BITO is your reliable partner for statutory shelving and racking inspections
What inspection is required of warehouses?
Businesses with onsite racking are required to have their systems inspected at least once every twelve months by a qualified person. In addition, regular visual inspections are required, especially for shelving and racking in areas with busy forklift traffic. Storage installations that are exposed to particular risks, such as pallet racking and cantilever racking, must be protected against impact damage.
BITO rack inspections comply with HSE guidelines,. By opting for shelving and racking inspection service from BITO, you make sure that your storage facilities comply with all relevant safety standards.
Why do warehouses need racking inspections?
Warehouse racking inspections are essential for maintaining a safe, compliant, and efficient storage environment. Under the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), employers have a legal duty to ensure warehouse racking systems are regularly inspected, properly maintained, and safe for use. Damaged or overloaded pallet racking can lead to serious accidents, stock loss, and costly downtime.
To help businesses maintain safe warehouse storage systems, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publishes HSG76 Warehousing and Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety. While HSG76 is not a legal requirement, following its guidance is widely recognised as best practice and is often enough to help companies comply with workplace safety legislation. Together with guidance from Storage Equipment Manufacturers' Association (SEMA), the HSE recommends a structured three-tier approach to warehouse racking inspections to improve safety, reduce risk, and ensure ongoing compliance.
What do racking inspections do?
BITO partner with a Storage Equipment Manufacturers' Association (SEMA) approved inspector to provide recommendations that help identify issues such as bent uprights, beam damage, missing safety clips, and unsafe loading practices before they become major hazards.
Regular warehouse racking inspections not only improve workplace safety and reduce the risk of collapse, but also help businesses meet insurance requirements, avoid HSE enforcement action, and maintain operational efficiency. For warehouses, distribution centres, and industrial storage facilities across the UK, routine pallet racking inspections are a vital part of health and safety compliance.
Why choose a BITO racking & shelving inspection?
Expertise and experience
With over 150 years in the storage and racking industry, our team offers decades of experience. We are proud to be industry experts and leaders. BITO shelving & racking inspections are carried out in partnership with a SEMA approved inspector, complying with PUWER and HSE guidelines such as HSG76.
Maintain operational efficiency and avoid accidents
Annual shelving and racking inspections are mandatory to prevent accidents, personal injury and damage. Shelving and racking collapses can cause serious injuries and even force a business to close. Damage to storage systems can also cause knock-on effects, like stock restrictions. BITO Inspections prevent these risks and ensure a high service level in your organisation.
Spare parts and a broad range of accessories
BITO not only provides expert shelving and racking inspections, but also supplies spare parts and accessories.
Reliable appointment coordination
We arrange a date for the next inspection service after inspecting your shelving or racking system. This helps you to focus on your daily operations without having to worry about arranging a future appointment.
Reliable inspections completed on time
You can count on us. Timeliness, reliability and clear communication make sure our inspection is completed smoothly. We pride ourselves on delivering excellent service for our customers.
Detailed documentation
After your storage system has been inspected by our experts, you will receive a detailed status report. If our experts identify risks or damage to the structure of your system, these are clearly categorised and described in the report.
Avoid unforeseen costs
BITO provides customised impact protection and safety equipment for your shelving or racking system. Not only will protective barriers help to minimise future costs, they will also protect your storage system from collision damage and ensure the safety of staff and goods.
Do you need specialist advice? We are happy to help!
We look forward to answering your questions, discussing your requirements and sharing ideas!