46_SH_June.qxd 24/5/07 08:51 Page 47
Racking & Shelving ■
there an official European authority where Your staff may need familiarisation delegates in undertaking an in-depth SEMA
we could have this done? training for operating at the new height and Course, together with an examination and
A: There is no official European rack testing indeed it might be possible to obtain various practical assessment. CPD will be an
authority, though most countries have either driver aids to help with positioning. For important part of the qualification,
one or several laboratories that specialise in instance auto height selection is only one of demonstrating to end users that SEMA
the testing of these products. Generally the the features offered on some trucks which can Approved Inspectors maintain a high
testing methods are agreed at European level make the drivers’ job rather easier. professional standard.
through ERF/FEM standards so all the We would suggest that in making a change
laboratories are working to the same basic like this it is reasonable to predict that Date for Your Diary –
test methods and should come up with very initially there may be an increased level of SEMA Annual Safety Conference
similar results for a particular product range rack damage due to unfamiliarity with the This year’s Safety Conference, the fifth in the
no matter where it is manufactured. new situation, but this will improve as time series, is scheduled for Thursday,
In the UK we have several laboratories progresses and skills improve. However, 1 November 2007. The theme of Safety in
which deal with racking and, if you are initially it would be a sensible precaution to the Storage Industry will be continued with
interested, we can provide some contact increase the frequency of rack inspections to this year’s event having the title ‘Safety in
names and addresses for you. However you ensure that damage is repaired quickly and the Storage Industry: Be Safe, Be
might prefer to use someone closer to your dangerous situations are not allowed to Compliant’. The event will be held at a new
home base and from this point of view we remain longer than necessary. If you are venue – the National Motorcycle Museum in
might be able to provide some information on currently carrying out a weekly supervisors' the West Midlands (just off Junction 6 of the
German Test Houses, as a possibility. check and a yearly formal rack inspection it M42). For further information on the event
might be a good idea to increase this to two visit the SEMA website, www.sema.org.uk.
Implications of increasing racking supervisors’ checks per week and a six-
height monthly formal inspection until it can be seen SEMA Publications
Q: A government Health & Safety advisor that damage levels are back to normal. SEMA has 26 publications in stock – Codes
has recommended I contact you regarding We hope that this is helpful and if there is of Practice, ‘Guides’ and European
the following. We are interested to know anything further that we can help you with documents – all of which are available from
what the height restrictions are (if any) please do not hesitate to contact us. our Offices. For further information on these
with regards to storage racking. Our cur- documents contact SEMA or visit our
rent racking height is 5m but we would SEMA Technical Enquiries website, www.sema.org.uk. and click on
like to increase this in the near future to We hope you find the above articles, and ‘Codes of Practice’.
8m at a proposed new site. those in previous editions, interesting. If you
Could you advise me on any implications have a query send it to us by fax or email and SEMA’s New Office
that this may have along with any H&S we will do our best to have it answered by SEMA has moved to a New Office
issues that will need to be considered? one of our technical experts. Please note our new contact details:
Any guidelines/advice that you can provide SEMA
would be very much be appreciated. SEMA Rack Safety Awareness and The National Metalforming Centre
Inspection Courses 47 Birmingham Road
A: In short, there is no restriction on the SEMA runs a one-day safety course on Rack West Bromwich
height of racking that you can use and heights Safety Awareness and Inspection. These West Midlands, B70 6PY
of 8m are considered perfectly normal these courses are aimed at end users, giving an in- Tel: 0121 601 6350
days. In fact, automated warehouses with depth look at the need for inspections, how to Fax: 0121 601 6373
racking up to 35m are not that unusual. conduct an assessment and what actions to Email: enquiry@sema.org.uk
However, plainly there are many issues and take when this is completed. These courses www.sema.org.uk
risks that need to be considered at these sorts are normally held at the
of heights that will not be present at lower SEMA headquarters but
levels. arrangements can be
It is unlikely that your existing racking, made to hold them at the
which has presumably been designed for 5m delegates’ premises.
height, can economically be modified for 8m,
so we are assuming you will equip your new SEMA Approved
site with new racking which is designed for Rack Inspectors
the increased loads which will be placed upon Qualification
it. It is also likely that your aisle equipment This qualification is
will need replacement and it is assumed that aimed at professionals
you will liaise with both your rack supplier who conduct rack
and the aisle equipment supplier to confirm surveys as an integral
operating aisle widths necessary for safe and significant part of
operation in your new situation. their duties. It involves
www.PressOnShD.com
June 2007 ShD 47
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68