With the number of parts being held in stock ready for resale, where are these parts being stored? The use of racking systems within warehouses has become a typical arrangement. However, this can bring its own safety considerations. With many different racking options available, what really needs to be considered? Michelle Pitkin, a Compliance Officer and Chair of the IOSH Fire Risk Management Group (FRMG) discusses the key elements you should consider when using racking within the workplace as storage.
Types of racking systems
There a many types of racking available on the market but one thing that they should all be is suitable for the items being stored and the environment in which they are installed in, but can we install racking anywhere we want? Well, no.
So where should racking be installed?
When looking at placement for racking, you should first carry out a risk assessment of the area. Things to consider are:
- Avoiding tight corners
- Awkwardly placed doors, pillars
- Uneven surfaces
- Changes of gradient
- Space for loading and unloading
- What is to be stored, and how much-quantity and load
You should also consider What factors can affect the safety of racking and the system selected; this can include:
- Type of racking – is it suitable for the items being stored?
- Load capacity – can the racking hold the quantity/load you wish to store?
- Location of racking – where is the racking located, and what activities are taking place around the racking?
- Access to the racking – how are items placed/removed?
- What is being stored? – Is the racking suitable for the items, are pallets suitable for racking?
- Working environment – what is happening around the racking; work activities, people?
- Pedestrian access/egress & Pedestrian/vehicle segregation – these should be separate, defined, and clearly marked with clear and unambiguous safety signs at key points.
So how do you ensure that your racking is suitable, sufficient and safe to use?
Racking inspections
Racking should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that it is still suitable for the items being stored and to ensure that it is safe to use.
The frequency of inspections depends on a variety of factors that are particular to the site and should be determined by a nominated ‘person responsible for racking safety’ (PRRS); this will take into account the working environment, working conditions, equipment used and personnel involved.
The PRRS (person responsible for racking safety) “should ensure that inspections are made at weekly or other regular intervals based on risk assessment.” (HSG76- warehousing and storage)
There are three types of inspection:
- Immediate reporting of damage and defects; you should have an incident reporting system in place which allows for any damages to be reported.
- Visual inspections at regular intervals; these could be weekly or other regular intervals based on risk assessment and could be visual checks looking for any damage or areas of concern.
- ‘Expert’ inspections are carried out at intervals by a competent person; a technically competent person should carry out inspections at intervals of not more than 12 months. A written report should be submitted to the PRRS with observations and proposals for any action necessary.
Inspections will include key areas of the racking, such as:
- Is the racking loose?
- Is the racking dented?
- Is the racking twisted?
- Is a component missing?
- Is a component rusting?
Training
For training, there are plenty of racking inspection courses available, so ensure that the one you choose is right for you, your environment and the racking you have; some offered are on inspection, damage and repair, installation and management.
Please take a look at the following:
https://www.racktraininginspections.co.uk
https://therackgroup.com/services/rack-training
SWL signage
Every racking system has a load limit which should never be exceeded. Overloading a racking system can result in a catastrophic failure of the entire system, leading to worker injuries, property damage, and even death. Other factors affecting racking safety include the use of damaged or worn components, poor installation, inadequate training, and improper use; all of thee should be picked up on your inspections.
For further information, go to www.sema.org.uk/load-notices for more information.
