Our first question this month asks about Barrels in Racking and the second is asking about Welding Racking.
Barrels in Racking
Q. My first question’ is “would this pallet then be classed as an unstable load?” and “is picking barrels with a parrot grab from the back of a pallet in racking a safe operation?” My second question “is there any guidance or do you have an opinion on my proposal of storing barrels at height banded together?”
A. As you have already identified the responsibility for determining a safe storage and handling method lies with the operator/user of the warehouse. SEMA does not have any specific recommendation with respect to banding or wrapping loads other than to say that the load must be stable. Similarly, we are not aware of any specific recommendations from HSE.
The following publications provide a good deal of useful advice although SEMA is not aware of any specific advice on this particular subject;
•SEMA Code of Practice for the Use of Static Pallet Racking (User code). You can get a free copy via the following link www.sema.org.uk/codes-of-practice/code-of-practice-for-end-users-of-apr
•HSG76 “Warehousing and storage – A guide to health and Safety” published by HSE and available as a free download from the HSE website. www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/ hsg76.htm
Barrels are often used to store chemicals so you might like to try the industry body.
Welding of Racking
Q. We have some older Redirack frames to which they have welded 2″ sq mesh to the rear of the rack directly to the frame uprights and the beams. What is SEMA’s stance/position/advice on this?
A. In short, do not do it!
There are a number of reasons: –
The first is that a lot of racking used to be made from cold reduced steel (and still is) where the strength of the steel is enhanced by squashing the thickness of the material to make it significantly stronger. Unfortunately heat from welding operations can anneal the steel which returns it to its original reduced strength. This means that the load carrying capacity given on the load notice will not be achieved. Welding can only be carried out using very specific welding techniques and procedures which are outside the experience of most welders. Clause 6.3 of the SEMA code of practice for the use of static racking notes that physical alterations to the racking, such as welding should not take place without the agreement of the Supplier or Manufacturer. A free copy of this code is available to end-users via the SEMA web-site https://www.sema.org.uk/codes-of-practice/code-of-practice-for-end-users-of-apr
Secondly the beams will deflect when pallets are placed on them. You say that the mesh is welded to the beams so the mesh must also flex. This could lead to the welds breaking and the mesh falling off the rack. Thirdly the pallets should overhang the back beam (and the front one) by 50mm to allow for a tolerance on placement accuracy; again, this is covered in the SEMA code of practice for the use of static racking. From what you say this will not be possible as the mesh will be flush with the back face of the beam and the upright which means that the pallet cannot be located in its correct position. Furthermore, the mesh could end up being used as a backstop. The beam and upright are not designed to take horizontal placement load so you are likely therefore, to be unknowingly overloading both beams and uprights.
SEMA Annual Safety Conference 2021
The 2021 SEMA Safety Conference has been scheduled for Thursday, 4 November; the venue will be the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull.
SEMA Technical Enquiries
We hope you find the above articles, and those in previous editions, interesting. If you have a query send it to us by fax or email and we will do our best to have it answered by one of our technical experts.
SEMA Rack Safety Awareness and Inspection Courses
SEMA runs a one-day safety course on Rack Safety Awareness and Inspection. These courses are aimed at end users, giving an in-depth look at the need for inspections, how to conduct an assessment and what actions to take when this is completed. These courses are normally held at the SEMA headquarters but arrangements can be made to hold them at the delegates’ premises.
SEMA Approved Rack Inspectors Qualification
This qualification is aimed at professionals who conduct rack surveys as an integral and significant part of their duties. It involves delegates in undertaking an in-depth SEMA Course, together with an examination and practical assessment. CPD will be an important part of the qualification, demonstrating to end users that SEMA Approved Inspectors maintain a high professional standard.
SEMA Publications
SEMA has 26 publications in stock – Codes of Practice, ‘Guides’ and European documents – all of which are available from our Offices.
SEMA USERS Club
SEMA runs a USERS Club designed to be of benefit to purchasers and users of storage equipment. Members receive newsletters, access to specialised events and discounted rates on publications and codes of practice.
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