Racking Design Code
Racking Design Code
When planning your warehouse, you need a racking design which improves efficiencies, maximises your storage capacity and increases productivity. However, another critical factor is making sure your structure is also safe.
Your racking installation is a critical engineering structure. Ideally, it should meet several criteria: suitability for the intended purpose, longevity, and reliability. Achieving this is not a tall order, but ensuring your system meets standards requires adherence to a racking design code.
Design codes are specialist, but their purpose is simple. They guide racking suppliers on how to do the structural analysis, the types of loads you must consider, how to test components and what factors of safety you require. They will also ensure that the racking integrates seamlessly with other equipment and meets all requirements.
When designing racking and shelving structures, SEMA members use guidance documents which ensure the rack will perform its intended role. In the UK, the quality assurance of your racking system comes from adherence to either the SEMA Code or the European Code EN 15512.
What is a SEMA Design Code?
First published in 1980, the SEMA Design Code has a long history of ensuring high safety levels for racking systems. The Code has been specifically tailored for the UK market, ensuring that storage equipment designed under these codes meets stringent safety and functionality standards. Many UK warehouses feature racking designed to this standard.
Our Technical Committee continuously reviews and updates our Design Codes to meet industry requirements. Today our Codes of Practice cover various racking, including static and mobile racking, mobile shelving, cantilever racking, and racking protection.
Of course, Design Codes are only the start of your racking’s lifespan and our technical committee provides guidance that covers the design, installation, usage and inspection stages of your racking.
KNOWLEDGE HUB
Looking for guidance on your storage equipment? Head over to our Knowledge Hub where we provide an insight into warehouse systems, industry requirements, best practice measures and how to improve safety standards.
