Mobile Shelving PUWER Inspection After Relocation: What UK Dutyholders Must Know
Relocating mobile shelving is a material change to work equipment. This guide explains when a PUWER inspection is needed after relocation and what evidence UK dutyholders should keep.
Why relocation triggers a fresh PUWER inspection
Mobile shelving is work equipment under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. When a system is dismantled, moved and rebuilt, the equipment has changed location, been reassembled and may be operating on a different floor structure. That makes a post-relocation inspection essential before routine use resumes.
A relocation can alter rail alignment, floor fixing, load distribution, carriage travel, aisle clearances and safety lock performance. Even a system that was compliant at its previous site should not be assumed compliant after it has been moved.
When the inspection should happen
The inspection should be completed after the relocated system has been fully installed, levelled, fixed, tested and loaded according to the agreed design. It should happen before the equipment is released for normal staff use.
For powered mobile shelving, the inspection should also follow electrical commissioning and testing of safety devices such as light beams, emergency stops, aisle locks, anti-crush edges and warning systems.
What a competent-person inspection covers
A post-relocation PUWER inspection should cover the condition and security of rails, carriage alignment, wheel and bearing operation, anti-tip protection, end stops, drive mechanisms, locks, handles, controls, electrical safety where applicable, shelving structure, shelf loading and user instructions.
The inspector should also check that the new location is suitable for the system, including floor loading, clearances, access routes and any hazards introduced by the new room layout.
Records dutyholders should keep
Dutyholders should keep a written inspection report that identifies the system, location, date inspected, person or company carrying out the inspection, defects found, remedial actions required and confirmation of whether the system is safe to use.
If remedial work is required, keep the repair record and follow-up sign-off with the original report. These records help demonstrate compliance if there is an incident, insurance query, internal audit or HSE inspection.
How Rackstor supports relocated systems
Rackstor UK Ltd relocates, repairs and PUWER-inspects mobile shelving systems across the UK, including Bruynzeel, Rackline, Forster, Dexion, Lundia, Spacesaver, Montel and Compactus installations.
If you are moving an existing mobile shelving system, we can survey the destination, check floor loading, dismantle and reinstall the equipment, complete the post-relocation PUWER inspection and issue written documentation for your records.