Be smart with racking installations
In the fast moving world of logistics time is money and you need to be smart with racking. If equipment within the warehouse doesn’t work, it can become a costly exercise, and this includes your racking.
Companies are increasingly aware of the importance in implementing equipment that has been designed, manufactured and supplied to the highest industry standards. Besides the crucial element of creating a safe working environment, they understand that racking will also deliver the best return on investment through increased processing speeds and improved longevity.
However, at the installation stage not everyone applies the same attitude.
When SEMA manufacturers and distributor companies supply racking, the design will come with critical installation information. For example, the number and type of floor fixings and positioning and tightening them to meet manufacturers’ tolerances.
If your installers aren’t working to the specified criteria, it can impact your warehouse on multiple levels. Firstly, if you affect the integrity of your equipment it may result in it not meeting its expected lifespan. Secondly, it could leave you at risk of failing to meet regulations. HSE guidelines on warehouse safety state that only competent people should install your racking. It is your responsibility to check.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, safety. Don’t underestimate the critical job your storage equipment plays in safely holding tonnes of product above your employees’ heads. Installing racking is a highly skilled job. The approach requires a significant level of both practical and technical knowledge at each stage to deliver on maximum safety.
As the most important aspect in completing your cycle of investment, give the installation of your equipment due recognition. Continuous training plays a critical role in delivering on this. After all, even installers with years of experience can pick up unsafe habits.
That is why we operate our SEIRS initiative. The national registration scheme that rigorously trains installers on correct installation methods in accordance with SEMA standards. Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) recognises SEIRS for their Partner Card Scheme as it meets their Construction Leadership Council (CLC) criteria. Importantly, to maintain their credentials installers must attend a refresher training course every 3 years. This ensures they refresh their knowledge with the latest safety procedures and legislation.
We’ve had plenty of installers attend our SEIRS courses who have worked on racking installations for 20 or more years. They still come away with new knowledge and skills.
If you're looking to install racking make sure you use a SEIRS registered installer! If you’d like to know more contact SEMA by emailing [email protected] or visit sema.org.uk
Matt Grierson
President, SEMA
