WHEN DESIGNED, installed, used and maintained correctly, racking reduces risks and enhances operations. But when something goes wrong, the consequences don’t fall on the supplier, installer or Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS); they fall on the warehouse director and managers.

If the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) investigate and finds that you’ve been negligent in your duties, you could face hefty fines, prosecution and even a prison sentence.

SEMA wants to change that.

This September, the Storage Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (SEMA), the UK’s leading voice on storage equipment standards, will launch its new Duty Holders course designed for company directors and senior managers.

Why a Racking Duty Holders Course?

For many years, SEMA has delivered the Rack Safety Awareness course for anyone working in areas with racking. Giving them the tools they need to take on the role of PRRS, conduct Visual Inspections and report when damage needs fixing.

But many warehouse directors and managers are unaware of their legal responsibilities regarding racking. As a result, Visual Inspection reports go ignored, damage is never repaired, and risks escalate. With warehouse operations under increasing scrutiny from regulators, understanding legal responsibilities around storage safety has never been more important.

The Duty Holders course closes that gap.

What will the course cover?

Delivered online in a focused two-hour course, the Duty Holders course covers the full UK regulatory framework governing racking systems, including PUWER, RIDDOR and HSE’s guidance within HSG76.

Participants will gain practical insights into risk assessment, inspection regimes, racking protection, and how to effectively oversee the role of PRRS effectively. The programme also explains the potential consequences of non-compliance – from enforcement actions to liability.

Who should attend?

Launched in September 2026, the course is for company directors, warehouse managers and senior operators.