Most businesses understand the need to follow Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance and industry regulations to ensure employees are safe at work. The advice covers almost every aspect of the workplace, including resources which address racking systems such as HSG76 Warehousing and Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety and SEMA Codes of Practice. These frameworks are written to cover the lifetime of your equipment from the supplier or manufacturer who designs your equipment through to taking correct maintenance steps.
But did you know these regulations also reference the installation of your equipment? As the person overseeing warehouse operations and safety, you have a responsibility to check the installers of your racking are trained for the job at hand. Although it’s easy to assume your racking supplier has checked the installer’s credentials, if a near miss, or worst-case scenario, a bad accident occurred and you failed to demonstrate due diligence, you could be faced with hefty fines.
The question is, how do you check the installer is properly trained and qualified for the job when experience in years doesn’t necessarily equate to overall capability of working safely on site? This is where SEIRS can help. Referenced in HSG76, the SEIRS training scheme provides a benchmark for warehouse owners that an installer has undertaken racking installation training and meets industry standards and codes of practice.
The programme offers five courses that underpin a solid training structure. SEIRS Foundation is an introductory classroom-based course that covers generic and industry-specific health and safety issues. On completion, installers receive a SEIRS Trainee card valid for six months, allowing them to develop their on-site skills while under supervision.
The SEIRS Diploma course combines theoretical learning with practical instruction on racking installation. Installers are assessed at the end of the course and, on passing, are awarded their full SEIRS card. Every five years installers must complete the SEIRS Refresher course to renew their card. This ensures their knowledge is up-to-date and meets the latest safety procedures and legislation.
Higher-level SEIRS Supervisor and SEIRS Manager courses are available for anyone responsible for installation teams. SEMA members fully support the initiative and commit to using SEIRS installers, supervisors and managers on their projects.
If you’re having new racking installed or need remedial work never take the installer’s qualifications for granted. It’s essential to check they are properly trained and qualified, it takes no time to ask for their SEIRS card.
Nick Betteley
President, SEMA
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