Rack inspection with the highest standards
Safety first
To ensure a smooth workflow, safety standards and compliance with them play a key role in every area of the company – including the warehouse. The use of forklift and complex order picking processes harbors a risk of damage – for example to the racking in the logistics warehouse. This is why a properly carried out rack inspection is essential. What may seem like a costly obligation at first glance offers great savings potential on closer inspection. Accidents with cost-intensive consequences can be avoided. Repairs remain manageable and regular safety inspections and analyses create the basis for preventative measures.
The masterplan
The European standard for the operation, maintenance and repair of steel shelving (DIN EN 15635) defines the procedure for a shelving inspection. The inspection obligation set out here applies to all types of racking and provides for a three-stage inspection procedure:
1. immediate notification
In principle, any damage that occurs must be reported immediately to the responsible safety officer. This requirement is particularly important, as even minor defects in racking systems can result in major damage. Acting with foresight is therefore the basis for dealing with the problem efficiently and avoiding consequential damage.
2. Visual inspection
To ensure that no damage goes undetected, an appropriately trained employee should carry out weekly visual inspections. The European directive also requires a results log for this regular, in-house rack inspection.
3. Expert inspection
In addition, a certified racking inspector from the Association for Storage Technology and Operating Equipment, TÜV or DEKRA must inspect the entire racking system every 12 months. ELVEDI only employs externally certified and trained rack inspectors who are approved for the annual safety inspection and can assist in determining the cause of the problem.
Racking systems subject to mandatory inspection include:
- Shelving racks
- Pallet racking
- Cantilever racking
- Drive-in racking
- Drive-through racking
- Flow racks
- Multi-level equipment
Measures required in the event of detected damage
Have you discovered damage to your shelving systems? What to do in this case depends on the classification of the danger color in the test report. DIN EN 15635 specifies which measures are to be carried out for which hazard level:
Danger level I (green): Monitoring of the damage site:
The damage does not lead to a reduction in the load capacity specified on the rating plate. The components must be marked with the corresponding color coding, documented and checked during the next inspection..
Danger level II (orange): Further measures:
The storage device must be locked as quickly as possible to prevent accidental loading. If a damaged component is unloaded, it must be repaired before it is loaded again. However, immediate measures are not required for an orange danger level. However, it will develop into a red danger level four weeks after the first marking if it has not been repaired.
Danger level III (red): Immediate measures:
This classification involves serious damage that significantly impairs the load-bearing capacity of the components and makes them an accident risk. It is therefore urgently necessary to close the storage zone and repair or replace the affected components immediately.
Attention: According to chapter 9.7.1 of DIN 15635, only the supplier of the corresponding device may authorize a repair. Otherwise, the damaged component must be completely replaced. However, denting or similar attempts to repair the component usually make the damage worse. A damaged shelf upright and defective crossbars should be replaced under all circumstances. Repairs that have not been agreed with the manufacturer can be life-threatening!
Only the use of original parts and transparent communication with the manufacturer avoids the risks of rack repair and protects the people involved. Continuous operator training and proper handling of the storage system prevent damage and save the supposed repair work.
You can read more up-to-date information on replacing rack parts here:
Rack inspection according to DIN EN 15635
We offer to inspect your ELVEDI racking systems for you. Our racking inspection service includes the visual inspection of cantilever / cantilever arm, pallet and vertical racking and storage platforms in accordance with DIN EN 15635. As well as other racking systems supplied by ELVEDI. In most cases, this visual inspection of your system can be carried out during operation.
Our safety check includes:
- Rack inspection in accordance with European standard DIN 15635, with final inspection report and inspection sticker
- Inspection by trained racking inspectors
Are you interested in a rack inspection?
ELVEDI offers rack inspections at a fixed price.
Request a quote using our contact form:
