Summary
• Delaying maintenance of racking is high risk.
• Merchants routinely get racking damage highlighted by council officials and health and safety inspectors.
• Red risks require the immediate offloading of goods from the racking.

In these tough and challenging economic times it is understandable that many merchant organisations have had to delay the purchase of any new storage equipment for their warehouse or yard. What is more concerning, however, is the fact that in many cases this also applies to the ongoing maintenance of existing racks.

This is without doubt entering into high risk territory, as ignoring any damage to the main structural components of racking within a yard or warehouse environment with pedestrian access by both employees and customers exposes people to potentially very serious health and safety incidents.

As a manufacturer of storage products for the timber and builders merchant sectors for over 45 years, Stakapal has built up a lot of experience when it comes to on-site rack inspections. We employ qualified SARI’S (Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association approved racking inspectors) and undertake inspections on a regular basis.

We are pleased to report that overall there has been a general improvement in terms of timber companies recognising the need for regular inspection of their storage equipment either by in-house personnel or an appropriately qualified external provider. Nevertheless, there are many companies that have still chosen to ignore the danger signs or undertake regular inspections. Over the years we’ve come across some truly horrendous sights.

It is quite a common occurrence for Stakapal to receive calls from merchants who have recently received a visit from their local environmental health officer from the local council or a Health & Safety Executive inspector who has highlighted the fact that the racks in their yard or warehouse are damaged and require immediate action. In addition, racking often does not have the appropriate load signage displayed which also puts them at a distinct disadvantage in the eyes of the inspector.

If the inspection reveals ‘Red Risks’ you will be required to offload the affected area immediately in order to repair or replace the racking. We have therefore outlined a checklist for cantilever racking ‘Red Risks’ that any merchant should consider for the safety of their site.