STORAGE SOLUTIONS


B


ut according to the Storage Equipment Manufacturers' Association (SEMA), the leading voice on safe storage, that racking ‘bargain’ rarely stands up to scrutiny once its history is taken into account.


The problem lies in the story the equipment can’t tell: where and how was it previously used? How was it installed? Was it properly maintained and repaired? How was it stored once dismantled? What was a cost-saving exercise upfront can


quickly turn into an expensive option and, at worst, a serious safety risk.


RACKING SUPPLIERS In the UK, racking should meet the requirements set out in either SEMA Design Codes or European Code EN 15512, which defi ne critical parameters including structural analysis, load types, component testing and safety factors.


These Codes ensure the racking can meet


the requirements of the stock it holds and avoids putting any unnecessary stress on the racking. With second-hand equipment, there are no assurances that the original supplier worked to the specifi cation set out in the Design Code.


WEIGHING IT UP When supplied with new racking, the structure is designed to hold a maximum weight of stock. Loading the racking over this weight limit will weaken it. To ensure anyone working in areas with


racking understands how to correctly load the structure, the supplier should fi x Load Notices to the structure. This states the maximum load and correct loading confi gurations for the racking. The problem when racking is taken down


ready for selling on, these signs can get lost. Is your second-hand racking supplier providing you with the Load notice and, more importantly, is the information correct for your equipment?


CHECKING THE RECORDS Most racking fails due to damage that has not been identifi ed and correctly repaired. With new racking, you know how the structure is maintained, if employees load the shelves correctly, how often it’s inspected and repaired. With second-hand racking, that confi dence disappears.


Racking inspections will leave you with a paper trail which should show how it was maintained. But it will be your responsibility to look at those reports and check: • Were visual inspections regularly conducted by the Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS)?


• Were Expert Inspections carried out by a qualifi ed professional?


• Do inspection reports cover the full lifetime of the equipment?


• Were repairs carried out within the permitted timeframe?


• Did repairs meet industry standards?


HERE’S WHY BUYING SECOND- HAND RACKING COULD COST YOU MORE THAN IT SAVES


By Nick Betteley, President, SEMA


When looking for a cost-effective way to fit out premises, it’s not uncommon for warehouse owners to choose second-hand racking


It is also worth establishing the level


of detail in the Expert Inspection report. For example, a report by a SARI will show suitability and compatibility of the equipment, whether the correct mechanical handling equipment is used, a list of the damage and its location and proposals for repairs.


STORAGE RISKS The metal in racking should be highly durable and last a lifetime, but there are factors which weaken the structure. While racking might look ‘fi ne’ on the surface, you can’t be sure what is sitting beneath the painted exterior. If the racking’s been in a warehouse, it has


probably been protected from the elements and less likely that internal rust has occurred. But there is no certainty. The most important factor is how it was


stored before sold on. It’s quite common for dismantled racking to be left outside before resale. If the racking has only been manufactured for internal use, this will lead to corrosion and rusting that weakens the metal.


DO THE SAVINGS REALLY ADD UP? SEMA understands the pressure on warehouse owners to reduce costs, but at what price?


28 SEPTEMBER 2026 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS


“The problem lies in the story the equipment can’t tell."


Upfront costs are undoubtedly cheaper but


without reassurances. Unlike new racking, which should last the lifetime of a business, there will be uncertainty over the system's longevity. How was it designed and installed? How


structurally sound is the racking? How has it been maintained and repaired? Has the racking been discontinued and are replacement parts still available? It only takes a wrong answer on any of these


elements for the racking to require extensive repairs. With the racking no longer covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee, you are left to cover any repair costs which can quickly outweigh the initial savings.


SEMA www.sema.org.uk


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