Over the years the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association Ltd (SEMA) has seen a growing problem of inspectors pretending to be SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors (SARIs). Because SARI inspectors are known for their high standards and customer-focused approach, it’s no surprise some try to pass themselves off as certified.
But the risk is serious here. If a warehouse owner unknowingly hires someone who isn’t a genuine SARI inspector and something goes wrong, it could put the end user in danger.
To help protect warehouse owners and managers, SEMA has launched a free, online, easy-to-use SARI Verification Tool. With a quick scan of the QR code on an inspector’s card and a few details entered online, users instantly see whether that inspector is genuinely SEMA-approved and currently qualified.
The tool is incredibly simple to use. Go to https://sari.sema.org.uk/, enter the inspector’s first and last name, their SARI ID card number, and then click verify. You’ll instantly know whether they hold a valid SARI qualification.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
When you receive an inspection report from a SARI, it will not just note the damage and possibly its location, but instead, offer far more useful information, such as identifying the racking type, ensuring equipment compatibility, and checking for structural damage. A report by a SARI also uses a traffic-light reporting system, which outlines damage levels and timescales for repairs.
A SARI can only meet SEMA’s high standards by demonstrating a high level of engineering knowledge and then completing an intensive training programme by SEMA.
On passing a written examination and practical assessment, the SARI is awarded their qualification.
Warehouse owners and managers are seeing the benefits of using a SARI for their Expert Inspection, but this has caused a problem. There is now a growing issue within the industry where inspectors are falsely claiming they are SARI qualified or offer SARI inspections.
“Our SARIs deliver a high level of engineering and technical knowledge to the job – a fact they demonstrate when passing our rigorous training course and examination,” said Nick Betteley, president of SEMA. “If an unqualified inspector performs your Expert Inspection, they may not deliver the same standard of work as a SARI, which risks the safety of your warehouse. By setting up our SARI Verification Tool we are adding in another step in our mission to protect the safety of a warehouse.”
The SARI Verification Tool is free to use and available now at: https://sari.sema.org.uk/
