Pallet Racking Inspections
An annual inspection by a SARI qualified inspector is the only way to keep your adjustable pallet racking compliant with HSG76, BS EN 15635 and PUWER. We deliver thorough, independent inspections and reports your team can act on without wading through jargon.
Tell us about your warehouse and we’ll come back within one working day with a price.
A pallet racking inspection isn’t just walking the aisles. Our inspectors work to the SEMA Codes of Practice and HSG76, checking every part of the system that contributes to its structural integrity:
Every defect we find is logged against the SEMA traffic light scale so your team knows exactly what needs to happen, and how urgently.
Severe damage that requires the affected location to be offloaded and isolated immediately. Use of the rack must stop until the issue is rectified.
Significant damage that doesn’t require immediate offloading but must be repaired within four weeks. The bay can remain in use in the meantime, with monitoring.
Minor damage that falls within tolerance and doesn’t currently compromise the racking. Should be logged and monitored at your next internal check.
Send us a few details about your site (size, racking type, environment) and we’ll send you a fixed-price quote within one working day. Once approved we’ll book a date that works for your operation.
Our SARI inspector arrives on site and walks every aisle, photographing and logging defects. A typical 1,000 to 3,000 location warehouse takes half a day to a day. Operations don’t need to stop, just keep aisles clear.
Within five working days you’ll receive a full PDF report with site plan, every defect plotted and photographed, traffic light grading, and clear remedial recommendations.
We’re available to talk through the report, recommend trusted repair partners if needed, and answer any questions your H&S, insurer or auditor may have.
Pallet racking comes in many configurations. Our SARI qualification covers adjustable pallet racking and we have the experience to inspect every common variant in use across UK warehouses.
Racking in chiller, freezer or outdoor environments has a different wear profile than ambient warehousing. Cold store racking experiences thermal cycling, condensation and ice loading. Outdoor systems face corrosion, wind loading and base plate degradation.
Our inspectors are equipped and experienced to work in all of these environments and bring an inspection approach tailored to the specific stresses your racking is under. Just tell us the environment when you request a quote.
An annual SARI inspection is the legal baseline, but several events should trigger an additional inspection outside the annual cycle:
SEMA recommends that every site has a trained Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS) carrying out weekly internal checks. The annual SARI inspection then becomes a formal sign-off, not the only line of defence.
Our one-day Rack Awareness Training gives a nominated team member the skills and confidence to fulfil the PRRS role. Spotting damage early saves you money, prevents incidents, and keeps you compliant between inspections.
Yes. SEMA recommends a first inspection within 4 months of installation, particularly if your forklift operation has changed. Even brand-new racking can be installed incorrectly or develop early damage as the operation runs in.
For most sites, between half a day and a full day on site. As a rough guide, a SARI inspector can typically work through 3,000 to 5,000 pallet locations a day in good conditions. The exact time depends on layout, accessibility, the level of damage present, and warehouse temperature.
No, the racks don’t need to be offloaded for the inspection. We do ask that aisles are kept clear during the visit, that pallets are not stacked hard against uprights (so we can see the bracing), and that any clip-on column guards are removed where practical so we can inspect the upright behind them.
Two main differences. First, our inspectors hold the SARI qualification, which is recognised by the HSE as the gold standard. Not all supplier inspections are carried out by SARIs. Second, we don’t sell racking, repairs or parts, so our recommendations are independent of any commercial interest.
We’ll tell you on site, before we leave. The affected location must be offloaded and taken out of use immediately. We’ll log the issue with photos and provide clear instructions for what needs to happen before that bay returns to service. We can also recommend trusted repair partners if you don’t already have one.
Yes. Older systems are perfectly inspectable and many remain safe to use. What matters is the current condition, that the load notice still reflects the actual configuration, and that components have not been mixed across incompatible manufacturers (a surprisingly common issue). Our inspectors are familiar with all the legacy UK manufacturers.
Pallet racking on a mezzanine, yes. The mezzanine structure itself is a separate piece of work that requires a structural engineer rather than a SARI inspector. We can advise on what’s needed and where to find suitable specialists.
Yes. Our reports are produced to SEMA Code of Practice standards and have been accepted across the UK by insurers, auditors and HSE inspectors. They include everything required to demonstrate compliance with PUWER and HSG76.
