Health and Safety - Racking System

Policy

The Board of Directors and the Chief Executive of the Society recognise the potential of racking systems to cause injury if not correctly specified and used. In order to meet their obligations towards protecting the health & safety of Society colleagues and others, they have adopted the following procedures.

Procedures

These procedures cover racking defined as skeleton framework of fixed or adjustable design to support loads. They do not cover shop floor shelving.

Racking systems will be of good design, mechanical sound construction, and adequately maintained.

Installation

Consideration will be given to the type and size of the system and the nature of the building or area for which it is intended. Racking must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Racking Protection

Where necessary, racking will be protected from being struck by forklift trucks or other vehicles by means of column guards or guardrails. Corner uprights will be protected and painted in a conspicuous colour.

Racking Maintenance

Racking will be subject to regular, planned inspection by a competent person and, where damage is detected, remedial action will be taken immediately. It is the site manager’s responsibility to ensure that racks are safely loaded. Where damage is identified the manager will ensure that the racking is off loaded and controls introduced to prevent it being used until remedial repair work has been carried out.

The manager is also responsible for the safe keeping of the records in connection with the inspections, damage and repair of any such racking systems.

A copy of the Forklift and Racking Checklist is available on Colleague Connect Health and Safety homepage under 'Health and Safety Forms'