs to be constant management to prevent accidents. Traffic routes around the racking should allow pedestrians to see the vehicles and drivers to operate safely. Where possible, employees should be kept separate from the vehicles.
  3. Racking designed for stock profiles and picking methods
    As warehouse spaces become larger, so too do the size and height of the racking structures. It is not unusual for workers to work above floor level on mezzanine or multi-tier structures or through the use of forklift trucks. Keeping everyone safe on the shop floor requires a design that includes enough space between the beams for the picking methods, equipment used and stock profiles. The racking aisles must also accommodate safe access to goods, use correct racking protection products and incorporate the moving space of fork-lift trucks and robotics.
  4. Pallet racking – weight limits
    The design of your racking includes limits on the weight the structure can hold and how to load it correctly. The precise details can be different for each bay or racking run depending on the stock you carry. Important guidance when you consider that, in its simplest form, your racking is a basic metal frame. Ignore the weight-carrying specifications and it can lead to a potential failure of the racking. You can’t expect everyone to remember the different weight-carrying capacities which is why your employees need to pay attention to the Load Notice. This key warehouse safety sign clearly shows the correct loading and weight procedures for the structure.
  5. Pallet racking safety equipment
    If you have the optimal design for your racking it should keep everyone safe. However, it can only meet its intended purpose if everything is working correctly. Your supplier should also build in safety equipment that protects the racking from damage including rack guards and post protectors. Finally, for correct installation of the structure you must use a SEIRS installer who has trained to meet SEMA and industry standards. That way you will know pallet racking safety pins are correctly securing beams in place. Locks are in place to ensure adjustments are not be made by unauthorised members.

warehouse safety - rack protectors

Improving Safety

The racking is in place and stock is moving through the space seamlessly. Stock efficiency has increased to minimise order timescales and increase your profitability.

Now the biggest challenge – how to keep it all working correctly!

The answer lies in equipping your employees with the knowledge of how to work in areas with racking. It may seem easy to dismiss racking training as an unnecessary step, but it does provide you with two clear advantages. First, and perhaps most importantly, it will keep your employees safe. Second of all, it will help to maximise the lifespan of your racking (which is ideal for maximising the ROI).

That is why we run our Rack Inspection Training. The course equips your employees with the skills and knowledge they need to work safely in areas where racking is present. It also provides them with the tools they need to recognise damage on racking. After all, the sooner damaged racking is reported, the sooner it can be fixed and the safer everyone stays. Finally, our course will help you in meeting your PUWER responsibilities by training a member of your team to perform the HSE and SEMA recommended weekly inspection.

warehouse safety - inspection

Ongoing Warehouse Safety

The final step is to ensure your racking keeps everyone safe for as long as possible. You can only achieve this if the structure is subject to an Expert inspection at least once a year. This inspection must be undertaken by a professional with the correct qualifications. Their role is to conduct racking and storage assessment reports on the racking and recommend if repair work is required.

Ideally, you want an approved racking inspector who uses a traffic light reporting system according to SEMA guidelines. Their report will indicate where damage is present and action requirements over what timescale.

  • Green areas indicate where damage falls within SEMA limits and is considered safe and suitable for use, but it will need reviewing at the next inspection.
  • Amber shows where the damage is severe enough to require remedial work, but you don’t need to offload the racking immediately. As pallet positions empty, you must not refill the area. Repairs not completed within four weeks automatically become a red risk.
  • Red risk areas indicates a dangerious level of damage and the racking requires immediate offloading. At this stage, you must isolate the racking and not use it until the repair work is complete.

If you need an expert inspection, get in touch with Teepee and we can arrange for one of our fully qualified and insured racking inspectors to visit your site. They will produce an electronic report that adheres to SEMA inspection guidelines. The report will detail specifications, conditions, damage list by location and photographic evidence for remedial works by your approved supplier.

Need help in upholding warehouse safety?

At Teepee, we’re more than just creating and delivering the perfect storage solution. We place safety and high standards at the forefront of every racking design and installation we fulfil.

If you’ve got a warehouse storage project planned, why not contact Teepee? Our experience within the racking and warehouse industry means that we can help deliver a project that promises safety, quality and reliability throughout the lifetime of your racking.

01

Feb

Warehouse Trends 2024 – How to Plan Warehouse Racking Systems

Is your warehouse ready for 2024? At this early stage of the year, it is the ideal time for businesses to review their warehouse and work on a plan that will boost productivity and increase efficiencies. Maybe you’ve run out of storage space? Do you need to review your warehouse racking systems or your picking and packing timescales are too slow? Do you need to upgrade your warehouse management, or do you want to analyse changes in customer behaviour? In this new era of increased e-commerce, the warehouse and logistics industry is rapidly changing. However, new warehouse trends and developments are arising that could provide the answers.

So where is the best place to start? With so much noise, it’s hard to pinpoint the changes that will provide the best Return On Investment. If you’re worried about the affordability of new technologies, not sure how easy they are to implement or concerned about disrupting warehouse life, this blog is just for you.

With over 30 years of experience working in the storage equipment and warehousing industry, we know a thing or two about how you can give your warehouse a push in the right direction. Our complete guide will give you some pointers. We look at ways to improve the agility of your supply chain, and how you can future-proof your warehouse for this new revolution in warehouse trends.

Warehouse Trends - add workable space with a mezzanine floor

Optimising Your Warehouse Space

Before looking at new warehouse trends and what to invest in, let’s start off your 2024 plan with something you already have – your warehouse space. With the cost-of-living crisis challenging our year ahead and warehouse space at a premium, how can we make changes without breaking the bank?

In recent years, warehouse owners have faced the problem of not having enough storage capacity. This could be due to rising costs or a lack of availability of suitable units. Moving doesn’t always have to be the answer. Instead, look at making the best use of your space and invest in a new warehouse racking system. You may not realise it, but your racking could be the key that unlocks a lot of the problems you may experience in your warehouse.

  • Lack of storage?
    Choose warehouse racking systems which increases the density and capacity of your space. For example, a multi-tier structure adds additional storage space and maximises the full height of your building. Or create additional floor space within the same unit with a warehouse mezzanine floor. If you haven’t got the height opt for a VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) which decreases the aisle width and allows more racking within the same space.
  • A need for speed?
    Ensure your layout works for the throughput of your stock. Its journey from the moment it arrives in the warehouse until the moment it leaves should be seamless. To speed up the process, the design of your warehouse racking systems should enhance the flow of the stock, making it easy to locate and removing sticking points. You could even opt for a system such as push-back racking. This operates on a FILO (first in, last out) system which provides less need for manual stock rotation to increase picking and packing timescales.

Future Proofing: Keeping up with Warehouse Trends in 2024

Is your warehouse ready for the future? Can it maximise your business for years to come? Although your warehouse might have supported your business performance in the past, there is no guarantee it will do so in the future. This is especially true when you look at the rise of e-commerce and the demands it places for faster delivery times and multifunctional spaces.

Of course, installing the best warehouse racking systems for your space can help, but to stay competitive in 2024 it is also critical to understand what the new warehouse trends are and how they can improve your business. To help you out, here we share what we believe the future holds. Not that we are psychics or anything.

Warehouse trends - automation

Automation Trend

Even though we have just stepped into 2024, the warehouse industry knows that the advancements in warehouse automation and AI will continue to be a hot topic. After all, integrate these technological advances and it can improve productivity, increase the flow of stock, deliver consistent results. However, for a lot of smaller logistics, cost has been a prohibitive factor. As the growth and uptake of automation continue, prices are expected to come down and, with the efficiencies it can deliver, should offer a high Return On Investment for businesses.

Of course, any new technology must be the right fit for your warehouse and work with your space. To be successful, the new solutions have to be harmonious with the traditional – your warehouse racking systems. Get advice from industry experts on how automation, robotics or AI will work for you and whether the design of your racking accommodates key elements. For example, does it provide clearance for the movement of automation or build on the improvements the new technology can deliver?

Data is King!

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are not new in the modern warehouse and most businesses have one in place to improve efficiencies. However, as technology advances, now might be the time to address whether your WMS still works for your business.

WMS are essential for providing real-time analytics and insights into the movement of your stock and managing your supply chain fulfilment. Combine the system with AI, especially with hybrid operations, and it can improve the process even further. This will increase the efficiency of your warehouse by avoiding the chance of stockouts and enabling quick response times. Get the right warehouse racking systems in place to support your WMS and it can transform your warehouse.

Warehouse trends - inspection

Sustainability

As transparency becomes a big factor, customers are expecting businesses to share their contributions to reducing carbon emissions. As the new generation becomes more conscious about environmental impacts and methods towards achieving net zero targets, sustainable efforts by businesses have become a major factor that has influenced buying behaviour/ purchasing decisions. Warehouse owners must prioritise the integration of sustainability at an early stage.

It can be challenging to implement sustainability in the logistics industry. Yet even small changes can be implemented that can make significant savings on carbon emissions. Whether it’s implementing energy-efficient lighting, HVAC or increasing the number of recyclable materials used in your packaging. Also, examine the credentials of your warehouse racking systems. Look at where it has been manufactured and the journey it makes to your warehouse. Alternatively increase the lifespan of your equipment by adopting a rigorous inspection regime

Warehouse trends - work environment

Quality Work Environments

With rising mental health issues over the past 10 years, the focus on well-being in the workplace has become an important factor. Fostering a positive work environment has proven to have a great impact on employee engagement and organisational performance.

You can support your team by introducing a positive work culture. Specify designated break areas that are comfortable and relaxing. Equip them with the knowledge to perform their job correctly. When it comes to your racking this has the added benefit of keeping them safe! Send them on a training course like our Rack Inspection Training course. Delivered by our expert instructors, the course provides them with the knowledge to work safely around warehouse racking systems. They will also learn how to recognise damage to the equipment. Training is a great way to bring peace of mind to any work environment.

How can Teepee help?

We hope this blog gives you a better understanding of how to give your warehouse a boost in 2024.

Need some help? Why not get in touch with Teepee and see how we can help to upgrade your business in 2024? As a SEMA Distributor Company and through our experience with a wide range of industries, we can provide a full turnkey solution that delivers everything you need to maximise your performance and increase safety:

  • Start with our free site visit to establish the best design solution for your space.
  • Project managing from start to finish. We oversee a smooth and seamless delivery with all works meeting required quality and safety standards.
  • Supplying a flexible storage solution to meet the unique needs of your business, including warehouse mezzanine floors.
  • Installing the highest quality standards with very little interruption to your business
  • Providing aftercare: maintenance, repair & inspection.
08

Jan

Your Complete Guide to Understanding Warehouse Racking Repairs

Warehouse racking repairs, we hate to say it, are inevitable. In the busy day-to-day environment that is your warehouse, it’s natural for your storage equipment to be at risk of knocks and bumps. No matter what racking you have, eventually all that wear and tear is going to need some repair work. To keep your warehouse running smoothly and your workforce safe, ensuring it’s in the best condition is extremely important.

In this blog, we look at how you can minimise accidental damage and reduce ongoing repair costs. We’ll also look at what you can do to minimise maintenance costs and the best approaches to address racking repairs.

Racking Safety Regulations

warehouse racking repairs - safety regulations

When addressing warehouse racking repairs, the first place to start looking at the relevant safety regulations. Under the PUWER (Provisions and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) you, as the warehouse manager must ensure that any work equipment is in good working order. What you may not be aware of is the fact that your racking is classified as work equipment.

PUWER requires you to check whether any equipment is:

  • Suitable for the intended use
  • Safe to use
  • Inspected
  • Maintained in a safe condition

Failing to correctly do so can result in serious consequences. If an investigation by the HSE discovers you have failed in due diligence it can result in hefty fines. This doesn’t even take into account the potential impact on lives after a serious accident.

Inspections and Warehouse Racking Repairs

To meet PUWER it is recommended that you inspect your storage equipment. The design of your racking does allow for some wear and tear but there is a limit to what it can take. Even minor damage can limit the load-carrying capacity of the structure and quickly develop into a serious issue if not addressed.

A rigorous inspection regime will address any damage before it becomes serious. For industry guidance on inspections, there are two places to go. The HSE has produced ‘HSG76 Warehousing and Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety’ or you can head to the website of SEMA who are the leading voice on safety in the storage equipment industry. Both recommend following a three-tiered process for inspecting warehouse racking.

How Often Should You Inspect Racking?

warehouse racking repairs - installation

  1. Every day your staff should be aware of any damage on the racking. Provide training for your employees, like our Rack Inspection Training course, and it will give them the tools they need to understand what classifies as racking damage. It is far more cost-effective to catch damage early before it develops into a more serious problem.This training also has the benefit of guiding them through safe working practices. Damaged racking can cause downtime for your business. Minimise unnecessary costs by making sure your employees know how to correctly work around the racking. Not only will it keep them safe but it should also reduce accidental damage to the structure.
  1. At least once a week, a member of your staff must undertake a more thorough inspection. This includes checking the loading is correct for the load notice and if there are any components that are missing or damaged. It will also check that everyone is using the equipment correctly. Again, our Rack Inspection Training course will guide them through the process.
  2. Finally, at least once a year, you must have an Expert Inspection by a qualified approved racking inspector. Their detailed inspection report will cover the suitability and compatibility of your equipment, and rack configuration type and classify any damage using a traffic light system to indicate actions required and the recommended timescale to address them.

If you’re overdue for your inspection or have not had one before, why not give us a call and we can arrange for one of our experienced racking inspectors to visit your site.

How do I know if I need warehouse racking repairs?

You know you have damage to your racking but does it need repairing every time? The first thing to understand is the level of the damage. If your racking inspection uses the traffic light system, it should be very easy to understand.

A ‘Green Risk’ shows that there is damage, but it falls well below SEMA allowances. This will be recorded for follow-up at the next inspection.

Next, is the ‘Amber Risk’. This is damage which requires repair work but not at a level that requires immediate offloading. However, you should be aware that as you empty the bays, they should not be refilled. This does not mean you can leave the repair work. SEMA advises that if you don’t get the ‘Amber Risk’ areas fixed within four weeks it will immediately become a ‘Red Risk’.

Now on to the worst type of damage ‘Red Risk’. This is an area with a high level of damage and must be immediately offloaded and isolated. You may only use the racking again once it has been repaired.

Protect your racking investment

warehouse racking repairs - installation

Before you jump online and book a company to come out and repair your racking, take caution! Not all repair work is valid. SEMA has produced guidance on what repair work they recommend and what should be avoided.

For example, your racking company should never undertake welding to the structure because there is no way to test the result of the weld and guarantee strength. If there is damage to an upright, you should never bend it back into shape – it’s far safe to cut out the affected area and splice in a new section. If you need to replace non-structural elements you should only use the correct manufacturer’s part according to their specification. Always check they are replacing the part with the correct one!!

Finally, check with the racking manufacturer on whether the repair work will affect your warranty. Any warehouse racking repairs using third-party materials or unqualified installers could alter the original specification and verification of the product and impact its integrity. The company undertaking the work must provide a warranty to confirm that the repairs are covered by the manufacturer.

How to choose a company to conduct your warehouse racking repairs

warehouse racking repairs - choose a supplier

If you’re looking to protect your investment, you need to work with a company that is approved by the manufacturer of your equipment. However, knowing which companies to trust can be a time-consuming process.

One solution is to work with a SEMA Distributor Company like Teepee. As a member of SEMA, we work closely with the manufacturing members and can access their documentation to conduct repair work. Any warehouse racking repairs will be approved by the manufacturer and protect your warranty.

To become a SEMA Distributor Company, we have been able to successfully demonstrate a high level of commitment to adhere to over 40 regulations, industry standards, Codes of Practice, and legislative requirements. We also have to submit to a three-yearly audit process which checks that we have technical sign-off and traceability for any racking repair work or modification. It will save you a lot of leg work and reassure you.

Need repairs to your racking?

As a member of SEMA, we are also committed to using SEIRS-trained racking installers. The programme run by SEMA ensures that all SEIRS installers have been through their rigorous two-stage training programme and instructs on the correct and safe industry practices for working on racking equipment.