Many readers will have seen dramatic videos of racking collapse on YouTube and our responsibility goes further than the safe design and installation of storage equipment. It extends to proper guidance on after-care, once a racking system is in service.
The HSE has welcomed the news that SEMA is to launch a detailed reference called: The Code of Practice for the Design and Use of Racking Protection, as early as possible in 2014. This publication will be the most comprehensive in Europe.
Our major message to the end user is that rack protection should always be the last line of defence. We advocate four first forms of protection; adequate clearances, effective inspection, trained operators and proper maintenance. So in theory, physical rack protection isn’t necessary. But life’s not like that.
So what are the current guidelines and what do the proposals in the Code comprise to improve rack safety? Collectively, HSG76 on warehousing and storage, EN15512 rack design, EN 15620 Racking Tolerances Code and our SEMA Users’ Code state that protection of corner uprights should absorb 400Nm and consideration should be given to protecting internal uprights. Sadly, there is very limited information on different protection requirements, design, positioning and testing.
The 2014 SEMA Code of Practice on Rack Protection will clearly define individual responsibilities;
- Design and testing requirements
- Suppliers’ responsibilities
- Installers’ responsibilities
- Users’ responsibilities
The Code is being developed in three phases and will cover the protection of Adjustable Pallet Racking (APR) components, drive-in racking components and personnel. Phase 1 covers corner uprights, internal uprights and frame protection.
Our reference is still work in progress but the draft SEMA Code states that a protector is to be positioned and tested so that no damage is sustained to an upright after an impact. The 400Nm value will typically provide protection from a 3 tonne truck at 1.8 kmph or a 5 tonne truck at 1.4 kmph but these are relatively slow manoeuvring speeds and not working pace. Therefore 400Nm offers only limited protection. If greater protection is required a higher value should be specified. Testing will determine the location of the protection e.g. the clearance to the upright must match that of the test procedure so if tested with a 35mm gap between the upright and protection, it follows that it must be installed with a 35mm gap.
Frame protection will also provide protection to rear uprights and bracing. It is provided either relatively close to the end frame or at a certain minimum distance from the end frame. Additional corner protection is not generally necessary where frame protection is provided.
This first SEMA Code of Practice on Rack Protection will be presented to our Technical Committee in December 2013 for review and amendment and we would wish it to be available to the end user and storage industry as soon as possible in 2014.
The SEMA mantra is that rack protection should be your warehouse’s last line of defence. So review your procedures rigorously on the four first forms of protection; adequate clearances, effective inspection, trained operators and proper maintenance.
A key date for end-users’ 2013 diaries is SEMA’s Annual Health & Safety Conference on Thursday 7th November at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull. SEMA Approved Rack Inspectors (SARIs) Richard Taylor and Stewart Howard speak on establishing and maintaining a safe storage system including racking inspections and action planning.
