When it comes to workplace safety, understanding and complying with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), is critical for every business with industrial equipment in operation, including storage and racking systems. For companies in the UK that manage warehouses, manufacturing assembly lines, or logistic facilities, PUWER ensures that compliance is adhered to for equipment that is both reliable and safe.
What Is PUWER?
PUWER places legal duties on businesses and individuals who own, operate, or control work equipment. The regulations ensure that all equipment in the workplace meets certain requirements, which include:
- Is the equipment suitable for its intended purpose?
- Is it safe to use and efficiently maintained?
- Will the equipment only be used by employees who have received adequate training?
- Is the system equipped with appropriate health and safety measures, such as guards, emergency stops, and clear warning signs?
PUWER encompasses a broad range of equipment, from machinery and tools to racking systems and specialised vehicles used in the workplace, which all must fall within specified parameter guidelines.
Why PUWER Matters for Storage and Racking Systems?
Failure to meet PUWER regulations can lead to serious consequences, including injury, legal action, financial penalties, and reputational damage. Beyond compliance, adhering to PUWER promotes employee and asset protection, a culture of workplace safety, and reassures clients that your business operates to the highest professional standard.
For racking system suppliers, remaining PUWER compliant is not just about internal operations, but also setting standards in the industry that reflect reliability and a high calibre of care.
Key PUWER Requirements for Businesses With Racking Systems
Ensure Equipment is Suitable for Its Intended Use
Racking systems must be designed, constructed, or adapted to safely withstand safe working loads, including general wear and tear.
- The racking must be suitable for the type of goods and pallet configurations being used.
- Load capacities must be clearly labelled and adhered to.
- Systems should be stable and properly anchored, particularly for high vertical units or narrow aisle variants.
Inappropriate or overloaded racking can collapse, causing serious injury and damage to inventory, infrastructure or people.
Maintain Racking In Good Condition
Under PUWER, racking and storage equipment must be kept in efficient working order and undergo regular inspections, alerting when there are signs of defects.
- Regular visual inspections for damage, corrosion, or misalignment.
- Immediate action when defects or impact damage are found, resulting in systems being removed from operation if given a red label.
- Conducting annual inspections in accordance with SEMA guidelines, ensuring repairs are completed by a qualified engineer.
- New equipment must be inspected upon installation.
An up-to-date maintenance log is essential for safety, compliance, and insurance validation.
Provide Sufficient Training
All staff who engage with racking systems, whether warehouse operatives or forklift drivers, must be supplied with the correct tools required to safely undertake their job role.
- Employees must be informed about racking load limits and proper use.
- Individuals should be trained to report damage and follow safety protocols.
- Given clear operating instructions, particularly when manual handling or mobile racking systems are used.
Training should also include emergency procedures in the event of a racking collapse or related incident.
Implement Protective Measures
To comply with PUWER regulations, businesses must put safeguards in place to prevent accidents involving work equipment. For racking systems, this includes:
- Rack protection barriers to guard against vehicle impact.
- End-of-aisle protectors and upright guards.
- Safe operating zones are marked on floors to separate individuals from machinery.
- Train users in the safe operation of motorised mechanisms.
Where high-density racking is manually adjusted or involves motorised moving components, emergency stops and isolating controls may be required.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintaining accurate and easily accessible records is a key requirement under PUWER, and is particularly important in the racking industry for the maintenance of equipment for workplace safety. Documentation should be recorded for the following procedures:
- Inspections should be conducted in the form of daily visual checks, weekly operational reviews, or formal annual inspections conducted by a competent professional.
- Repairs and maintenance work should detail what work was carried out, at what date, and by who, along with any parts replaced or corrective actions taken.
- Staff training and equipment guidelines should be regularly updated, ensuring that all employees on site have received the most appropriate training.
These records not only help demonstrate legal compliance in the event of a Health & Safety Executive (HSE) audit or investigation, but also form the foundation for effective risk management, accident prevention, and continuous operational improvement.
Remain PUWER Compliant With Prodek Racking Systems
At Prodek, safe and durable racking systems are our top priority, providing touchpoints across the entire pipeline, from initial site audits and design to full-service installations. With a wide range of racking systems, our team endeavours to find the perfect system for your bespoke needs.
We provide thorough racking inspections through SEMA-approved inspectors, ensuring your business adheres to compliance and is set up for success from the start. For further information and guidance regarding your project requirements and our external racking units, enquire with our experts at Prodek today.