The Ins and Outs of HSG76: Warehouse Racking Safety and Compliance

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The Ins and Outs of HSG76: Warehouse Racking Safety and Compliance

If your warehouse relies on pallet racking systems to store and move goods, then understanding the HSG76 guidance is not optional—it’s essential.

At A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd, we help warehouse operators across the UK maintain compliance, protect workers, and prevent racking failures by aligning their operations with the latest safety regulations, including HSG76.

In this blog, we break down HSG76: Warehousing and Storage – A Guide to Health and Safety—what it is, what it means for your warehouse, and how our SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors (SARIs) help you meet its requirements.

What Is HSG76?

HSG76 is the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) official guide to safe warehousing and storage practices in the UK. It covers everything from manual handling and vehicle movements to mezzanines and, critically, racking systems.

When it comes to racking safety, HSG76 outlines clear expectations for employers regarding:

• Racking installation

• Maintenance and inspections

• Staff training

• Damage reporting

• Load safety and signage

Put simply: if you operate racking in your warehouse, HSG76 applies to you.

What HSG76 Says About Racking Systems

Here are some key takeaways from the HSG76 guidance:

✅ Racking Must Be:

• Properly installed by trained personnel (e.g., SEIRS-qualified installers)

• Regularly inspected by a competent person

• Clearly marked with safe working loads

Inspection Frequency:

“A technically competent person should carry out inspections at intervals of not more than 12 months.”

This means an annual racking inspection is required—and the inspector must be qualified and impartial. At A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd, all our inspections are conducted by SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors, the highest level of racking inspection competence in the UK.

Why HSG76 Compliance Is So Important

HSG76 isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a key benchmark used by HSE inspectors, auditors, and insurance providers to assess whether your warehouse is operating safely and legally.

Non-compliance can result in serious consequences, including:

• HSE enforcement notices or prosecution

• Invalidated insurance claims due to negligence

• Costly injury compensation claims

• Warehouse closures or downtime

Let’s look at the numbers:

📊 Over 13,000 UK workers in the transport and storage sector suffered non-fatal injuries in 2022/23, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Many of these occurred in warehouse environments due to poor housekeeping, falls from height, and contact with moving machinery or falling objects—including collapsing racking.

📉 In 2021, over £1 billion in workplace injury compensation was paid out in the UK (source: UK Government Compensation Recovery Unit). Racking-related incidents, especially collapses, often result in significant claims when employers are found negligent.

🚧 A single warehouse racking collapse can lead to thousands of pounds in product loss, operational shutdowns, and even criminal charges if safety obligations (like those in HSG76) are found to be ignored.

💼 Insurance providers are increasingly requiring proof of annual racking inspections by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) as part of warehouse liability coverage assessments. Failure to comply can result in claims being denied outright.

By staying compliant with HSG76, you're doing more than following a guideline—you're protecting:

✅ Your workforce from preventable injuries
✅ Your stock from avoidable damage
✅ Your business continuity from costly interruptions
✅ Your reputation from legal or media fallout

At A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd, we help you meet and maintain full HSG76 compliance with expert inspections, clear reporting, and ongoing support.

How A-Z Rack Inspections Ensures HSG76 Compliance

We specialise in independent, professional racking inspections that meet and exceed HSG76 requirements. Here’s what our service includes:

1. On-Site Visit

A qualified SEMA Approved Racking Inspector carries out a full visual inspection of your racking systems, assessing for damage, misuse, or safety risks.

2. Risk Categorisation

We use the SEMA Traffic Light System:

• Red Risk: Immediate offload and isolate

• Amber Risk: Repair within 4 weeks

• Green Risk: Monitor only

3. Comprehensive Report

We deliver a detailed PDF report, including:

• Photos of damage

• Risk levels assigned

• Repair recommendations

• Suggested improvements

• Evidence of HSG76 compliance

4. Follow-Up Support

We guide you through the next steps, whether it’s repairs, staff training, or additional safety measures.

Don’t Forget: Maintenance Is Ongoing

While annual inspections are essential, HSG76 also recommends routine internal checks carried out by warehouse staff.

We can support your team with:

• In-house racking inspection training

• Printable checklists

• Racking awareness sessions

Because safety is not a one-time event—it’s a continuous responsibility.

Who Needs to Comply with HSG76?

If your business operates any form of storage racking, including:

• Pallet racking

• Cantilever racking

• Drive-in racking

• Push-back or mobile racking systems

• Shelving

...then HSG76 compliance is recommended.

We work with warehouses in:

• Retail & e-commerce

• Manufacturing & engineering

• Logistics & distribution

• Cold storage & food handling

• Pharmaceutical & healthcare sectors

No matter your industry, A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd ensures your racking is safe, legal, and future-proof.

Summary: Your HSG76 Compliance Checklist

✔️ Racking installed by SEIRS-trained professionals
✔️ Annual inspections by SEMA Approved Racking Inspector
✔️ All racking damage logged and addressed promptly
✔️ Load signs displayed clearly
✔️ Regular staff checks and training in place
✔️ Comprehensive inspection reports filed

If you can't confidently tick every box—it's time to act.

Ready for Peace of Mind? Book Your Inspection Today.

Don’t wait for an accident or enforcement visit to take safety seriously.

Contact A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd and ensure your warehouse is fully compliant with HSG76 and PUWER 1998.

📞 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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