EN 15635 defines how warehouse operators must maintain their racking systems — from daily checks to annual expert inspections. The standard applies to all types of steel racking, whether pallet, drive-in, mobile or shelving.
Three Levels of Inspection
Visual inspection (daily to weekly) is the basic level, carried out by a trained warehouse employee. It covers upright deformations, beam and locking pin condition, anchoring, overloading, protective elements and legibility of load capacity labels. Findings are recorded in an inspection log.
Expert inspection is carried out at least once every 12 months by a qualified technician. It includes a complete visual check, measurement of frame verticality, beam deflection checks, verification that the configuration matches the structural calculation, photographic documentation of defects, and a written report with traffic-light classification. For high-frequency operations (over 200 operations/day) or for drive-in and shuttle systems, inspection every 6 months is recommended.
Structural assessment is performed by a structural engineer or authorised engineer on an ad-hoc basis — after an extraordinary event, a change in racking configuration, or serious findings from an inspection.
Traffic-Light Damage Classification
The standard introduces three levels. Green covers minor scuffs and cosmetic damage — record and monitor. Amber means upright bend up to 10 mm/m, a missing beam locking pin, a loose anchor or an illegible label — mark with amber tape and repair within 4 weeks. Red is an upright bend of 10 mm/m or more, a cracked weld, a missing anchor, or a frame visibly leaning to the naked eye — immediately unload the section, cordon it off, and call in a specialist. No compromises.
Specific figures for damage assessment are defined in the manufacturer’s installation manuals. For example, per the Dexion P90 manual: upright bend in the beam direction must not exceed 5 mm per 1000 mm, and in the bracing direction must not exceed 3 mm per 1000 mm. Permanent beam deflection greater than SPAN/800 means replacement.
Operator Obligations
The operator must appoint a PRSES (Person Responsible for Storage Equipment Safety) — the person accountable for the condition of the racking. This person does not need to be a certified inspector but must ensure that a system of checks is in place, records are maintained, annual expert inspections are carried out, up-to-date load configuration labels are on every row, forklift operators and warehouse staff are trained, and inspection reports are retained for a minimum of 5 years.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
In the Czech Republic, the Labour Inspectorate can impose fines of up to CZK 2,000,000 for workplace safety violations under the Labour Code (Sections 101-108). In the event of injury or death, fines can reach CZK 10,000,000 and criminal liability for proven negligence under Sections 273 or 148 of the Criminal Code may apply. Insurance claims may be reduced or rejected entirely if the operator cannot produce evidence of regular inspections.
National Differences
In the Czech Republic, EN 15635 is implemented as CSN EN 15635 and the inspection obligation derives from the general duty to maintain a safe workplace under Act 309/2006. The Labour Inspectorate requests proof of inspection during audits. In Germany, the standard is supplemented by DGUV Regel 108-007 with stricter documentation requirements. In the United Kingdom, the more stringent SEMA codes apply — tolerance of H/750 instead of H/1000, inspections every 6 months, and the SEMA Approved Rack Inspectors register.
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FAQ
Is racking inspection a legal requirement?
The law does not explicitly state “inspection per EN 15635”, but labour legislation requires a safe workplace. EN 15635 is the recognised standard, and the absence of inspection is viewed negatively by regulatory authorities during audits.
Who can perform an expert inspection?
A qualified technician with knowledge of steel structures and racking systems. In the Czech Republic, there is no legally prescribed inspector certification, unlike in the UK where the SEMA Approved Rack Inspector system exists.
What if the racking has never been inspected?
Immediately carry out a visual inspection with your own staff, mark any red and amber findings, commission an expert inspection, take critically damaged sections out of service at once, and establish a system of regular checks.
JTB STORAGE — racking installation and inspections across 16 European countries. Contact us for an inspection quote.