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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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