Technical inspection of static racking systems

Technical inspection of pallet racking systems and static storage equipment in accordance with UNI EN 15635.

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Technical inspection of racking systems in accordance with UNI EN 15635:2009

The inspection of industrial racking systems is an activity specified in UNI EN 15635, aimed at maintaining high safety standards in the warehouse. It involves verifying that the systems are in optimal condition, capable of supporting the intended loads, and accompanied by complete and up-to-date technical documentation as required by applicable regulations.

Inspections help identify damage, wear or malfunctions allowing for timely corrective action to prevent accidents and improve workplace safety. Regular inspections also extend the service life of racking systems, maintaining high levels of operational efficiency in the warehouse.

Inspection requirements under UNI EN 15635:2009

UNI EN 15635:2009 recommends carrying out racking inspections at least once a year by a qualified expert. The aim is to identify any non-conformities and specify the corrective actions required to restore safe operating conditions.

The standard aims to reduce risks in the warehouse by identifying:

Periodic technical inspection carried out by an external technician

UNI EN 15635 requires periodic racking inspections to be carried out by an external technician from an independent third-party organisation

The company must also have appointed and trained a PRSES(Person Responsible for Storage Equipment Safety), an internal person responsible for overseeing and coordinating the inspection, maintenance and safety activities relating to the racking systems.

The PRSES will work with the technician and receive a written report containing:

The most common non-conformities identified during a technical inspection

Drawing on our extensive experience conducting technical inspections, we have identified a number of recurring situations, regardless of the size or operational sector of the companies involved. These frequent occurrences are likely due to the perception that such non-conformities do not actually represent operational safety risks.

Some of the most common non-conformities include:

Damaged uprights, often caused by accidental impacts from material handling equipment. Even seemingly minor deformations must be assessed against the criteria set out in UNI EN 15635.
Changes to the racking configuration made without consulting the manufacturer, such as relocating load levels or adding components. Such modifications can alter the structural characteristics of the racking, making its behaviour under load unpredictable.
Missing or incomplete technical documentation, particularly the documentation required to demonstrate the correct configuration and safe management of the racking systems.
Missing, outdated or no longer accurate load capacity signs that do not reflect the actual configuration of the racking system. During the inspection, the information displayed on the signs is also checked to ensure it is correct.
Missing or damaged beam safety locking devices, which are essential to prevent the accidental dislodgement of beams in the event of impacts from forklift trucks.

If you have noticed any of these issues in your warehouse, we recommend contacting a qualified expert to carry out an inspection as soon as possible.

Periodic inspection process

During periodic technical inspections, critical issues are identified and solutions proposed to bring the racking systems into compliance.

The activities include:

Survey of the existing racking systems

Survey of the existing racking systems where no layout is available.

Damage assessment and classification

Assessment and classification of existing damage

Review of the equipment manuals

Review of the operation and maintenance manuals

Load capacity sign check

Checking the presence of load capacity signs and verifying that the information displayed matches the actual racking configuration.

Flooring inspection

Assessment of the condition of the flooring

Aisle inspection

Checking that aisle dimensions are suitable for the material handling equipment in use

Load unit compliance check

Checking that the load units in the warehouse comply with the requirements and are properly positioned.

Technical report

Drafting of a technical report

When non-conformities are identified, documentation is provided detailing the racking components that require repair or replacement.

Di Massa's technical racking inspection

At the end of the inspection, we will provide you with a set of documents to help you manage your warehouse effectively, including:

Existing Layout: a technical document that graphically represents and describes in detail the current configuration of the racking systems and warehouse spaces, based on the observations and measurements carried out during the inspection.
Damage Assessment Drawing: a visual document that clearly and accurately represents the condition of the warehouse as observed during the inspection.
Technical Report: this document details all the issues identified during the inspection, with particular focus on the actions to be taken to address the issues highlighted.
Tailored Maintenance Proposal: we will provide you with a tailored maintenance proposal to bring your racking systems back into compliance, offering a prompt solution to address the issues identified during the inspection.

Regular racking inspections are a strategic investment for your company, helping to protect employees and company assets while improving productivity and reducing the risk of accidents.

Working with qualified inspectors, training the PRSES and complying with applicable standards are key to building a safe, efficient and long-lasting logistics system.

FAQ

How often should racking systems be inspected?

UNI EN 15635:2009 recommends that racking systems undergo a periodic technical inspection at least once a year, carried out by a qualified validator. More frequent inspections may be required depending on the conditions of use, the risks involved and the recommendations of the PRSES.

Who can carry out a technical inspection of racking systems?

Periodic inspections must be carried out by a qualified validator with the appropriate knowledge and experience to assess the condition of the racking systems and the associated risks. Within the company, the PRSES coordinates the safety management of storage equipment and serves as the point of contact for the validator appointed to carry out the technical inspection.

What does a technical racking inspection involve?

The inspection covers the structural condition of the racking systems, any damage or deformation, the configuration of the racking system, safety devices, load capacity signs, technical documentation, and the conditions of the operating environment, including flooring, aisles and load units.

What happens if damage is found during the inspection?

Damage and other non-conformities are identified and classified according to the risk levels set out in UNI EN 15635. At the end of the inspection, a report is provided detailing the issues identified and the corrective actions required, specifying which components need to be repaired or replaced to restore safe operating conditions.

Haven’t you scheduled your technical racking inspection yet? Contact us today to improve the safety of your warehouse