Within warehousing and storage facilities, maintaining safe working practices is essential for the welfare of staff, the general public and protecting inventory.
Sectors that handle vast quantities of stock and heavy loads should ensure racking systems adhere to safe working loads (SWL) in order to avoid equipment failure. Not only would this lead to significant loss of expenses in repairs, lost inventory and hefty fines, but it can be incredibly dangerous and cause irreparable damage.
The Definition of Safe Working Loads (SWL)
A safe working load dictates the maximum weight limit that a racking system can withstand without risk of damage or collapse. The safe working load is calculated by dividing the minimum breaking load (MBL) by a safety factor (SF). Each racking system should be designed to accommodate the load requirements while maintaining the integrity of the unit.
Understanding Loads and Limitations
Within the UK, there is little regulation surrounding racking systems, but rather suggested guidance set by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), which is followed as standard. Despite having no legal requirements applied to businesses, there are still regulatory frameworks in place that commercial premises should follow in order to avoid expensive fines.
PUWER (Provision and Use of Workplace Equipment Regulations)
This regulation focuses on ensuring equipment is safe and suitable for its intended use, following relevant health and safety measures.
SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association)
The SEMA guidelines ensure that storage equipment follows certain elements regarding design, installation and capabilities. They offer training and support in order to facilitate safety in the workplace, with ongoing routine inspections.
SEIRS (Storage Equipment Installers Registration Scheme)
SEIRS is an accredited curriculum that focuses on safety courses in the understanding and installation of racking systems. There are foundational courses through to installation managerial positions.
Despite not being legally enforced, if found to be following improper practices, HSE can take the HSG76 framework and SEMA codes as proof to penalise the company.
Implementing Safe Practices in the Workplace
In order to comply with codes of conduct, safe working loads must be considered throughout the entire process, especially when each business has its own specifications and requirements.
Before racking is implemented on the premises, a sufficient site survey should be completed with a thorough risk assessment to detail layout plans and understand pinch points or bottlenecks in the warehouse. Once assessed, racking systems can be designed and installed based on SEMA and PUWER guidelines.
Load Notices
A load notice is an SEMA-compliant sign that should be installed on all racking systems. As stated within the HSE HSG76 document, it references that “Racking should have a clear unambiguous sign securely fixed”. It also complies with legal legislation, Safety Signs and Signals 1996, which dictates that signs must be clear and legible, identify hazards, and emergency protocols.
A racking load notice sign must include the following:
- Elements in accordance with Safety Signs and Signals regulations
- Description of the signage
- Maximum load per beam level
- Height distance from the top beam to the next level
- Height distance from the base plate to the first level
- Maximum safe working load, including the entire system
- Emergency protocols
- Additional information from the racking supplier
Racking Inspections
Inspections of storage racking follow the PUWER regulations and require a technically competent individual to inspect racking systems every 12 months. Typically, this will be conducted by a SEMA-qualified inspector who will check the unit and grade them by a traffic light system.
Green: No risk and within tolerances
Amber: Must be replaced within four weeks or upgraded to red status
Red: Should be unloaded immediately
Alongside recognising the physical inspection of the racking system, an inspector will highlight if safe working loads are being breached.
What Safe Working Load Do I Require?
Racking systems will vary in their size and maximum load range. For example, heavy-duty racking systems are capable of handling loads over 10,000kg per level. Whereas, cantilever racking arms have a SWL of 2,500kg.
A knowledgeable and reputable racking supplier can provide you the safe working loads for your specific requirements and system, ensuring that you stay within regulatory guidelines and deliver utmost safety for the workplace. Not every storage racking system is made equal, so it’s imperative to comply with the guidelines set by manufacturers and suppliers.
Put Safety First with Secure Prodek Racking Systems
At Prodek, our client’s safety is the backbone of our company vision, with a wealth of experience providing site surveys, design services, accredited installation and racking inspections across the nation. We always adhere to guidelines and regulations, focusing on establishing compliant storage solutions that withstand everyday workflow.
For further information and guidance regarding your project requirements and safe working loads (SWL), enquire with our experts at Prodek today.