Emergency Racking Repair — What to Do When Racking Is Damaged

Racking damaged by a forklift impact or collapse? Here is exactly what to do — isolation, reporting, inspection and emergency repair — to keep your team safe and your warehouse operational.

Step 1 — Isolate Immediately

If racking has been seriously damaged the affected bays must be unloaded and isolated immediately. Use barrier tape or signage to prevent anyone from loading or working near the damaged section. If there is any doubt about adjacent bays, isolate those too.

Step 2 — Report and Document

Report the damage to the Person Responsible for Racking Safety immediately. Photograph the damage from multiple angles. Note the time, date and circumstances — RIDDOR reporting obligations may apply.

Step 3 — Get a SEMA Inspection

Before reloading any damaged bay, a SEMA approved inspector must assess the damage. Do not attempt to bend uprights back into shape or use makeshift repairs — this is dangerous and will not restore structural integrity.

Step 4 — Professional Repair

Rackstor UK Ltd carries out emergency racking repairs with rapid response times across the UK. Our engineers carry replacement uprights, beams, braces and baseplates for all major racking systems. Call 0800 654 6955 — we aim to respond within 24 hours.