The Importance of Annual Shelving Inspections by SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors

Annual Shelving Inspections

In warehouses, factories, distribution centres, and countless other workspaces across the UK, racking and shelving systems are the backbone of efficient storage and logistics.

Whether you’re storing lightweight retail products or heavy industrial components, your shelving system must be safe, reliable, and fully compliant with UK regulations.

That’s where annual shelving inspections by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) come in.

Shelving Systems: Vast Across Industries

Shelving systems are used in an astonishing variety of industries – from e-commerce fulfilment centres and automotive plants to pharmaceutical labs and food production facilities.

While their applications are diverse, they all share a common requirement: the need to safely store goods, often at significant heights and weight loads.

These systems are far from uniform.

Heights can range from a few feet to towering structures up to 23 feet in height, where access equipment will be required, while weight capacities span from a few hundred kg to several tonnes. This variation makes design, installation, and regular inspection regimes absolutely essential.

Mezzanine Floor Systems: A Layer Above

A step beyond standard shelving, shelving-supported mezzanine floor systems add a second tier of storage space.

These systems increase storage density without expanding a facility’s footprint, but they also add complexity.

Mezzanine systems bear not only the static load of stored goods but also dynamic loads from foot traffic, trolleys, and even machinery. Structural integrity and compliance with safety standards are paramount here to ensure the safety and structural integrity of these storage types are not compromised by damage or excessive wear and tear.

Why Annual Inspections Are Essential

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), all work equipment – including racking and shelving – must be maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly.

The minimum recommendation for shelving inspections is annually.

This is where a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) plays a vital role.

Our SEMA approved racking inspectors are trained and certified by the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA), ensuring they follow a consistent and thorough inspection process.

Their assessments cover:

• Structural Integrity: Ensuring the shelving or racking isn’t damaged, overloaded, or at risk of collapse.
• Compliance with Manufacturer Standards: Verifying that systems meet the design and performance criteria set by manufacturers.
• Display of Safe Working Loads: Confirming that all shelving units are clearly labelled with load limits to prevent accidental overloading.
• Related health and safety observations: Ensuring the systems are not at risk of causing injuries or likely to fail and ensuring the work environment is safe and suitable for personnel on site. 

Types of Shelving Systems: From Light Duty to Heavy Duty

There are numerous shelving brands and systems available, each tailored for specific storage needs.

Some of the most popular include:

• Big Dug Shelving – Known for its cost-effective, modular light-duty and medium-duty shelving systems.
• Rapid Racking Shelving – Offers quick-assembly, flexible storage options and is a low-cost solution across industries nationwide. 
• Bito Shelving – European-made solutions with a strong emphasis on quality and customization, often used in automation-compatible storage and a regular manufacturer of shelf supported mezzanine floor systems. 
• Dexion Shelving – A household name in the industry, particularly for its industrial racking and high-capacity longspan systems such as the Constructor longspan, offering significant weight load capacities.
• Link 51 Shelving – One of the UK’s largest manufacturers, supplying heavy-duty and mezzanine-compatible shelving options for a range of purposes. 
• Apex Shelving – Apex longspan shelving is a key player in large installations up and down the UK. Their systems offer versatility and large carrying capacities for various industries from car manufacturing to high end clothing manufacturers. 

Each of these systems may be designed for different loads and applications. For example:

• Light-duty shelving might handle up to 300kg per shelf, ideal for tools, parts, or boxed items.
• Longspan shelving, on the other hand, can support 1,000kg to 2,000kg or more per shelf level, making it suitable for larger, bulkier goods in industrial settings.

With this variation in capability and application, a one-size-fits-all approach to maintenance simply doesn’t work.

SEMA Inspections: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

A SEMA Approved Racking Inspector ensures your shelving system is assessed to the highest standards in the UK.

Their detailed inspections help to:

• Identify early signs of damage, deformation, or overloading
• Reduce the risk of collapse or serious workplace injury
• Ensure clear, visible labelling of safe working loads
• Validate compliance with PUWER and other regulatory obligations
• Provide peace of mind to warehouse managers and business owners

Final Word: Safety Is Not Optional

Neglecting to inspect and maintain your shelving systems is not only a risk to your staff – it’s a legal liability.

In high-traffic environments, the potential consequences of racking failure can be catastrophic.

By investing in an annual inspection by a SEMA-approved professional, you are safeguarding your people, your inventory, and your business.

Don’t wait for a near-miss to take action. Schedule your annual racking inspection today with UK Rack Inspection, working together for a safer, more efficient workplace.