Who are SEMA?

SEMA is the British trade Association of the storage industry. Its mission is to promote and extend safe design, Installation and use of storage equipment manufactured and supplied by its members.

SEMA approved rack inspectors, often abbreviated to SARI are highly qualified professionals. To achieve the SARI qualification the applicant is required to have extensive knowledge, undertaken an intensive three day training course and successfully complete both a written examination and practical assessment. The SARI qualified inspector must also commit to an annual program of ongoing CPD to maintain their qualification.

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UK Legislation

Companies have a general duty for the health and safety of their employees

To ensure racking storage systems are well maintained. Regular inspections are recommended to identify any damage quickly so that repairs can be carried out.

Environments were forklift trucks and other MHE material handling equipment operate can cause a risk to racking when impact occurs

Regular inspections should therefore be carried out to identify any damage as early as possible to prevent accident. You should also have your racking inspected by an expert at least once a year.

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Frequency of Inspections

To ensure that storage equipment continues to be serviceable and safe the inspection should be on a regular basis.

Both SEMA and the health and safety executive recommend a hierarchical approach comprising three levels of inspection and appointing a person responsible for racking safety PRRS.

HSG76 warehousing and storage a guide to health and safety gives guidance as follows:

Immediate

643 – as soon as safety problem or damage is observed by any employee, it should immediately be reported to the PRRS. You should have systems in place for reporting damage and defects.

644 – employees should receive training, information and instruction on the safe operation of the racking system, including the parts affecting their safety and the safety of others.

Visual

645– the PRRS should ensure that inspections are made up weekly or other regular intervals based on risk assessment. A formal written record should be maintained.

Expert

646 – a technically competent person should carry out inspections at intervals of not more than 12 months. A written report should be submitted to the PRRS with observations and proposals for any action necessary.

Why do you need safety inspections?

Safety inspections help provide a safe working environment for you and your colleagues.

Regular inspections will reduce costs by identifying practices causing damage and, together with maintenance will ensure minimum downtime and continuity of your operation.

Frequent inspections, help you comply with health and safety at work act and provision and use of work equipment regulations.

Under the PUWER regulations there is a duty to inspect and maintain work equipment. Inspections need to be carried out by a competent person with a necessary knowledge and experience to identify or detect damage of faults resulting from deterioration. They should be able to determine if the equipment is working safely or is structurally sound.