“Racking Safety Starts from the Ground Up.”

Racking Safety Awareness 

Spot the Risk, Prevent the Collapse

Unsafe racking can lead to serious accidents, injuries, and stock loss. This course teaches you how to identify damage, perform visual inspections, and safely document and report issues before they become dangerous. Learn best practices for loading, maintenance, and record-keeping to keep your workplace safe, efficient, and fully compliant.

How it works….

On the course

At a glance…

6 - 12 delegates

Full day course

No qualifications

PPE required - hard hat, his-viz clothing, safety boots, - other site specific

This training course is delivered on-site at your location or at a training centre location and typically lasts a day, No formal qualifications are needed to attend, making it accessible to all experience levels. Group sizes are kept small, usually between 1–4/6 depending on categories and practical tests on day delegates, this is to ensure focused, hands-on learning. Delegates are required to bring PPE for this training course

Module 1: Introduction to Racking Safety

Start with why racking safety matters. This module highlights real-world risks, common accidents, and your legal responsibilities—showing how simple awareness can prevent serious incidents and keep your workplace running smoothly.

You’ll learn:

  • The importance of racking safety awareness

  • Common causes of racking-related incidents

  • Legal duties under PUWER and HSE guidance

  • How safety culture reduces risks and downtime

Module 2: Racking Structures Made Simple

Understand how racking systems work and what keeps them safe and stable. Learn about key components and how setup affects safety and efficiency.

You’ll learn:

  • Different types of racking (pallet, cantilever, etc.)

  • Key components: uprights, beams, bracing, locking pins

  • Load ratings and safe working limits (SWL)

  • Layout planning: aisle space, signage, and safe access

Module 3: Inspections That Prevent Accidents

This module teaches how to carry out proper inspections that catch problems before they become accidents—keeping people and products protected.

You’ll learn:

  • Types of inspections: visual, formal, and expert

  • Frequency of checks and who is responsible

  • Common signs of wear, misuse, or overloading

  • How to document and report issues effectively

Module 4: The Role of the Workforce

Everyone plays a part in keeping racking systems safe. This module focuses on workforce behaviour and how to encourage proactive safety.

You’ll learn:

  • Roles and responsibilities of operators, supervisors, and managers

  • How to report hazards and follow site procedures

  • The impact of daily habits on long-term safety

  • The value of teamwork and communication

Module 5: Understanding and Managing Damage

Learn what to look for, what to do, and why speed matters when racking is damaged. Stay ahead of risks before they lead to collapse or injury.

You’ll learn:

  • Common causes of damage: forklift impact, overloading, poor stacking

  • How to spot early warning signs: dents, twists, missing parts

  • Quarantine and tagging procedures for damaged racking

  • Steps for repair, replacement, and escalation

Assessment

At the end of the course, learners will complete a short theory assessment designed to reinforce their understanding of key racking safety principles. The assessment consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safe racking design, inspection procedures, common causes of damage, and workforce responsibilities. This helps ensure each participant has retained the essential knowledge needed to recognise hazards, follow safe practices, and contribute to a safer warehouse environment. Successful learners will receive a certificate of completion, demonstrating their awareness and commitment to racking safety.

Assessment

Optional Practical Assessment

For a more hands-on learning experience, an optional practical assessment is available to reinforce real-world application. During this session, learners will participate in a guided racking inspection, where they identify visible signs of damage, assess safe loading practices, and correctly document their findings using an inspection checklist. This practical element helps build confidence in spotting hazards on-site and applying the knowledge gained during the theory session. It’s ideal for supervisors, warehouse operatives, or anyone with responsibility for racking safety and maintenance.