Cantilever racking inspections are essential to maintain smooth operations and reduce the risk of costly accidents in your merchants, warehouse or storage yard.

Cantilever racking systems are used for storing long, heavy, or irregularly shaped items such as timber, pipes, and sheet materials. Their open design, devoid of vertical obstructions, allows for easy loading and unloading, making them a preferred choice in many builder’s merchant warehouses and storage facilities.

However, to ensure rack safety and operational efficiency, regular inspections of cantilever racks are crucial.

Understanding Cantilever Racking Systems

A cantilever racking system comprises several key components:

• Upright Columns: Vertical columns provide support and stability.
• Cantilever Arms: Extend horizontally from the columns to hold the stored materials.
• Base Plates: Anchor the system to the floor, ensuring overall stability.
• Bracing: Includes horizontal and diagonal braces that enhance structural integrity by preventing lateral movements.

These systems are highly adaptable, allowing for customisation to meet specific storage needs.

However, their structural integrity can be compromised over time due to factors like overloading, accidental impacts (forklift strikes), or general wear and tear.

The Importance of Regular Inspections

Regular cantilever racking inspections are vital for several reasons:

1. Safety Assurance: Identifying and addressing potential issues early prevents accidents that could harm employees or damage inventory.
2. Regulatory Compliance: In the UK, regulations such as the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) mandate regular inspections to ensure workplace safety.
3. Longevity of Equipment: Regular maintenance and timely repairs extend the lifespan of the storage solution, providing better returns on investment.
4. Operational Efficiency: Well-maintained racking systems reduce the likelihood of unexpected failures, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operations.

UK Regulations and Guidelines

In the UK, several regulations and guidelines pertain to the inspection and maintenance of racking systems:

• PUWER 1998: Requires that work equipment, including racking systems, is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair.
• HSE’s HSG76: Provides guidance on warehousing and storage, emphasizing the need for regular inspections and maintenance of storage equipment to prevent accidents.
• SEMA Guidelines: The Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA) offers best practice guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of storage equipment, including cantilever racking systems.

Inspection Frequency and Procedures

To maintain safety and compliance, it’s recommended to implement a tiered inspection approach:

1. Daily Visual Inspections: Performed by warehouse staff to identify obvious signs of damage or misuse.
2. Weekly Inspections: Conducted by a designated Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS) to assess the condition of the racking system more thoroughly.
3. Annual Inspections: Carried out by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) to ensure comprehensive evaluation and compliance with safety standards.

Key Inspection Points

During inspections, attention should be given to:

• Structural Integrity: Check for any signs of damage, deformation, or corrosion in columns, arms, bases, and bracing.
• Load Capacity Compliance: Ensure that loading does not exceed the specified limits and that load notices are clearly displayed.
• Floor Fixings: Verify that the racking system is securely anchored to the floor.
• Alignment: Ensure that all components are properly aligned and that there are no signs of leaning or instability.
• Safety Accessories: Check the condition of any safety accessories, such as end stops or decking, to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Common Issues Identified During Cantilever Racking Inspections

Regular inspections often reveal common issues and safety risks, including:

• Overloading: Exceeding the designed load capacity, which can compromise structural integrity.
• Physical Damage: Dents, bends, or cracks resulting from impacts, often caused by forklifts or other machinery.
• Corrosion: Rust or other forms of corrosion that weaken the metal components.
• Improper Modifications: Unauthorised alterations that may affect the system’s safety and performance.

Addressing Identified Issues

Upon identifying any issues:

• Immediate Action: For severe damage (red risk), unload the affected area immediately and restrict access until repairs are made.
• Scheduled Repairs: For less critical (amber risk) issues, plan and execute repairs within a reasonable timeframe, typically within four weeks.
• Monitoring: Continue to monitor areas with minor (green risk) damages to ensure they do not deteriorate further.

Choosing a Qualified Inspector

A SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) has undergone rigorous training and is recognised as a “technically competent person” to perform expert inspections.

We provide cantilever racking inspections to companies such as Selco. Unlike other providers, we can also complete any remedial work using our in-house team without you having to engage with another contractor.

Regular inspections of cantilever racking systems are not just a regulatory requirement but a critical component of workplace safety and operational efficiency. By adhering to recommended inspection schedules and addressing identified issues promptly, businesses can maintain a safe working environment, comply with UK regulations, and ensure the longevity and reliability of their storage systems.

Do you want to have a chat to see if we can help you with your cantilever rack systems? Then contact our team, and we’ll be happy to speak with you.