Technical inspection and racking compliance certification are often mistaken for the same service. They are not: they address different questions, are required in different circumstances and result in different documentation. Confusing the two may mean commissioning an unnecessary service or discovering, following damage, that a fundamental inspection was missing.
Technical inspection and racking compliance certification: two distinct objectives
What does a technical inspection cover?
The technical inspection assesses the condition of the racking system and identifies any damage, deformation, defects or situations that may compromise its safety. It focuses on the condition of the components, signs of impact, correct configuration and any elements requiring further investigation or remedial action.
For static steel storage systems, the main technical reference for use and maintenance is UNI EN 15635. The inspection identifies any issues and provides guidance on how to address them, but does not, in itself, constitute a comprehensive validation of the installation.
What does racking compliance certification involve?
Racking compliance certification, as defined by UNI 11636:2023, is a process that establishes the functional condition of a racking system throughout its service life and assesses its suitability for the intended conditions of use. It takes into account several aspects of the installation, including structural characteristics, available documentation and installation requirements.
Certification is therefore more than a simple, more detailed visual inspection. It requires an assessment based on the characteristics of the racking system and the information needed to understand its configuration and intended use.
| Aspect | Technical inspection | Racking compliance certification |
|---|---|---|
| Question addressed | What is the current condition of the racking system? | Is the racking system, in its current configuration, suitable for safe use? |
| Frequency | At least once every 12 months. | In specific circumstances, when its suitability for use needs to be certified or reassessed. |
| Technical reference | UNI EN 15635 | UNI 11636:2023, with reference to UNI EN 15635. |
| Person responsible for carrying it out | Qualified validation expert | Qualified validation expert |
| Deliverables | Inspection report detailing identified issues and recommended corrective actions. | Racking compliance certification document, issued upon successful completion of the required assessments. |
When are racking inspections required?
Industrial racking systems are exposed to daily stresses that can gradually affect their safety. Forklift impacts, structural deformation, component wear and deterioration can all lead to damage that may go unnoticed if not identified promptly. For this reason, UNI EN 15635 specifies that racking systems must undergo periodic inspections at intervals of no more than 12 months. These inspections must be carried out by a qualified validation expert.
A technical inspection should also be carried out whenever impact damage is suspected, defects are identified or an event occurs that could affect the structural integrity of the racking system, regardless of the scheduled inspection cycle. Failing to investigate these issues may leave damaged or unsuitable racking in service, putting employees’ safety at risk and potentially exposing the company to liability for failing to address identified hazards.
| Situation | Choosing the right service | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled technical inspection | Technical inspection | Identifies wear, damage and defects, and provides a record of the condition of the structures. |
| Suspected impact damage or unreported issues | Technical inspection | Assesses the severity of the damage and identifies any remedial work required. |
| Purchase of second-hand racking without original documentation | Racking compliance certification | The racking system’s specifications must be established and its suitability for the intended use assessed. |
| Changes to the racking system configuration | Racking compliance certification | The new configuration must be assessed. Depending on the changes made, several partial validations may be required. |
| Missing or incomplete technical documentation | Racking compliance certification | The technical information required to assess the racking system’s functional condition must be reconstructed. |
When to consider racking compliance certification
Modifications, reconfigurations and second-hand racking systems
Racking compliance certification should be considered whenever changes are made to the conditions on which the original assessment was based. These may include repositioning beam levels, replacing components with parts of different specifications or introducing operating conditions that were not previously considered
Second-hand racking systems also require careful assessment before being put into service. Their specifications, configuration, documentation and component condition must all be checked to ensure they are suitable for the intended operating conditions.
Documentation and consistency with the actual installation
Certifying a racking system as safe for use requires a clear understanding of how it was designed, installed and configured. Layout drawings, technical documentation, load notices, operation and maintenance manuals, component specifications and installation records provide the information needed to compare the existing installation with its intended operating conditions.
Where documentation is missing or does not match the actual installation, a visual inspection alone is not enough. The structural characteristics must be investigated further to identify any missing information and determine how it can be obtained. Following the publication of the Italian 2023 CSLLPP guidelines, the seismic resistance of existing racking systems must also be assessed, including installations already in service. The applicable seismic requirements depend on several factors, particularly the geographical location of the site. Seismic risk varies significantly across Italy, and even relatively short distances can make a difference to the assessment.
Technical standards and employer responsibilities
UNI standards are voluntary technical references. Article 2(1)(u) of Italian Legislative Decree 81/2008 defines a technical standard as a specification whose compliance is not mandatory. However, this does not mean that technical standards are irrelevant to equipment safety.
Articles 70 and 71 require employers to ensure that work equipment complies with applicable requirements and is maintained in a safe condition. Article 71 also sets out specific obligations regarding maintenance and inspections. Relevant technical standards provide an authoritative basis for identifying appropriate safety measures in line with current technical knowledge and established industry practice. Following these standards helps employers document their decisions and the measures adopted. Where alternative approaches are used, employers must be able to demonstrate that these provide adequate protection and an equivalent level of safety in relation to the risks involved.
Failure to follow an individual UNI standard does not, in itself, automatically result in criminal liability. However, breaches of the safety obligations set out in Italian Legislative Decree 81/2008 may lead to criminal penalties where provided for by law. It is therefore essential that inspections, maintenance work and technical decisions are based on the actual risks and supported by appropriate documentation.
Choosing the right approach for your warehouse
Technical inspection and racking compliance certification serve different purposes. A technical inspection assesses the condition of a racking system and identifies any issues that may affect its safety. Racking compliance certification, on the other hand, evaluates whether the system is suitable for its intended use, taking into account its structural characteristics, documentation and installation. Depending on the circumstances, both may be necessary. Di Massa Srl supports businesses in assessing industrial racking systems through independent technical inspections and racking compliance certification, regardless of the manufacturer and based on the actual conditions of each warehouse. Contact us to discuss your requirements with one of our technical specialists. They will help you identify the most appropriate approach to ensuring the safety of your warehouse equipment.