Why Rack Safety Inspections?
Rack Safety protects material handling equipment (MHE) investments. A logistics business depend on low risk operations to protect small margin profit growth. Warehouse storage racks are core MHE, like pallet jacks, forklifts and staff they need to be managed with safety in mind. Untrained staff lead to personal accident, insurance claims, missus of electrical jacks and trucks lead to damage to racks, and damaged racks lead to catastrophic disasters that can be critical to the logistic business. Maintain best safety and training practices to secure profits in your logistics business.
Warehouse staff trained in rack safety inspections will detect and report material handling equipment damage early for prompt repair. A jack or truck operator is unlikely report damage to a rack column or beam they have caused. Training supervisory staff to look out for damage in the course of their duties or as a stand-alone task like inventory cycle count (ICC), after peak periods of work and prior to closing shifts to hand over warehouse stations to the next crew, will reduce risk and workplace delays in your logistics business.
Warehouse racks are built with strong high tensile steel that can support large amounts of weight. Even a minor dent in the steel structure, such as in a column or beam, can weaken its ability to carry loads. Over time, or with an additional impact, this weakened spot can cause the entire structure to collapse. Such a collapse can destroy equipment, damage clients’ goods, cause work delays, and pose serious safety risks. Keep your business safe by regularly conducting internal rack safety checks and scheduling annual reviews by independent inspectors. Instead of waiting for damage reports to act, use these yearly inspections to confirm the effectiveness of your safety measures.
Benefits of Rack Safety Inspection.
The rack inspection industry offers services related to the safety and maintenance of storage racks, including pallet racking and warehouses. Qualified and experienced inspectors conduct rack inspections, adhering to standards and guidelines set by professional associations like SEMA (UK) and RMI (US). “Rack inspection services play a crucial role in helping warehouse managers minimize risks from damaged or faulty racks, comply with health and safety laws, and boost their operation’s efficiency and productivity. These services generally involve:
- A visual check of the rack’s structure and parts.
- Recording any issues found, with photos and a comprehensive report.
- Advice on preventing or fixing damage.
- Certifying the inspection with official documents.
Typically, an external specialist conducts these inspections once or twice a year. However, it’s also important to have regular checks by the warehouse’s own trained staff. Since staff might hesitate to report issues involving themselves or colleagues, having an independent third-party conduct rack inspections is vital for the safety of everyone and everything in the warehouse.
Rack Safety Inspections: Ensuring Warehouse Security at what cost?
A rack safety inspection is a crucial service that assesses the condition and safety of storage racks, including pallet racking, within warehouses and other facilities. The cost of such inspections can vary based on several factors:
- Size and Complexity: The scale and intricacy of the installation impact the overall cost.
- Location and Service Availability: Different regions may have varying rates for these inspections.
- Standards and Regulations: Compliance with safety standards and regulations influences pricing.
Let’s explore two companies that offer rack safety inspections:
- Brandon Surveys (UK):
- Brandon Surveys, a UK-based company, provides comprehensive rack safety inspections and related services.
- Their pricing structure varies:
- Small installations start at approximately £400.00 + VAT.
- Larger installations (up to 10,000 pallet locations) can cost up to £990.00 + VAT.
- Rack Safety (SEA) Private Limited (Singapore):
- Based in Singapore, Rack Safety (SEA) offers personalized services.
- Rather than fixed prices, they provide free quotations tailored to each client’s specific requirements and specifications.
- Additionally, they offer discounts for repeat customers and referrals.
Another valuable service from Rack Safety (SEA) Private Limited is the “Rack Safety Inspection”. This annual inspection swiftly evaluates adjustable pallet racking systems, ensuring compliance with safety requirements. Conducted by a SEMA-certified inspector, this service prioritizes safety without compromising efficiency. While the exact cost isn’t specified, the focus remains on safeguarding your logistics business. Remember, investing in regular rack safety inspections not only protects your equipment but also contributes to the overall well-being of your warehouse operations.
Who are Rack Safety Inspectors?
As a Rack Safety Inspector, it’s essential to possess the necessary knowledge and skills for conducting thorough inspections of storage equipment, spotting any potential risks or flaws. Additionally, you must hold a professional qualification that meets industry standards. One such credential is the SEMA Approved Rack Inspector (SARI) certification. This intensive three-day course encompasses:
- Understanding the legal framework governing racking safety.
- Learning about the various types and components of racking systems.
- Identifying the causes and consequences of rack damage.
- Mastering the techniques and instruments used for rack inspections.
- Knowing how to properly report and document the findings of an inspection.
To earn the SARI certification, candidates must successfully pass both a written test and a hands-on practical evaluation. For more details on the course and registration procedures, visit the SEMA website. Prerequisites for entering the field of rack safety inspection include practical experience in warehouse settings, proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and familiarity with data gathering and reporting tools.
Staff or independent contractors are not required to hold SARI certification for conducting rack safety inspections in warehouses or other commercial settings where rack storage is used for material handling. However, in the United Kingdom (UK), large commercial warehouse facilities have a legal obligation under UK health and safety legislation. Failure to comply could result in prosecution by the UK Health and Safety Executive.
In Singapore, while there’s no specific legal requirement for rack safety inspections, companies could still face prosecution by the Ministry of Manpower if they don’t adhere to the standards set by the “Workplace Health and Safety Act”. Therefore, it’s crucial for logistics and warehouse companies to maintain their racking systems properly and to follow best safety practices. This includes keeping thorough documentation of rack inspections, their findings, and any corrective measures implemented.
