With the growth in online shopping, demand for additional warehousing has been greater than ever. This has seen an expansion in the number of warehousing facilities from large scale warehousing units all the way down to non ‘traditional’ operations where empty retail units have been utilised for their storage capacity. With the rise in warehousing units, it is now more important than ever to recognise the importance of safety in the warehouse.
A well-designed racking system built and installed to SEMA Codes of Practice, used safely by the workforce and maintained correctly has been proven to deliver a robust return on investment over many years. SEMA knows that training is central to best practice which is why we are recognised as a governing training body of the UK storage industry.
SEMA regularly deliver carefully designed courses which cover everything from the training of racking system installers to ensure they meet SEMA guidelines and Codes of Practice, to courses on safe maintenance of your storage equipment.
SEIRS Training
The Storage Equipment Installers Registration Scheme, or SEIRS training, is unique in that it is the only national programme for installers which fully addresses the needs of the industry. It is recognised by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) as it meets Construction Leadership Council (CLC) criteria for their Partner Card Scheme.
From erecting a structure through to working safely at height, from utilisation of appropriate site plant to supervising and managing teams, the SEIRS courses build into a complete training programme based on the SEMA installation guidelines and SEMA Codes of Practice.
SEMA expects that all permanent and subcontractor installers engaged by SEMA Approved Installation Companies (SAIC) and SEMA Distributor Companies (SDC) are SEIRS registered and have in-date SEIRS ID cards. SEIRS courses include; Skills, Advanced, Supervisor, Mezzanines, Installation Management, Shelving and Refresher programmes.
Rack Safety Awareness
Rack safety inspections are required to prevent and minimise the effects of accidents, to comply with the requirements of PUWER and to promote safety in the workplace. The end-user needs to appoint a Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS) who is suitably qualified and experienced. Their role is to take responsibility for daily and weekly inspections.
SEMA’s Rack Safety Awareness course provides delegates with advice and guidance to enable them to carry out basic rack inspections in accordance with SEMA guidelines. Two key questions answered are: How often should my racking be inspected? and What are my responsibilities?
It also offers advice on conducting risk assessments and how to comply with the law. It also covers types and frequency of inspections, responsibilities of users and suppliers, legislation, recording an inspection, damage levels and action points.
Expert Inspections
The expert inspection should be carried out by a technically trained and competent person or a SEMA Approved Rack Inspector. Frequency depends upon risk assessment but is usually performed annually.
SEMA Approved Rack Inspectors (SARI) offer far more than a (non-SEMA) damage only inspection and will check that immediate and regular scrutiny is being carried out. These inspections check rack configuration, type and manufacturer and a general check of components including accuracy of load notices. They will also identify repetitive damage and propose future solutions or modifications.
The SARI qualification comprises an intensive three-day training course and the successful completion of both a written examination and practical assessment. The qualified inspector must also commit to a programme of on-going CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to maintain the qualification.
NEW Training Centre
SEMA’s new timetable of courses for 2021 are now in place and the new training centre at Burntwood is now open. The new centre of excellence includes dedicated facilities for not only classroom learning but also the ability to build racking in a practical learning environment. Following Government COVID guidelines, from 12th April SEMA will run a reduced timetable of SEIRS and Rack Safety Awareness training courses with a plan to run full schedule after 21st June.
SEMA has introduced a raft of measures for the safety of attendees. There will be reduced occupancy in each training room to maintain social distancing, regular handwashing and sanitising facilities and limited numbers in the kitchen and bathroom areas. Enhanced cleaning measures are in place and there is clear COVID signage throughout the facility. Delegates will also be asked to scan in with the NHS Track and Trace location QR Code.
Contact Phil for SEIRS and Rack Awareness courses or Helen for SARI courses on 01543 278489 or email enquiry@sema.org.uk. Our SARI courses are very popular and although fully booked for 2021 you can still go through the application and assessment process and we may allocate you a space in the event of a cancellation.
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