Don’t know what standards your existing storage schemes are designed to? Fed up of the time it takes to check the details on a storage firm’s quality credentials? Ever wish someone else had done the leg work on health and safety, use of trained labour and correct storage design so you can sign on the dotted line?
Help is at hand from SEMA, the Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association. Each of SEMA’s five membership groups places health and safety at the heart of its agenda and together they cover the full supply chain. With a mandate to establish and continually improve safe working practices in the storage industry and a 50 year history, SEMA works cohesively with the HSE, CSCS, RoSPA and other lead bodies.
Manufacture
When a new storage structure is purchased from a recognised SEMA member, it comes with a warranty based on independent testing to its recognised quality assurance system which guarantees that the product has been designed, manufactured and installed to rigorously defined standards. A rack’s carrying capacity is based on this full circle of quality being in place and the Load Notice displayed normally carries the supplier’s full contact details for when advice is necessary.
Supply
Storage systems are supplied by SEMA distributor group companies. These ‘SDCs’, as they are known, must be independently audited against 25 quality measures to retain their membership. The average score in recent audits was over 80%. Ask to see their 2014 audit certificate.
Installation
When investing, check that the system will be installed by a company that uses only SEIRS trained and qualified installers. SEIRS is recognised by CSCS as the only industry-specific training scheme where individual must refresh their training every three years.
SEMA Installation Companies or ‘SAICs’ manage installation projects to SEMA’s QA standards and use only trained and qualified SEIRS labour. They must work to appropriate policies, maintain correct procedures and retain formal documentation.
Maintenance and repair
Storage systems which are correctly designed and maintained will give maximum Return on Investment. Your responsibilities are to prevent and minimise the effects of accidents and to comply with safety regulations. SEMA offers training for warehouse staff on how to assess on a daily or weekly basis their racking and how to manage the maintenance of it in order to appoint the right personnel/subcontractors. The association also has a selection of publications to help.
SEMA recommends an annual or bi-annual inspection by a technically competent person such as a SEMA Approved Rack Inspector who is trained and continually assessed (through CPD) to industry standards. They offer competent third party inspection backed up by an independent report. A SARI’s report tables risks as colour coded red, orange and green to help you prioritise and manage workplace safety.
Tel: 0121 601 6359
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