Look for SEMA badge of integrity

The design of pallet racking was largely perfected 40 years ago but proper maintenance is key. 

Simon King (pictured below), ex-chair, SEMA Distributor Group told the Safer Logistics seminar theatre: “The problem is that while the product – pallet racking – has very serious safety implications if it goes wrong, there is very little regulation of the industry. 

“There are around 430 companies in the UK storage industry, varying from huge companies to one man bands working from a back bedroom. There are no barriers to entry. So you’ve got to use partners that are working to standard in terms of staff, products, and maintenance regimes.”

In 2013, a woman was killed in a rack collapse, when important locking pins were missing in the racking.

As well as the risk of injury, product damage and business disruption are also major concerns. A catastrophic racking failure can cost a company millions.

Jonathan Bennett, chair of the SEMA Distributor Group (SDG) added: “To protect yourself from these issues, you’ve got to look for the badge of credibility. 

“If you need to have gas work carried out, you would only use Gas Safe registered installers.

“For racking, we recommend SEMA as the badge to look for when you need rack repair, maintenance and installation. 

“SDG comprises 30 elite companies throughout the UK. Our members are independently audited across many criteria.

“We have a two stage process for adding new members, we will vet their references, and then have an independent auditor scrutinise their processes. 

“We want to put clear blue water between SEMA members and the rest of the industry.”

SDG takes a rigorous approach, with 20% of its original members asked to leave the Association because they could not meet the standards.