Load Notices

Load Notices

SEMA racking load notices are an essential component for maintaining a safe and efficient warehouse environment. Correct loading of a racking system is essential for reducing workplace accidents and the potential for a racking collapse. 

As outlined in HSG76: Warehousing and Storage – A Guide to Health and Safety, the HSE requires that “Racking should have a clear unambiguous notice securely fixed to it, stating the maximum load together with any necessary specified load configurations.” The guidance documents also refer to the SEMA publication on Load Notices. 

As well as giving information about the Safe Working Load (SWL) of the racking, the Load Notice  also gives important instructions and information about the general usage of the racking.  It should comply with safety legislation such as the Health & Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. These regulations require that the safety sign must follow certain rules, for example, concerning the shape and colour of the sign. 

What are SEMA Racking Load Notices?

The SEMA Load Notice is the easiest way for an employer to:

  • Comply with HSE recommendations
  • Satisfy their legal obligation to supply the information about the safe operation of the racking 
  • Follow the safety sign legislation 

The SEMA Load Notice has been designed to provide crucial information about the maximum permissible loads that can be safely storage on that particular rack. It also gives out main safety messages, delivers key pieces of specific information and is easy to read for workers on the shop floor. Warehouse owners should be aware that the SEMA load notice does not give every last piece of safety information and does not in any way replace formal training. 

Image courtesy BSE Ltd

A typical SEMA Load Notice is split into three parts; 

  1. General safety instructions apply to all storage equipment and include instructions and warnings. This section is a reminder to warehouse users of correct behaviour in this environment. It’s a good idea to understand these as they apply to all types of storage equipment.
     
  2. Specific information gives information that is relevant to the particular installation and is intended to make sure that the equipment is loaded within its limitations.
  3. Administrative information provides the supplier’s contact details.

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