SEMA Approved Racking Inspector
What is a SARI?
Have you heard of a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector but not sure what is a SARI?
To meet safety standards, SEMA and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advocates a rigorous approach to rack inspection and repair through a regime of daily, weekly, and annual (expert) inspections. The main reason for a racking inspection is checking the equipment’s condition and ensuring it complies with legal requirements. It will also verify the correct installation of the equipment. An Expert Inspection is conducted at least once a year, completing the inspection process. This is in accordance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.
What is a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector?
A SEMA Approved Racking Inspector is a highly qualified professional. Their primary role is to complete SEMA's quality circle through storage systems and pallet racking inspections at end-users' premises. They assess racking and storage conditions, provide reports and recommendations, ensuring safe working environments.
The SEMA Approved Rack Inspector Qualification is for individuals who inspect storage equipment as a significant part of their duties. To achieve the required standard, they must successfully pass an intensive 2-part SARI course, a written examination and a practical assessment. The qualified inspector must also commit to a programme of ongoing CPD points (Continuous Professional Development) to maintain the qualification.
What is a SARI Inspection?
It is worth noting that there are two very different types of warehouse racking available. A damage only racking inspection provides a list of damaged items and their location. Whereas the SARI inspection goes much further to include suitability and compatibility of the equipment, rack configuration type and manufacturer and a general identification of components. It will also check that the Load Notices specifically applies to the rack that it's fixed to. This becomes a problem when racking is moved or altered.
The SARI inspection report will classify any issues using a traffic light system to indicate damage categorisations, damage locations and actions required and over what timescale:
Red risk areas identifies high levels of damage and pallet racking should be immediately offloaded and put out of use.
An Amber risk indicates where damage is sufficiently severe to warrant remedial work but does not require immediate offloading. The pallet positions in this area must then be emptied, and only refilled once repairs are complete. Racking repairs have to be carried out within four weeks, or an Amber risk item automatically becomes a Red risk.
In Green areas damage falls within SEMA limits but recorded for further consideration at the next racking inspection. Green does not mean the damage is acceptable and you should not ignore it.
If your racking system has been supplied by a SEMA Member Company they should also have approved SEMA Approved Rack inspectors who can provide the full service.
KNOWLEDGE HUB
Looking for guidance on your storage equipment and warehouse racking systems? Head over to our Knowledge Hub where we provide an insight into warehouse systems, industry requirements, best practice measures and how to improve rack safety standards.
