5 Signs Your Warehouse Needs a Racking Inspection Now

Need a Annual Racking Inspection by our SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors? Trust A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd - Call 07917 664940 or 07947 886161 today!!

5 Signs Your Warehouse Needs a Racking Inspection Now

In the hustle of daily operations, it’s easy to overlook your warehouse’s most critical structure: the pallet racking system.

But make no mistake—damaged or neglected racking is a silent hazard. It puts your workforce, stock, and business continuity at risk. Worse still, it could mean you're not meeting your duties under PUWER 1998 or HSE’s HSG76 guidance.

At A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd, our team of SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors (SARIs) conducts comprehensive inspections to help you stay compliant, safe, and operational.

In this blog, we outline five clear signs your racking system urgently needs a professional inspection—and what to do about it.

1. You’ve Had a Recent Forklift Collision

Forklifts are among the leading causes of racking damage in UK warehouses. Even a light impact can weaken a racking upright, dislodge a beam, or compromise structural stability.

According to HSE data, forklift incidents account for a significant proportion of serious warehouse injuries each year.

If your racking has been struck—even lightly—don’t guess. Call a professional to assess the damage properly.

2. You See Visible Damage to Frames or Beams

Bent uprights. Twisted braces. Missing beam locks. Any visible sign of damage, no matter how small, can lead to catastrophic failure if left unchecked.

Under the SEMA Code of Practice, damage should be colour-coded:

• Red risk: Immediate offload and isolate

• Amber risk: Repair within 4 weeks

• Green risk: Monitor only

Our SEMA-trained inspectors use this system to give you clear, actionable insights—with photos, ratings, and guidance included in every report.

3. It’s Been Over 12 Months Since Your Last Inspection

Annual inspections are a legal requirement under HSE HSG76. They must be carried out by a competent person—ideally a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector.

If you can’t remember the last time your racking was inspected (or the person who did it wasn’t SEMA qualified), your business could be:

• Non-compliant with PUWER

• At risk of invalidating your insurance

• Exposed to HSE enforcement action

Don’t wait until it’s too late—annual inspections are the minimum. Many warehouses benefit from biannual or even quarterly checks depending on traffic levels and usage.

4. Your Staff Aren’t Trained to Spot Racking Damage

While annual inspections are essential, daily and weekly internal checks are equally important. But many warehouse teams:

• Don’t know what damage to look for

• Aren’t aware of reporting procedures

• Ignore “minor” problems until they escalate

If your team isn’t trained in racking awareness, we can help. A-Z Rack Inspections offers on-site racking safety training and visual inspection checklists to help you build a culture of safety.

5. You’ve Recently Installed or Modified Racking

New installations, dismantling, or layout changes can affect the stability of your entire system. If racking has been moved, altered, or extended without a follow-up inspection, it could introduce hidden risks—especially if the work wasn’t done by SEIRS-trained installers.

Let us assess your current setup and ensure everything meets SEMA guidelines, manufacturer specifications, and legal safety standards.

What a Professional Racking Inspection Includes

At A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd, our inspections cover:

• Full visual inspection by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI)

• Detailed risk categorisation using the SEMA Traffic Light System

• Photo documentation of damage and non-compliance

• Recommendations for remedial action

• Full PDF report for your compliance records and insurers

• Optional racking safety awareness training for your team

Don’t Wait Until It Fails – Take Action Now

A racking collapse can cost you thousands in damages, lost productivity, injury claims—and worse, someone’s life.

At A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd, we provide:

• Nationwide coverage across the UK

• Friendly, experienced, SEMA-accredited inspectors

• Fast turnaround and clear reports

• Support with follow-up training and repairs

Ready to book your annual racking inspection?

Contact us today:

📞 Call us: 07947 886161 or 07917 664940
📧 Email: sales@a-zrackinspections.co.uk

A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd – We don’t just inspect. We protect.

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With over 25 years of experience, our SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors offer nationwide racking inspection and training.

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