HSE recommends that British warehouses receive an annual racking inspection from a SEMA approved racking inspector. But what counts as a warehouse in HSE’s eyes? Does your business need a an inspection by a SEMA Approved rack inspector?
At Storage Equipment Experts, we’ve written extensively about warehouse safety. Our topics range from racking safety tips to the EU’s influence on warehouse racking safety. However, what we’ve not done is define warehouses in the eyes of HSE.
This definition is extremely important. After all, HSE recommends that warehouses receive a racking inspection by a SEMA Approved inspector at least once a year. So what exactly is a warehouse, and does your business have one? The answer is not as simple as you might think.
What is a Warehouse?
“A warehouse is a large building where goods are stored, and where they may be catalogued, shipped, or received, depending upon the type.” That’s one definition, but when you really break it down, it’s actually quite vague and not entirely correct.
For one thing, not all warehouses occupy separate buildings. Argos often attaches its warehouses to the main building. This setup supports its business model by linking a customer-friendly shop floor with an employee-friendly storage system. But if a warehouse can form part of a building, how does it differ from a storeroom?
HSE’s Definition of a Warehouse
HSE does not give an absolute definition of a warehouse. Throughout its warehouse safety guide, it uses “stockrooms” and “warehouses” interchangeably. This is because HSE recognises that every storage system is different. A strict government definition of what counts as a warehouse is not helpful. What matters most is safety.
HSE’s guide on warehouse safety comprehensively lists every possible risk that a warehouse or stockroom could have. It then makes safety recommendations based on those risks. For example, not all warehouses use fork-lifts, but those that do need to adhere to HSE’s guidelines on forklift safety, which includes forklift training.
Rather than defining what a warehouse is, HSE provides guidance that covers every aspect of warehouse safety. Warehouse owners should follow the advice that applies to their specific situation. Under the new CDM regulations, the responsibility ultimately lies with the warehouse owner.
HSE provides guidance, but employers must act on the advice relevant to their workplace. They must keep their employees safe “as far as is reasonably practicable”.
In other words, if tragedy strikes, a claimant could take the matter to court. If they can prove that the accident occurred because someone ignored HSE’s advice, they could argue that the responsible party failed to protect their safety as far as was “reasonably practicable”.
So Does My Warehouse Need a Racking Inspection by SEMA Approved Inspector?
If your warehouse includes a racking system, then the answer is yes. Unlike forklifts, racking systems can be found in basically any incarnation of a warehouse. After all, if you don’t have a racking system, then your warehouse is essentially useless — that cialis generique is unless you are using your warehouse for artistic purposes.
However, the real semantic issue with regards to a racking inspection by a SEMA approved inspector concerns the term “racking”. In this instance, HSE is very specific:
The term “racking” is used to describe a skeletal framework, of fixed or adjustable design, to support loads generally without the use of shelves.
“Without the use of shelves” and “skeletal framework” are important parts of this definition. After all, the stockroom of a small bookshop certainly wouldn’t be considered a warehouse. And besides, no-one would argue that the shelves of said bookshop need a racking inspection by SEMA approved inspector.
However, the distribution centre for a large book supplier definitely does count as a warehouse. And its racking systems would require a yearly inspection from a SEMA approved racking inspector in order to adhere to HSE regulations.
Racking Inspections by SEMA Approved Inspectors are about Common Sense
As has been previously mention, the new CDM regulations mean that the bonus of responsibility is ultimately on the warehouse owner to ensure the safety of their staff “as far as is reasonably practical”. “Reasonably practical” is the important phrase.
Do the shelves in the stockroom of your popup Christmas Card shop require a racking inspection by SEMA Approved inspector? Probably not. Unless your Christmas Card shop is in fact some enormous storage facility where people can buy cards in bulk, then you are likely in the clear.
Does your warehouse need a racking inspection by SEMA approved inspector? If you’re unsure, the answer is probably yes. Contact Storage Equipment Experts to make sure your warehouse receives the annual racking inspection by SEMA approved inspector it needs.
FAQs
The name of your premises should not determine your inspection needs. If your business uses racking to store goods, assess the system, how it is used and its safety risks to establish suitable inspections.
Stockrooms and retail storage areas may need racking inspections where racking is installed. Consider the storage equipment and operating risks rather than assuming that a smaller space does not need inspection.
HSE guidance recommends a technically competent person. It identifies the SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) scheme as a qualification route, but also recognises other suitably competent specialists.
HSE guidance recommends appointing a Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS). This person coordinates regular checks, receives damage reports and maintains inspection records.
