SEIRS Training FAQ

No, a racking installer does not need a SEIRS qualification to undertake pallet racking installations. However, as stricter health and safety measures are put into place, the need for project managers, site managers and end users to check the credentials of their installers is significantly growing.

Being SEIRS qualified offers customers great reassurance, showcasing your professionalism and confirming that you have been assessed to the highest industry standards. This qualification demonstrates your ability to adhere to SEMA codes and guidelines, ensuring the delivery of safe and reliable installation services.

In 2021, we changed the SEIRS training programme, this decision was mostly driven by industry stakeholders, installers and installation companies, end users and our SEMA members.

The previous SEIRS programme was effectively a 1-day classroom course which focused on health & safety aspects covering relevant topics that were associated with the installation of racking. There was very little practical element.  The above stakeholders, and very specifically the installation community, were questioning how qualified some individuals were after only attending a classroom course with no hands-on practical exercise or assessment process.  More to the point they could attend a 1-day classroom course, and on completion obtain a SEIRS card that for many was interpreted as a qualified installer!

The new SEIRS programme starts to address these concerns through a new, two-part process which is far more rigorous and assesses installers to check their knowledge. There are four SEIRS cards in total: trainee, full SEIRS, Supervisor and Installation Manager.

You will need to take our SEIRS Foundation – Part 1 course. This introduction course is mainly classroom-based and instructs installers on generic and industry-specific health and safety issues.

You don’t need any pre-qualifications for this unless you would like a SEIRS CSCS card which you need to complete the CITB Health Safety and Environment test and submit your Score Report.

On successfully completing the course, you will be awarded the SEIRS Trainee card which is valid for only six months. This period enables the trainee to develop and enhance their skill sets on site while working under supervision.

You complete your SEIRS installer training by attending the SEIRS Diploma level. This is a two-day course which includes a mixture of classroom-based theory and a significant practical element. As part of a small team-based assessment, day two will require the installer to erect and dismantle the storage equipment using mechanically assisted build methods.

Before you attend the course you will need to complete the MEWPS 3A and 3B qualification. If you require a SEIRS CSCS you will need to complete the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test and submit your Score Report.

On successfully passing a thorough assessment process, they are awarded a full SEIRS card which is valid for five years.

A CSCS card provides quick confirmation for a project or site manager that the worker holds the necessary qualifications to work on their site and ensure they meet legislation.

Racking installations are seen as a specialist skill and, if a CSCS card is required, you can only gain access to the site by holding a SEIRS CSCS card.

To receive a SEIRS card you will to specifically apply for the CSCS qualification and then complete both our SEIRS Foundation – Part 1 and SEIRS Diploma Course – Part 2 courses. You must also pass the appropriate CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.

If you are not already a SEIRS qualified installer you will first need to complete the SEIRS Foundation – Part 1 which is a one-day course. Approximately six months (depending on skill level), you will then need to undertake the two-day SEIRS Diploma Course – Part 2 course. On successfully passing the assessment you will be awarded your full SEIRS card.

You will then need to successfully complete the SEIRS Supervisors Course which is a one-day course. This course covers safety procedures and legislation involved

in the construction of Pallet Racking storage equipment to enable delegates to work safely on sites and supervise small to medium-sized installation teams.

You can become a SEIRS qualified installation manager by completing the one-day SEIRS Installation Manager course. The course covers all relevant legislation and other aspects which affect safe working whilst installing pallet racking storage equipment. Highlights the need for risk assessments and method statements within the working environment, the implementation of necessary control measures, and adequate communication to sustain a health and safety culture among the workforce.

Before attending the course you will need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test at the Manager/Professional level.

Yes, all SEIRS courses apart from the SEIRS Foundation – Part 1  will involve  a rack climb.