Published by Nene Warehouse Solutionson,Nene Warehouse Solutions's FAQs,Updated on
FAQs
Whether you’re planning a new installation, dealing with damaged racking or reviewing your ongoing maintenance requirements, find practical answers from Nene’s warehouse and racking specialists.
Our Frequently Asked Questions
Are racking inspections a legal requirement?
Racking Inspections,
Although it is not a legal requirement to have a yearly racking inspection, HSE recommend that a yearly racking inspection by a SEMA-approved inspector be carried out.
Though the term “recommendation” may not seem as strong a term as “requirement,” don’t let that fool you into thinking you’re less at risk if you’re found not to follow them.
If someone is injured due to poor racking safety, a claimant could prove that the warehouse didn’t follow HSE recommendations, and, if convinced, you could be held legally responsible. These recommendations have to be followed to a degree that’s considered “reasonably practicable”.
Can a warehouse fit-out be completed while the site is operational?
Turnkey Solutions,
In many cases, yes. Work can often be phased to reduce disruption, depending on site access, safety requirements, working hours, operational priorities and the scope of installation.
Can cantilever racking be used for outside storage?
Cantilever Racking,
Cantilever racking is made of high-quality galvanised steel which is weather-resistant, making it appropriate to be used for outside storage as it won’t be affected by rust.
Can damaged pallet racking be repaired?
Pallet Racking New,
Yes, damaged pallet racking can often be repaired or have components replaced, depending on the type and severity of the damage. Nene can assess damaged racking and recommend suitable remedial action to help keep your system safe and operational.
Can racking be installed in a live warehouse?
Racking Installations,
Yes, in many cases. Nene can help plan installation around live warehouse operations using phased installation, defined working areas and coordination with your site team.
Can racking protection be added to existing pallet racking?
Racking Protection,
Yes. In many cases, racking protection can be retrofitted to existing pallet racking, depending on the racking system, floor condition, layout and available space.
Do pallet racking systems need inspections after installation?
Racking Installations,
Yes. Warehouse racking should be inspected regularly so damage, misuse or safety risks can be identified and managed before they become more serious.
Do you supply and install pallet racking near me?
Racking Installations,
Nene provides pallet racking installation for warehouses and industrial sites across the UK. Our team can review your location, site requirements and project timescales before recommending the most suitable installation approach.
Does racking need to be inspected?
Racking Inspections,
Yes. Although it is not a legal requirement, in the event of an accident, you must show proof that recommendations by HSE have been followed to a degree that’s considered “reasonably practicable”.
Taken from ‘Warehousing and storage, A guide to health and safety’ produced by HSE, to ensure that a racking installation continues to be serviceable and safe, the storage equipment should be inspected on a regular basis.
The frequency of inspections depends on a variety of factors that are particular to the site concerned and should be determined by a nominated PRRS (Person Responsible for Racking Safety) to suit the operating conditions of the warehouse. This will take into account the frequency and method of operation together with the dimensions of the warehouse, the equipment used and personnel involved, all of which could damage the structure.
Does racking protection remove the need for racking inspections?
Racking Protection,
No. Racking protection helps reduce impact damage, but regular inspections are still needed to identify damage, overloading, missing components and other safety risks.
How can I get the most our of my pallet racking?
Pallet Racking,
You can get the most out of your pallet racking with various different storage solutions. The most common storage solution is using forklifts to lift and move goods on and off of the racks. Planning where you will place your most popular and least popular products can make optimising the space and efficiency of the pallet racking a lot better.
How do you maintain pallet racking?
Pallet Racking,
To maintain adjustable pallet racking, you should regularly inspect the racking for any signs of damage, such as bent or broken beams or loose connections. Make sure that pallets are properly loaded and that the weight is distributed evenly. Keep the area around the racking clean and clear of debris. Train your employees on proper racking safety procedures, and also arrange a SEMA racking inspection regularly.
How does cantilever racking work?
Cantilever Racking,
Cantilever racking consists of a heavy base often made from steel which extends outwards from the bottom of the racking to counteract the weight of the stock stored. Stock is stored on strong arms which are supported by uprights, which are metal posts in the centre of the racking.
How long does a warehouse fit-out take?
Turnkey Solutions,
Timescales depend on the size and complexity of the project. Smaller upgrades may take days or weeks, while larger fit-outs, phased installations or multi-service projects may take longer.
How long does racking installation take?
Racking Installations,
Timescales depend on the size and complexity of the project. Smaller installations may be completed quickly, while larger projects may need phased installation, delivery coordination and more detailed site planning.
How much does a racking inspection cost?
Racking Inspections,
The cost of a racking inspection varies depending on the size of your site.
Please do give us a call, and we can discuss your options with you.
Contact us for more information.
How much does pallet racking installation cost?
Racking Installations,
Pallet racking installation cost depends on the size of the system, the type of racking, the warehouse layout, access requirements, installation complexity and whether existing racking needs to be dismantled or relocated. A site assessment is the best way to provide an accurate quote.
How often should pallet racking be inspected?
Pallet Racking New,
Pallet racking should be inspected regularly to identify damage, risk and potential safety issues. Many businesses arrange annual inspections alongside internal checks, but the right frequency depends on warehouse activity, traffic levels, equipment use and site risk profile.
How often should we get our racking inspected?
Racking Inspections,
It’s an HSE recommendation that racking should be inspected once a year by a SEMA qualified racking inspector and once a month throughout the year by the PRRS (Person Responsible for Racking Safety) within your business.
Any damage that occurs should be identified when it occurs, the rack unloaded, and the damage remedied.
Is cantilever racking right for my business?
Cantilever Racking,
Cantilever racking is versatile, but it’s not suited to every application. Cantilever racking needs to have aisles between each set of racks, so warehouses with very limited floor space may instead benefit from very narrow aisle racking. Cantilever racking is suited to applications needing to store high quantities of heavy and oversized stock, such as pipes and timber, and can be used as outside storage due to its weather-resistant properties.
Is Nene a SEMA approved racking installation company?
Racking Installations,
Yes. Nene is a SEMA approved company and provides professional racking installation support for warehouse and industrial storage projects.
What accessories can improve a pallet racking system?
Pallet Racking New,
Common pallet racking accessories include wire mesh decks, vertical racking dividers, rack labels, aisle signage, upright protection, barriers and load notices. These can improve safety, stock organisation, picking accuracy and day-to-day usability.
What are the benefits of cantilever racking?
Cantilever Racking,
There are many benefits of cantilever racking such as; It is a high-capacity storage system able to hold lots of stock, it’s adjustable so can be easily changed over time, it can be stored outside, it can store heavy and oversized items that are not suitable for other racking systems, and it can take advantage of vertical space.
Cantilever racking is mostly used for storing oversized, bulky, and awkwardly shaped stock such as long pipes, plasterboards, and lengths of timber. One of its benefits is that it can be used for outside storage as it is made of high-quality galvanised steel making it weather-resistant.
What happens on a racking inspection?
Racking Inspections,
Our inspector will arrive on site at the agreed time and bring with them the report from the previous year (providing we have a copy). They will discuss with the PRRS (Person Responsible for Racking Safety) any issues they are having on site and any areas of high-frequency damage.
Our inspector will then walk the site thoroughly, investigating the racking and making note of any damage and general housekeeping. Before leaving the site, the inspector will make the PRRS aware of any concerns that need to be addressed ASAP and will ensure they are complete before leaving.
Once the inspection is complete, our inspector will complete the report and send it to the Person Responsible for Rack Safety within 1-2 days.
What is a turnkey warehouse solution?
Turnkey Solutions,
A turnkey warehouse solution is a complete warehouse project managed by one provider. It can include design, specification, supply, installation, project management, handover and aftercare.
What is Cantilever Racking?
Cantilever Racking,
Cantilever racking is an industrial storage system designed to store heavy and oversized items. Its design makes it super strong, making it the perfect choice for storing builder’s merchants’ stock such as timber and pipes.
What is included in a warehouse fit-out?
Turnkey Solutions,
A warehouse fit-out can include layout design, racking, shelving, mezzanine floors, lighting, electrical works, automation, safety barriers, signage, inspections, project coordination and handover documentation.
What is pallet racking installation?
Racking Installations,
Pallet racking installation is the process of assembling, positioning and securing a warehouse racking system so palletised goods can be stored safely and efficiently.
What is pallet racking used for?
Pallet Racking,
Pallet racking is used for the organisation and storing of pallets in a warehouse or industrial setting. It allows for the efficient storage of large quantities of goods in a compact space utilising vertical space.
What is pallet racking used for?
Pallet Racking New,
Pallet racking is used to store palletised goods safely and efficiently in warehouses, distribution centres, manufacturing sites and industrial storage environments. It helps maximise vertical space, improve stock organisation and keep goods accessible.
What is racking protection?
Racking Protection,
Racking protection refers to products designed to protect warehouse racking from impact damage, including rack guards, upright protectors, end-of-rack barriers, pallet back stops and column protectors.
What is the difference between a turnkey warehouse solution and a standard warehouse fit-out?
Turnkey Solutions,
A turnkey warehouse solution is more comprehensive. It brings the full project together through one provider, covering planning, design, specification, product supply, installation, contractor coordination, handover and aftercare. This gives you one accountable team and helps ensure each part of the warehouse works together operationally, commercially and safely.
A standard warehouse fit-out usually focuses on delivering specific parts of a warehouse project, such as racking, shelving, lighting or layout changes.
What is the difference between pallet racking and long-span shelving?
Pallet Racking New,
Pallet racking is designed for palletised goods and is usually accessed with forklifts or handling equipment. Long-span shelving is typically used for hand-loaded goods such as cartons, tools, components and bulky non-palletised items.
What type of pallet racking system do I need?
Pallet Racking New,
The best pallet racking system depends on your stock type, pallet sizes, load weights, available space and picking process. Adjustable pallet racking suits warehouses that need direct pallet access, drive-in racking supports high-density storage, and cantilever racking is designed for long or awkward goods.
Where should racking protection be installed?
Racking Protection,
Racking protection is commonly used around racking uprights, aisle ends, loading areas, turning points, vehicle routes and other high-risk warehouse areas.
Why do I need pallet racking?
Pallet Racking,
Pallet racking is commonly used to maximise the space that is provided in a warehouse. Having pallet racking is a great way of optimising your warehouse’s storage density without drastically affecting the infrastructural footprint of the company.
Why is pallet racking protection important?
Racking Protection,
Pallet racking protection helps reduce damage from forklifts, pallet trucks and moving stock, protecting racking structures, stock, equipment and people.
Why should pallet racking be installed by professional installers?
Racking Installations,
Pallet racking should be installed by trained and competent installers to help ensure the system is assembled correctly, safely and in line with the intended design and manufacturer requirements.
Why use one company for a warehouse fit-out?
Turnkey Solutions,
Using one company helps reduce supplier complexity, improve communication, avoid gaps between different trades and give you one accountable team responsible for the overall project.
