Dismantling Racking Safely — What UK Law Actually Requires
Updated · 6 min read · WeBuyAnyRack
Dismantling racking is work at height on a structure that becomes progressively less stable as it comes apart. This is a summary of the duties that apply in the UK and the documents a competent contractor should hand you before starting — not legal advice.
You keep duties even when a contractor does the work
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, the site occupier retains duties for the safety of people affected by work on their premises. Appointing a contractor does not transfer that away; it makes checking their competence part of your duty.
In practice this means asking for evidence of training, insurance and a written method — before the crew arrives, not on the day.
Competence: SEIRS and SEMA
SEIRS, the Storage Equipment Installers Registration Scheme, is the UK trade scheme for installers and dismantlers of storage equipment, and a SEIRS card is the usual evidence of individual competence for this work.
SEMA, the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association, publishes the codes of practice the industry works to and runs the approved racking inspector scheme. Both names are worth checking rather than taking on trust — ask which specific cards and memberships are held.
Work at height
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require work at height to be avoided where reasonably practicable, and otherwise properly planned, supervised and carried out using suitable equipment.
Climbing the racking is not suitable equipment. Expect MEWPs, scissor lifts or mobile towers, edge and exclusion controls, and a plan for dropped objects.
PUWER, LOLER and plant
Forklifts, MEWPs and lifting accessories used during a strip-out fall under PUWER, and lifting equipment additionally under LOLER, so inspection and thorough examination records should be available on request.
Anyone operating plant on your site should have current, relevant training for that specific machine.
The documents you should receive
Before work starts, a competent contractor gives you:
- A site-specific risk assessment and method statement (RAMS), including the dismantling sequence and how stability is maintained
- Employers' liability and public liability insurance certificates
- Evidence of operative competence, such as SEIRS cards
- Plant inspection and thorough examination records where machinery is used
- Waste carrier details and waste transfer notes for anything leaving as waste
Waste duty of care
If any part of the racking leaves as waste, your duty of care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applies. Waste must go to an authorised person, and the transfer must be documented.
Keep the transfer notes. Ask for them if they are not offered, and check the carrier's registration rather than assuming it.
Reusing racking afterwards
Second-hand racking can be reinstalled safely, but reuse depends on knowing the system, the components being sound and matched, and the installation being loaded to a rating that can be justified. Damaged uprights should be replaced with the same manufacturer's components, not straightened.
SEMA guidance on inspection and on damage assessment is the reference point here — and a SEMA-approved racking inspector is who should sign off a reinstalled system in use.
Got racking to sell?
Send three photos and a bay count. You get a firm written offer, free dismantle and collection, and payment on the day.
FAQs
Do I have to tell anyone before dismantling racking?
There is no general notification for racking removal, but check your lease, your landlord and — for mezzanines or structures that went through building control — whether the change needs recording. Larger construction projects can also trigger CDM duties.
Can my own warehouse staff dismantle the racking?
Only if they are competent for work at height on a partially dismantled structure, with the right equipment and a written method. For most operators the honest answer is no.
Is straightening a bent upright acceptable?
No. Damaged uprights should be replaced with matching components, because the steel's properties change once it has deformed.