Racking safety inspections
Industrial racking is storage equipment that inevitably deteriorates with use. Damage caused by the day-to-day operation of a warehouse is not always visible, but it can compromise the structural integrity of the system and create risk situations for people, goods and business continuity.
Why are racking safety inspections necessary?
A warehouse in operation is a warehouse exposed to deterioration. The structural components of a storage installation operated with mechanical handling equipment are subject to gradual wear. Forklift impacts, occasional overloads and accumulated wear generate damage that can go unnoticed in daily operations, but may lead immediately or progressively to accidents, damage to goods or service interruption.
Inspecting storage systems on a regular basis, and repairing or replacing damaged components, is a key factor in maintaining warehouse safety and protecting both the personnel working in it and the stored goods.
Racking safety inspections are a legal requirement
Several regulations govern the periodic inspection of metal racking:
Royal Decree 1215/1997
Classifies racking as work equipment and establishes minimum health and safety requirements for its use. It sets out the obligation to carry out proper equipment maintenance, as well as periodic audits that must be properly documented and made available to the labour authority.
Standards EN 15635 and NTP 852
Establish that storage equipment must be inspected regularly to ensure its proper functioning and reduce accident risks. They set the following minimum inspection intervals:
- Weekly visual check of critical components.
- Detailed monthly inspection.
- Annual inspection carried out by a qualified technician.
In addition, EN 15635 establishes that the user is responsible for the safety of personnel working in the vicinity of the equipment, and requires the appointment of a person responsible for the safety of the storage equipment, responsible for centralising all information relating to the safety of the installation.
This standard also establishes that all storage equipment operated by forklifts or other mechanical means must be inspected at least once a year by a qualified technical inspector. This annual inspection cannot be replaced by internal reviews carried out by warehouse staff, as it requires the involvement of a technician with the specific training and accreditations needed to assess the risk of damaged components in accordance with regulatory standards.
Standard EN 15878
Defines the metal racking storage systems that must be inspected, including:
Does your warehouse need a technical inspection?
Any installation requires a technical inspection if any of the following apply:
- It operates with mechanical handling equipment, such as forklifts or similar.
- The installation has been in service for one year or more.
- Modifications have been made to the original installation since the last inspection without consulting the manufacturer.
Inspection protocol: how we carry out technical inspections
Thanks to its expertise as a specialist manufacturer of storage systems, POLYPAL has developed a technical inspection service for metal racking systems based on current regulations, ensuring that every inspection follows the applicable technical parameters and industry reference standards.
The inspection protocol assesses the risk of each damaged component and all risks identified in the installation. Depending on their urgency or severity, risks are classified into three levels:
- Red risk: situation of immediate danger requiring urgent action.
- Amber risk: damage that must be addressed in the short term to prevent escalation.
- Green risk: minor damage that should be monitored and addressed through routine maintenance.
Following the inspection, a detailed report is produced covering the risks identified and an action plan to recondition the equipment and restore an optimal level of safety throughout the warehouse.
When did you last have your warehouse inspected?
Improve the safety of your warehouse and reduce the risks.
The benefits of periodic technical inspections
Improved warehouse operability and safety
An installation that has been inspected and properly maintained operates more smoothly and with fewer interruptions, while ensuring the safety conditions required for personnel and goods.
Reduced damage and maintenance costs
Early detection of deteriorated components allows action to be taken before a minor issue becomes a major problem. Over time, periodic inspection progressively reduces the number of incidents and the costs associated with their repair.
Lower risk for workers and goods
Identifying and correcting weak points in the installation before they cause an accident is the most effective way to protect both warehouse personnel and stored goods.
Reduction in workplace accidents
Racking in poor condition is a genuine source of risk. Keeping the installation in optimal condition through periodic inspections directly contributes to reducing accident rates in the warehouse.
Identification of weak points in the installation
The inspection not only detects visible damage it also identifies areas of the installation that are particularly exposed to deterioration, making it possible to anticipate problems and improve warehouse operating procedures.
Regulatory compliance
Carrying out periodic technical inspections demonstrates compliance with standards EN 15635 and NTP 852, avoiding potential penalties and providing the documentary guarantees required.
Tailor-made solution
If you’re not sure which storage solution best suits your needs, please get in touch with us.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should racking be inspected?
Regulations establish three levels of inspection: a weekly visual check of critical components, a detailed monthly inspection, and an annual inspection carried out by a qualified technician. The exact frequency may vary depending on the specific characteristics of each installation.
Who can carry out the annual technical inspection?
The annual inspection must be carried out by expert technical personnel with the training and accreditations to ensure the inspection follows the technical parameters required by applicable regulations. An internal review carried out by warehouse staff is not sufficient.
Who is the person responsible for the safety of the storage equipment?
The person responsible for the safety of the storage equipment is the internal person appointed by the user, in accordance with EN 15635, to centralise all information relating to the safety of the installation and coordinate periodic inspections.
What happens if damage is identified during the inspection?
Damage is classified by risk level and recorded in the inspection report, together with photographs and the recommended action plan.
