What is cantilever racking used for?

Cantilever racking is designed for storing long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items such as timber, pipes, steel bars, and furniture, providing flexible and accessible storage solutions.

What types of items are best stored on cantilever racking?

Ideal items include timber, metal rods, pipes, plumbing supplies, furniture, and other lengthy or awkwardly shaped materials that cannot be stored on traditional pallet racking.

Key regulations include the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and guidance from HSE’s HSG76 and Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) standards.

How often should cantilever racking be inspected?

Daily or weekly visual checks by warehouse staff are recommended, with thorough inspections annually or quarterly by a competent, ideally SEMA-approved, racking inspector.

Who should perform cantilever racking inspections?

Visual checks can be done by trained internal staff, but comprehensive inspections must be conducted by a competent person such as a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI).

What are the risks of failing to inspect cantilever racking regularly?

Ignoring inspections can lead to undetected damage, structural failure, accidents, injury to personnel, loss of goods, and potential legal penalties.

What common damage should be checked during cantilever racking inspections?

Inspect for bent or cracked arms, loose or missing bolts, rust or corrosion, instability in uprights, warped baseplates, and impact damage from forklifts or equipment.

How can cantilever racking be protected from damage?

Use of upright protectors, barriers, clear signage, load management systems, and staff training to prevent impacts and overloads is essential for preservation.

Is there a legal requirement to maintain records of cantilever racking inspections?

Yes, under PUWER, records of inspections, maintenance, and repairs must be kept to demonstrate compliance and audit readiness.

What happens during a professional cantilever racking inspection?

Inspectors assess structural integrity, load capacities, bolt tightness, alignment, floor fixings, and identify any damage requiring action classified by severity (e.g., red, amber, green).

How does adherence to SEMA standards benefit cantilever racking safety?

SEMA provides industry best practices for design, inspection, maintenance, and risk classification that improve safety, extend lifespan, and reduce accident risks.

Can damaged cantilever racking be repaired?

Yes, minor damage such as bent arms or loose fittings can often be repaired, but severe structural damage may require component replacement or decommissioning.

What load capacities are typical for cantilever racking systems?

Load capacity varies by model but generally ranges from several hundred kilograms to several tonnes per arm depending on design and material.

Are cantilever racking inspections mandatory by law?

There is no explicit law mandating inspections, but under PUWER and the duty of care in the Health and Safety at Work Act, regular inspections are essential for compliance and safety.

How can I train staff to safely use cantilever racking?

Staff should receive training on correct loading procedures, load limits, visual inspection techniques, reporting defects, and safe material handling practices.

What are the consequences of racking collapse in a warehouse?

Racking failure can cause injuries or fatalities, damage to goods and equipment, production downtime, insurance claims, and costly legal consequences.

How do I know if my cantilever racking needs replacement?

When damage is severe, parts are beyond repair, or safety cannot be guaranteed through repairs, replacement is recommended following expert advice.

Can cantilever racking be adapted for different warehouse layouts?

Yes, cantilever systems are modular and adjustable, allowing adaptation to varying storage needs and aisle widths, optimising warehouse space.

Does Action Handling provide cantilever racking inspections and maintenance?

Yes, we offer professional inspection services, maintenance, and repair options to ensure your cantilever racking remains safe and compliant.

How do I schedule a cantilever racking inspection or request a quote?

You can contact Action Handling directly through their website or by phone to arrange inspections, maintenance, or bespoke racking solutions.