Racking Compliance Certification – UNI 11636

Many people refer to “racking certification”, but the correct term used in the relevant standards is “validation for use”. Validation for use is the process that confirms that a racking system is safe, stable and compliant with the applicable standards, both for the static loads specified in the design and for seismic actions.

When is racking certification (validation for use) required?

Validation is required whenever the technical compliance of the racking system cannot be demonstrated, for instance:

After purchasing used racking without the original technical documentation;
Following changes to the configuration, such as relocating the racking, adding or removing load levels, or replacing components with ones having different characteristics;
<span data-metadata=" ">When essential documents are missing, such as structural calculations, layout drawings, component lists or load capacity signs.

Documentation required for racking compliance certification

To ensure compliance, “racking certification” must be issued by the supplier or an expert validator and must be accompanied by the relevant documentation:

Structural calculation report – Assessment of all structural and design aspects to ensure that the racking system is suitable for its intended use, both in terms of load-bearing capacity and overall stability.
Layout and configurations – Technical drawings of the racking system reflecting its as-built condition.
Component list – List of all materials and accessories used to assemble the racking system.
Load capacity signs – Signs providing important information about the racking configuration and its safe use.

Validation for use helps ensure that the racking systems can be used safely.

It is important to remember that any changes to the original characteristics of the racking systems invalidate the existing certification. In such cases, a new structural validation is required.

Standards applicable to racking compliance certification: UNI EN 15635, UNI 11636

The standards covering racking compliance certification (validation for use) are UNI 11636 and UNI EN 15635.

According to the applicable standards, validation for use is an overall validation consisting of several partial validations:

Structural validation – Assessment of the static load-bearing capacity of a racking system and its capacity to withstand dynamic loads in the event of an earthquake.
Document validation – Review of the technical documentation required by the applicable standards to ensure that it is complete and consistent.
Installation validation – Verification that the racking system has been installed in accordance with the design specifications, the supplier’s installation instructions and the requirements for safe operation.

The combination of these three partial validations leads to the validation for use and, consequently, provides assurance that the racking complies with the applicable requirements and can be used safely. It is important to note that the absence of the validation for use may have significant consequences, including the loss of insurance coverage.

Which types of racking systems require certification?

All types of racking systems require “racking compliance certification”, although the requirements may vary in three specific cases:

Light-duty racking systems

Typically, only static stability is assessed, but in seismic areas, additional checks may also be required.

Racking systems served by material handling equipment

The validation fo use always includes a seismic assessment.

Mezzanines

In this case, the 2018 Technical Standards for Construction (NTC 2018) apply.

Rely on experienced professionals for your racking compliance certification.

Racking compliance is more than a regulatory requirement:

With our technical support, you will obtain the validation for use together with all the documentation required to use your racking in compliance with the applicable regulations.

FAQ

When is a new racking compliance certification required?

A new validation for use should be considered whenever changes are made to the original configuration or characteristics of the racking, such as repositioning levels, adding or removing components, or replacing elements with components having different characteristics. A new validation may also be required when essential technical documentation is missing and compliance of the racking system cannot be demonstrated.

Which types of racking require compliance certification?

Validation for use is relevant to all types of racking, but the required checks may vary depending on the system and how it is used. For racking served by material handling equipment, seismic actions must also be taken into account. For light-duty racking, the checks generally cover the configuration, conditions of use, associated documentation and static load capacity. Mezzanines, on the other hand, are subject to specific assessment criteria in accordance with the 2018 Technical Standards for Construction (NTC 2018).

Which standards cover racking compliance certification?

The validation for use of racking is governed by UNI 11636, while UNI EN 15635 provides guidance on the use, management and safety of racking systems. The validation process also takes into account the technical standards applicable to the specific type of structure and its intended use, including those relating to seismic actions where applicable.

What documents are issued upon completion of the racking compliance certification process?

At the end of the validation for use process, the technical documentation required to demonstrate that the racking system is suitable for its intended use is compiled. Depending on the configuration and the checks carried out, this may include the structural calculation report, the updated layout, the component list and load capacity signs, as well as documentation relating to any partial validations performed.

Not sure whether your racking is configured correctly or whether you have all the necessary technical documentation? Have you purchased used racking and are unsure whether the documentation is complete? Contact us today and make sure your warehouse is fully compliant.