Annual Pallet Racking Safety Inspections
Legal Requirements & The Importance of Independent Expert Assessment
At SHS Racking Inspections, we provide independent, specialist pallet racking inspections carried out by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI). Our role is to help businesses meet their legal obligations, maintain safe storage systems, and protect their people, stock, and operations.
Legal Requirements for Annual Racking Inspections
PUWER 1998 – Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
Under PUWER, pallet racking is legally defined as work equipment. Employers must ensure that all racking is:
- Suitable for use
- Maintained in a safe condition
- Inspected at appropriate intervals
- Assessed by a competent person
PUWER Regulation 6 requires inspections:
- After installation
- After assembly or relocation
- After exceptional events (impact, fire, alteration, etc.)
- At suitable intervals thereafter
Industry practice, supported by HSE guidance, defines “suitable intervals” as a formal expert inspection at least once every 12 months.
HSE Guidance – HSG76: Warehousing and Storage
HSG76 reinforces the need for structured inspection regimes, including:
- Regular internal visual checks
- Annual expert inspections carried out by a technically competent person
This expert must have specialist knowledge of racking systems, damage tolerances, and safety standards.
SEMA Guidance
SEMA sets the recognised industry standard for racking safety. SEMA recommends:
- One Expert Inspection every 12 months
- Conducted by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) or equivalent
A SARI is trained to assess racking against strict tolerances and risk categories, ensuring compliance with PUWER and HSE expectations.
Why Annual Inspections Are Essential
Warehouses experience unavoidable risks:
- Forklift impacts
- Overloading
- Incorrect beam adjustments
- Missing or inaccurate load notices
- General wear and tear
These issues can compromise structural integrity and increase the risk of collapse. An annual inspection provides:
- A full structural safety assessment
- Identification of damage and defects
- Verification of safe working loads
- Confirmation that the system remains safe for continued use
- A documented record of compliance for audits, insurers, and regulators
What SHS Racking Inspections Provides
As an independent SEMA Approved Racking Inspector, SHS delivers:
- SEMA‑aligned expert inspections
- Clear, actionable reports with risk‑categorised findings
- Accurate damage assessment using industry‑standard tolerances
- Verification of load notices and system configuration
- Compliance assurance with PUWER, HSE, and SEMA guidelines
Our inspections are thorough, impartial, and designed to support safe, efficient warehouse operations.
With over two decades of experience in the design, supply, and installation of various racking and shelving systems from multiple manufacturers, I possess specialised expertise in Mecalux systems, Apex, Link51, Kardex Stow, Hi-Lo, Dexion, Redirack, and AR racking systems, among others. This expertise enables me to deliver comprehensive, expert, and precise assessments of your storage systems, environment, and operational practices.
I provide an independent Racking Inspection Service devoid of any conflicts of interest, as I do not engage in the repair or maintenance of storage racks and derive no financial benefit from such activities.
Should works be required I can offer recommendations of trusted reliable contractors who can assist.
Clients can expect an easily interpretable and detailed report that adheres to SEMA's latest reporting guidelines.
I pride myself on delivering a swift and efficient service with competitive fixed pricing, subject to site conditions, and a two-month reminder for your subsequent annual inspection. Additionally, I offer the option to schedule inspections a year in advance to maintain compliance seamlessly.
Onsite Rack Safety Awareness Training is also available, along with an emergency out-of-hours service, which is contingent on location and the extent of the site.
Inspections are conducted for a wide range of systems, including Pallet Racking, Cantilever Racking (up to 5 meters in height), Drive-In Racking, Push Back and Gravity Racking, as well as Shelving Systems and Industrial Mezzanine Floors.
It is important to note that the S.A.R.I (SEMA Approved Racking Inspector) qualification is the sole certification recognised by the Health and Safety Executive and insurance providers.
Advantages of Using an Independent Inspector
1. Impartial, Unbiased Assessment
SHS Racking Inspections is completely independent. We do not sell racking, repairs, or maintenance services. This ensures:
- No upselling
- No conflict of interest
- Recommendations based solely on safety and compliance
2. Higher Technical Competence
Independent specialists typically hold advanced qualifications such as SARI status. This provides:
- Deep understanding of racking design and tolerances
- Ability to identify subtle or hidden defects
- Confidence that inspections meet industry best practice
3. Stronger Legal & Insurance Protection
An independent expert inspection provides:
- Documented evidence of compliance
- A defensible position in the event of an incident
- Assurance that PUWER obligations are being met
4. Improved Safety Culture
Independent inspections help reinforce safe working practices by:
- Highlighting misuse or unsafe loading
- Ensuring load notices are correct
- Supporting operational improvements and staff awareness
5. Clear, Actionable Reporting
Our reports provide:
- Risk‑categorised findings (Green, Amber, Red)
- Prioritised actions
- Photographic evidence
- A baseline for future inspections
Summary
Annual pallet racking inspections are a legal requirement and a critical part of maintaining a safe warehouse environment. Using an independent, qualified inspector ensures:
- Full compliance with PUWER, HSE, and SEMA
- Accurate and unbiased assessment
- Reduced risk of accidents and downtime
- Clear documentation for audits and insurers
- A safer workplace for your team
SHS Racking Inspections provides professional, independent, SEMA‑approved inspections across the UK.