Pallet Racking Inspections
Nationwide Racking Inspection Services – HSE & SEMA Compliant
Independent pallet racking inspections carried out by SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors, helping warehouses across the UK stay safe, compliant and audit-ready.
- SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors
- UK-wide single-site and multi-site coverage
- Clear RAG reports with photos and layouts
- Independent inspections with no repair sales pressure
Professional Pallet Racking Inspections Across the UK
Our SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors carry out independent pallet racking inspections for warehouses across the UK, helping businesses keep their storage systems safe, compliant and fit for continued use. From single-site warehouses to multi-site operations, we provide clear, practical guidance in line with HSE expectations.
Our pallet racking inspection service helps you to:
- Stay compliant with HSE, audit and insurance requirements
- Reduce costs by identifying issues before they become more serious
- Prevent risk by spotting damage and hazards early
- Extend system life through better maintenance and safer use
What Our Pallet Racking Inspections Include
Our pallet racking inspections are carried out by SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors and designed to help you keep your storage systems safe, compliant and fit for purpose. We work with businesses across the UK to identify damage, review system condition and highlight any issues that need attention.
Our inspections include:
- Inspection to recognised SEMA standards
- Annual pallet racking inspections to support ongoing compliance
- Ground-level visual inspections, with inspections at height available if required
- Risk assessment before inspection to ensure safe access
- Review of internal inspection records, where available
What You Receive After the Inspection
After the inspection, you will receive a detailed report that gives you a clear picture of your racking condition and any action required.
Your report includes:
- A full review of your pallet racking system and specifications
- Manufacturer details, dimensions and installation information, where available
- Damaged locations linked to your site layout
- Photographs of findings, where permitted
- Practical recommendations for repairs and damage prevention
- A Red, Amber, Green summary in line with SEMA damage classifications
How Our Pallet Racking Inspection Service Works
We keep the process straightforward, practical and tailored to your site. From first enquiry to final report, our aim is to make your pallet racking inspection as clear and efficient as possible.
Request a quote
Tell us a little about your site, and we will recommend the right pallet racking inspection for your operation.
We plan your inspection
We schedule the inspection around your site and working pattern to keep disruption to a minimum.
On-site inspection
A qualified SARI inspector carries out the inspection in line with recognised industry standards and site requirements.
Receive your report and next steps
You get a detailed report with clear findings, damage classifications and practical guidance on what to prioritise next.
Independent Inspections, Unbiased Reporting
As an independent inspection and training provider, our focus is on giving you clear, impartial advice based on the condition of your racking system. We do not use inspections to sell remedial works or replacement components, so our recommendations are based on safety, compliance and risk, not follow-on sales.
That means you can have confidence that your pallet racking inspection report is accurate, proportionate and focused on what your site actually needs.
Customers We Have Carried Out Inspections For
Why Businesses Choose UK Rack Inspection
- SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors
- Independent inspections and training provider
- Over 30 years of storage industry experience
- Clear, practical RAG reporting
- Nationwide service for single and multi-site operations
- Specialist capability including cold store, mezzanine and cantilever systems
Racking Manufacturers We Commonly Inspect
We regularly inspect pallet racking from leading manufacturers including Dexion, Link 51, RediRack, Mecalux, Stow and SSI Schaefer.
FREE Racking Inspection Checklist No Email Required
Looking for a FREE racking inspection checklist you can use straight away? You’re in the right place.
We’ve created a simple, printable racking inspection tick sheet to help warehouse managers and safety officers carry out internal pallet racking inspections quickly and confidently. And unlike many others, we don’t ask for your email address or any personal details to download it.
What Our Clients Say
Pallet Racking Inspections FAQS
Why do I need to have a racking inspection?
Racking and storage equipment falls under PUWER (provision and use of work equipment regulations) and is advised to be checked at least annually by a technically competent person of which an SEMA-approved inspector satisfies this requirement. HSE documentation also relating to the recommendation to have an annual professional racking inspection is:
- HSG76 – Warehousing and storage – A guide to health and safety
- Workplace health, safety and welfare regulations 1992
An annual racking inspection will ensure that your racking has been installed to manufacturer specifications, has plausible weight loading information displayed, is correct and used correctly for its current application, and is in good serviceable condition.
Are racking inspections a legal requirement in the UK?
Yes, racking inspections are a legal requirement in the UK under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other associated regulations, such as the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). These laws mandate that all work equipment, including pallet racking systems, must be safe to use and regularly maintained. Failure to comply can lead to legal penalties, accidents, and downtime.
For a detailed overview of the regulations and why compliance is essential, read our comprehensive article on whether racking inspections are a legal requirement in the UK. It provides clear guidance on the standards you must meet to ensure safety and legality in your warehouse.
Why is regular pallet racking inspection essential?
Regular pallet racking inspections are crucial to ensure workplace safety, compliance with regulations, and the longevity of your racking systems. Over time, racks can suffer from damage caused by forklifts, overloaded shelves, or general wear and tear, potentially leading to collapse if left unchecked. By conducting routine inspections, you can identify and address these issues early, avoiding costly repairs or downtime.
To make the process easier, we’ve created an essential pallet racking inspection checklist that outlines the key steps and areas to examine during inspections. This checklist is a valuable resource for maintaining safe and efficient storage systems, ensuring your operations run smoothly.
How does proper pallet placement improve racking system safety?
Proper pallet placement is vital for maintaining the safety and efficiency of your racking systems. Incorrectly positioned pallets can cause uneven weight distribution, leading to instability and an increased risk of collapse. Additionally, poor placement practices can result in damaged racks and hinder the smooth flow of operations.
To learn more about the best practices for safe and effective pallet placement, you can check out our detailed guide on the importance of pallet placement in racking systems. This article provides practical advice and insights to help you optimise your storage setup and reduce potential risks in your warehouse.
Prioritising proper pallet placement keeps your racking systems safe and your operations running smoothly!
What are the benefits of using a SEMA approved inspector?
- We will ensure compatibility and suitability of your storage equipment
- Fully Approved Inspectors as recognised by the HSE
- We Carry out an in depth inspection process in order to provide you with a fully detailed report with locations and remedial actions listed
- Enable you to achieve and maintain compliance with regards to Health and safety legislations & PUWER regulations.
- Check that your racking installation has been installed to manufacturer specifications
- Ensure load notices are in line and relevant to the racking current configurations
- Offer guidance on areas that may be showing signs of repetitive damages, capturing areas before damages requiring replacement components
- Assess the pallet and pallet load suitability on site
- Offer guidance on rack related health and safety issues, keeping you up to date with regulations
- Give an in depth specification of the storage equipment
- Full client debrief following the inspection where recordings can be found and guidance given
Aren’t all racking inspectors SEMA approved anyway?
The answer is no.
Our advice is to always ask for the inspectors SARI number of which is an individual identification number assigned to each SEMA approved inspector, this should be identifiable on your racking inspection report also.
Furthermore, there are PUWER racking inspectors offering a damage report only style of report. Our concern with this type of inspection is a questionable compliance and that vital installation or health and safety issues would likely not be identified.
Our view is that if you are looking for a racking inspector why would you not want a full audit from a qualified inspector opposed to a brief overview.
Should a racking inspection be carried out annually only?
A racking inspection should be undertaken on an annual basis, when racks have been moved, or reconfigured.
Should repairs or installations be undertaken by a none SEMA approved installer (SIERS) it is advised that an inspection be carried out before the system is used to ensure it has been built or repaired to standard.
In house inspections should also be carried out by trained personnel at regular intervals throughout the year in between annual professional inspections.
The personnel should attend a racking awareness course and have a certified level of competence, they may then undertake your internal inspections of which should be recorded to satisfy auditor and HSE requirements.
Will any guidance or assistance be given after the inspection?
We strive to offer a great aftercare service to our customers and in doing so have built relationships up and down the country.
We are always on hand to offer help and guidance to ensure you are always one step ahead of all things rack related.
Although we work as a fully independent inspection company we do have highly recommended contacts within the storage industry of whom are all certified SEMA members offering repairs and installations.
This information can be given should you request any repairs or installations after your inspection.
Why should I use UK rack inspection for my annual racking inspection?
The UK rack inspection team have been in the storage industry for over 30 years, building expertise, knowledge and assisting customers across the UK. We then looked to build something of our own to be able to offer a next level service we feel is vital for our customers. Our experience has enabled us to have an insight as to what we must do to be the best we possibly can.
We are and we will:
- Accredited In House SEMA Approved Inspectors (SARI)
- Offer clear and concise reporting to customers
- Communicate any immediate actionable findings whilst leaving a RED risk report with our site contact when required
- Independent SEMA Inspectors to prevent conflict of interest
- Inspect to detailed SEMA standards
- Offer damage prevention recommendations where necessary
- Ensure racking has been installed and is being used to manufacturer specifications and recommendations
- Be on hand for any assistance required after the inspection has been submitted
Do you carry out racking inspections across the whole of the UK?
Yes, we travel across the whole of the UK to carry out racking inspections for a wide range of businesses.
Due to our Midlands base, we have a large number of clients in the following areas: Birmingham, Manchester, Coventry, Derby, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Redditch, Stoke, Tamworth, Telford and Wolverhampton.
However, we are more than willing to travel further afield and often do.