Shelf inspection

Pallet racks, drive-in racks, flow racks, ... racks are an essential component of storage facilities and are used in various sizes and designs. All racking that is used commercially is subject to mandatory inspection in accordance with DIN EN 15635 and DGUV Information 208-061 and must therefore be inspected annually by a competent person to ensure that it is in a safe condition.

Our competent team of experts with over 50 years of experience will be happy to support you with your obligation and reliably test your shelving in accordance with current regulations. If you pass the test, your shelving will receive the GRUMA test seal.

Inspector rack inspection high rack with tires and forklift truck

Good reasons for a shelf inspection

Manufacturer-independent testing of your racking systems

Reliable detection of all damages and defects

Inspectors with over 50 years of experience in shelf inspection

Plant safety for optimum utilization

Testing according to the current regulations

Advice on legal requirements in the event of damage

Loss prevention - protection against expensive failure scenarios

On request subsequent repair service

Inspector measures high rack with tires and forklift during rack inspection

Which racks need to be tested?

According to DIN EN 15635, all fixed steel shelving systems used commercially are subject to testing. These include:

  • Shelving
  • Multi-story facilities
  • Pallet racks
  • Cantilever racks
  • Drive-in racks
  • Drive-through racks

How often must a rack inspection be performed?

The regular inspection of shelving is regulated both in DGUV Information 208-061 and in DIN EN 15635. A distinction is made between expert inspections and visual inspections. The expert inspection must be carried out at least once a year. The visual inspection, on the other hand, is usually carried out once a week by the safety officer.

Inspector shelf inspection attaches inspection seal

Legal requirements for the testing of racks

Section 9.4.2.3: "An inspection shall be made by a competent person at intervals not to exceed 12 months. A written report of observations and suggestions for any necessary action shall be given to the safety officer."

Section 6.1: Inspection of storage facilities

Storage facilities are work equipment within the meaning of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health. In accordance with Section 3 (6) BetrSichV, the employer must determine the type and scope of required inspections, the inspection intervals and the qualifications of the inspection personnel as part of the risk assessment.

§ Section 14 (2) BetrSichV regulates the periodic inspection of work equipment that is exposed to damage-causing influences that can lead to hazards for employees.
...
For the contents of the inspection of shelving (especially adjustable pallet racking), see DIN EN 15635 "Fixed steel shelving systems - Use and maintenance of storage equipment" and DGUV Information 208-043 "Safety of shelving ".

To DGUV Information 208-061 

Inspector during shelf inspection

Who is allowed to test racks according to DIN EN 15635?

The safe condition of racks may only be checked by a qualified person. An expert is someone who has sufficient knowledge of the respective work equipment on the basis of his technical training and experience.

This person must be familiar with the relevant state occupational health and safety regulations, accident prevention regulations and generally recognized rules of technology (e.g. BG rules, DIN standards, VDE regulations, technical rules of other member states of the European Union or other contracting states of the Agreement on the European Economic Area) to such an extent that this person can assess the safe working condition of the work equipment.

Content and procedure of our shelf inspections

What is tested during the rack inspection?

During a rack inspection, our experts perform a visual inspection in accordance with DIN EN 15635:

  1. Damage due to impact on any part of the structure, especially damage to supports and beams.
  2. Vertical position of the shelf supports
  3. Condition and degree of effectiveness of all components, in particular foot plates and anti-unhooking devices
  4. Visible cracks in weld seams or in the base material
  5. General visual condition of the building floor
  6. Position of loads on the pallets and load carriers
  7. Positioning of the load carriers on the shelf and on the floor
  8. Compliance with the shelf assembly instructions
  9. Timeliness and completeness of the load and information notes
  10. Correct loading of the storage bins
  11. Sufficient stability of the loading units
  12. Sufficient dimensions of the loading units

How does a rack inspection work?

  1. We inspect the shelves during a free on-site appointment.
  2. You will receive a quotation for regular rack inspection in accordance with legal requirements.
  3. Testing is performed while the system is running (no downtime for you).
  4. You will receive a test report as proof of proper testing.
  5. If necessary, you will receive a free quote for the repair work that needs to be done.
florian wolf

Do you still have questions?

Florian

Wolf

Head of Occupational Safety and Shelf Services, Head of Academy

Frequently asked questions about shelf inspection

A suitable lifting device should be available so that the inspector can, for example, inspect a suspected damage in the higher area of a racking system. In addition, copies of all available information on the racking system (e.g. assembly instructions, delivery bills, sketches, plans, risk assessment, acceptance protocol, etc.) should be available. The customer's safety officer or another person responsible for the warehouse must be present during the inspection.

The rack inspection can be performed during ongoing operation. The most important component is the visual inspection and refers mainly to damage generated at floor level (e.g. by warehouse equipment). Thus, the racks do not have to be cleared.

Especially for heavy-duty racks, a regular inspection is mandatory. Therefore, we are also happy to inspect your heavy-duty shelving.

Storage facilities are stationary racks as well as mobile racks and cabinets. Racks are e.g. shelf racks, pallet racks, cantilever racks, drive-in racks, flow racks, and multi-story racking facilities.

Cabinets include, but are not limited to, cabinets with hinged, rolling, or sliding doors; cabinets with drawers or pull-outs; multi-level cabinet installations; and cabinets with power-operated interiors.

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