Storage & Handling Equipment Distrbutor Assoc (SHEDA), SHEDA - Raising standards in storage and materials handling


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SHEDA - Raising standards in storage and materials handling
October 10th 2007

The Storage Handling and Equipment Distributors’ Association (SHEDA) is a benchmark for quality and firmly established as a voice of authority for the industry. Founded 28 years ago to provide a forum for distributors, today it is the leading UK trade association for independent specialists and installers who provide a design, supply and installation service within the storage and materials and handling industry. Membership of SHEDA – with its mission statement: “Striving for excellence in storage and handling” – is accepted today as a mark of reliability and quality.

President Craig Powell believes the association has never been stronger. He says: “Today we represent a high proportion of all the storage and handling companies in the UK and Ireland, companies who are totally committed to striving for excellence. The message is clear. Only the best will do – and the SHEDA logo is a symbol of professionalism, quality of design and installation to industry standards and codes of practice.”

More than 60 companies – including all the major manufacturers – have earned the right to use the SHEDA logo after meeting the association’s strict membership criteria.

Commitment to quality

Every SHEDA member has to be a formally constituted business, be more than two years old and hold a main dealership from a recognised storage equipment manufacturer. Members must have an adequate level of liability insurance – and they must be committed to best practice in the design, supply and installation of storage and handling equipment.

All members are also required to:

Supply new equipment unless agreed in advance with the client

Install products to manufacturers’ design standards as well as relevant SEMA and SHEDA codes of practice

Ensure that installers are fully trained in the products they install

Adhere to health and safety legislation on site

Act with the utmost business integrity

Never knowingly mislead clients by fact of implication about the performance of products or systems being supplied.

SHEDA recommends that all member companies put their installers through the Storage Equipment Installers Registration Scheme (SEIRS) training. SEIRS provide courses for installers, technicians, supervisors and managers and workers are brought up to standard on safety in:

Site awareness

Hand tool use

Risk assessment

Harnessing

Plant and equipment

Welfare

SHEDA membership is also a sign of a company’s commitment to providing the best aftercare. SHEDA recommends regular inspections of racking systems by qualified inspectors – both externally and internally. Our partner trade organisation, the Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA) run courses in racking inspection – a crucial part of ensuring warehouses are run safely.

A sign that safety is uppermost

As part of its mission to raise and maintain the highest safety standards, SHEDA consistently lobbies on safety standards, and works closely with the Health and Safety Executive.

This ensures that SHEDA members are kept up-to-date on legislation, the latest issues and changes to industry standards. Areas covered typically include working at height and SEIRS schemes, new codes of practice, British and European standards, training opportunities and events and networking opportunities.

Craig Powell says: “SHEDA brings a wealth of experience, know-how and advice to its members, and companies are actively seeking suppliers who are committed to following industry guidelines and to whom health and safety are paramount.

“We know that one of the best ways to drive up standards is to provide a platform for members to share best practice and the latest information – and for people in this industry our quarterly council meetings, exhibitions and AGM provide unrivalled networking opportunities.

“Two years ago members decided to combine business and networking opportunities and we organised a hugely successful weekend in Florence. It proved so popular that we’re looking to arrange a similar event for spring 2008 and at the moment, Monte Carlo is the hot favourite as the venue.

“And in addition, we have updated and re-launched the SHEDA website, so it’s never been easier for members to stay in touch and on top of industry issues.”

For suppliers, membership gives direct access and marketing opportunities to the majority of companies operating in the industry. Craig added: “The SHEDA website is designed to be the central location for information and we are looking forward to developing this further in the coming months.”

The association is also looking at using combined buying power to add to member services – finding good deals on professional indemnity insurance, phones and other business services. Log on to www.sheda.org.uk for more information, or see the contact details below.

10 good reasons for joining SHEDA

The SHEDA logo speaks volumes. Customers know they’ve made the right choice