Our first question this month asks about Screw Holes and our second is looking for information on protection in tunnel bays.
Screw Holes in Racking
Q. Two of our uprights have had self-tapping screws put into them. Obviously, this has created holes in the uprights and I’m not sure if it’ll affect the racking or if we need new uprights? The holes are roughly 5mm in diameter and only x2 holes per upright.
A. A number of racking manufacturers prohibit drilling holes in certain racking components e.g. top and bottom flanges of beams, or will only permit holes up to a certain diameter and/or in particular positions in the member.
In all types of cold-formed components (i.e. racking or shelving uprights, beams, braces etc.) it is important that the zones close to any bends or perforations in the member are not compromised as this can have a serious effect on load carrying capacity and, therefore, some manufacturers have rules about the proximity of holes to bends or perforations.
SEMA does not have any specific rules with respect to making holes in racking members.
EN15635 “Steel static storage systems – Application and maintenance of storage equipment” states that changes to the storage equipment must be specifically approved by the equipment supplier.
Paragraph 634 of the HSE publication “Warehousing and storage – A guide to health and safety” HSG76 states that racking should never be altered without first contacting the manufacturer.
You say that there are two holes of approximately 5mm diameter. You should contact the equipment manufacturer to find out if they have any particular advice or rules.
Top Protection in Tunnel Bays
Q. Can you please advise what are SEMA guidelines or recommendations in terms of top protections in tunnel bays?
A. SEMA does not have any specific recommendations on this subject however, EN15629 includes the following in clauses 8.5 and 8.6:
8.5 Passageways for pedestrians
Passageway clear headroom for pedestrians shall be at least 2.1m unless otherwise specified in national regulations. Passageways for pedestrians that pass under or through racking or shelving shall be provided with overhead guarding, to prevent any stored goods from falling through the racking.
NOTE: Overhead guarding will not prevent the fall of individual goods from the pallet.
8.6 Passageways for trucks under or through the racking structure.
The headroom as a passage shall be at least equal to the drive-through height of all means of transport using the passage plus a clearance of 250mm.
Where trucks without overhead guards pass under or through racking or shelving, guarding shall be provided to prevent stored goods from falling through the racking. Overhead guarding shall be of adequate strength to prevent the unit loads from falling through onto the passageway below.
SEMA Rack Safety Awareness 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 held at the SEMA headquarters in Burntwood, Staffordshire, 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 – Codes of Practice, ‘Guides’ and European documents – all of which are available to purchase online. For further information on these documents contact SEMA or visit our website, www.sema.org.uk.
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