Warehouses are potentially hazardous environments and it can be difficult to know where to start when adopting a culture of safety. That is why the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) publishes HSG76 Warehousing & Storage: A Guide to Health & Safety. We look at how HSG76 references the key life stages of racking and the steps warehouse owners need to take.
What is HSG76?
Within the UK, there are few guidance documents instructing on the safe design, installation, use and maintenance of storage equipment. HSG76 was written by a joint committee with representation from trade unions, associations, and employer bodies. It covers areas relevant to the warehouse environment such as manual and mechanical handling, slips and trips, environment and welfare and storage systems. However, the broader emphasis is on responsible warehouse practices, general prevention of avoidable risks and hazards, and accident procedures. Although not legally required, following this guidance is usually enough to comply with legislation.
As a leading voice within the storage equipment industry, HSG76 references SEMA initiatives and best practice advice.
Racking Design
The lifetime of your racking starts with design and supply. As an engineered structure it must fulfil a set criterion to ensure it’s suitable for intended purpose, achieves longevity and maximises safety. IHSG76 states that ‘Racking systems should be of good mechanical construction, of sound material, adequate strength and installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.’ It also explains that ‘Racking should be erected on sound, level floors, capable of withstanding the point loading at each base plate. Aisles should also be wide enough to ensure that mechanical handling equipment can easily manoeuvre.’
To ensure storage equipment meets these conditions, codes instruct on the structural analysis of racking, consideration of load types and testing components for structural safety. Within the UK, racking suppliers can use either SEMA Design Codes or EN 15512.
Racking Installation
Correct design and quality manufacturing of storage equipment will contribute greatly to upholding safety in your structure. Yet this work will quickly be undone if incorrect and poor installation methods compromise the structural integrity of the equipment. It is for this reason that HSG76 provides detailed guidance on this stating that, ‘The racking should only be installed by competent people in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.’ It also references SEIRS.
Run by SEMA, SEIRS is a training initiative for installers of racking equipment. To become SEIRS registered, an installer must pass a two-stage training course. The course covers general and industry-specific health and safety conditions and instructs racking installers on correct installation methods according to SEMA standards and manufacturer’s specifications. This includes important structural details such as the number and type of floor fixings and how they should be positioned to meet manufacturers’ tolerances. Installers can only earn their SEIRS card after passing a two-day diploma course under assessed conditions.
Racking Use
Once in place, warehouse owners are responsible for ensuring racking and shelving damage is recorded and actioned. HSG76 recognises that racking is manufactured from relatively lightweight materials with a limit to the amount of abuse it can withstand. Any amount of damage to the racking and you can significantly reduce load-bearing capacity and stability of the structure.
To ensure the racking remains serviceable and safe, HSG76 follows SEMA guidance by recommending regular inspections. This starts with employees working in areas with racking who immediately report any damage. To ensure best and safe practice every week visual inspections should be undertaken by a member of your team, which in HSG76 is known as a ‘Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS)’. The PRRS is responsible for ensuring the racking is correctly used, inspected and maintained.
HSG76 recommends employees receive training on the safe operation of racking systems and references SEMA’s Rack Safety Awareness (RSA) courses which provides the nominated PRRS with the essential training, knowledge and skills they need to carry out their responsibilities.
Inspection
The process is completed with the Expert inspection. Carried out at intervals of no more than 12 months, these inspections must be ‘carried out by a technically competent person.’ with a detailed written report outlining observations, recommendations and course of action required for remedial work.
For the Expert inspection report, HSG76 follows SEMA’s advice on the classification of damaged racking using Green, Amber and Red risk damage areas. This methodology forms part of the training for SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors (SARI), a dedicated training initiative for inspectors who undertake Expert inspections. To achieve their qualification, attendees must pass an intensive three-day training course, written exam, and practical assessment.
If you have storage equipment in your warehouse, you should never ignore the advice provided in HSG76. If you’d like help meeting your requirements, please contact SEMA by emailing enquiry@sema.org.uk or visiting sema.org.uk.
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