Inspection and maintenance - extending the service life of shelving

The racking inspection in accordance with DIN EN 15635 is a regulation for companies that operate pallet racking, shelving or heavy-duty racking. It ensures the functionality of the storage equipment and protects employees from hazards. Regular inspection of the racking also increases the service life of the systems and prevents costly damage. The DIN EN 15635 standard has been in force since 2009 and specifies how the inspection of shelving and racking systems must be carried out professionally.

Why racking testing in accordance with DIN EN 15635 is important

Commercial racking is subject to inspection. This includes pallet racking, cantilever racking, flow racking, long-span racking and all heavy-duty racking. The racking inspection in accordance with DIN EN 15635 creates the basis for safe warehouse operation. Even minor damage can affect stability. Consistent inspection of the racking therefore prevents failures, reduces risks and protects against liability claims. When using heavy-duty shelving, the inspection should be taken particularly seriously, as the high shelf loads increase the requirements for safety and maintenance.

Which racks need to be inspected

The inspection of racking applies to all stationary storage equipment. This includes

Pallet racking for Euro and industrial pallets
Shelving racks for general cargo
Cantilever racking for long goods
Flow racks for fast-moving goods
Long span racking
Mobile racking and power-operated systems

Inspection of racking systems is always mandatory, regardless of the manufacturer or year of construction.

Two levels of racking inspection in accordance with DIN EN 15635

The standard distinguishes between two types of inspection.

1) Weekly visual inspection

The regular visual inspection is carried out by trained employees. Visible deformations, collision damage, missing safety elements and loose connections are checked. This inspection of the racking enables risks to be identified quickly.

2) Annual expert inspection

The comprehensive racking inspection in accordance with DIN EN 15635 is carried out once a year by an appointed inspector. The inspector checks assembly, load specifications, vertical position, connecting elements and documents all damage. Each inspection of shelving systems ends with an inspection sticker and a report.

The legal basis

Several regulations require the inspection of shelving systems:

Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health § 10
DIN EN 15635
DGUV Rule 208-061
TRBS 1203
DGUV Information 208-043
Occupational Health and Safety Act § 5

All companies must comply with these requirements to protect employees and operations.

Extend the service life of heavy-duty shelving with regular inspections

Thoroughly inspecting shelving helps to detect damage at an early stage. Small defects can be repaired in good time, loose connections can be tightened and load specifications can be checked. Corrosion can also be detected at an early stage.

In the case of heavy-duty shelving, regular inspection ensures that load limits are adhered to and that no component is overstressed.

Best practices for durable shelving

Training, tidiness and sensible protective measures increase the service life. Important points here are:

Employee training for forklift trucks and warehouse technology
Collision protection to safeguard vulnerable uprights
Clear load distribution
Clean documentation of the rack inspection in accordance with DIN EN 15635

Quality right from the start

Even the choice of shelving system influences its durability. Racking systems from TOPREGAL are made of robust steel and can be extended modularly using plug-in assembly. Spare parts are available at all times, which makes repairs easier and supports the testing of the shelving systems.

Who is authorized to inspect shelving systems

The weekly inspection is carried out by a specially trained employee. The annual expert inspection may only be carried out by a qualified person. Prerequisites are technical training, training as a racking inspector, experience and knowledge of all relevant regulations.

Documentation of the racking inspection in accordance with DIN EN 15635

After each expert inspection, operators receive

an inspection report
a damage assessment with traffic light levels
an inspection sticker
recommendations for repairs

These documents are important evidence for authorities and insurance companies.

Costs and benefits

Rack testing in accordance with DIN EN 15635 reduces costs in the long term, as it prevents operational interruptions and reduces liability risks. It extends the service life of the racking, ensures insurance cover and optimizes warehouse use.

TOPREGAL as a partner for safe storage technology

TOPREGAL supplies high-quality heavy-duty shelving and accessories for safe storage processes. Rack testing in accordance with DIN EN 15635 is a central component of safe and economical warehouse operation. The regular inspection of racking and the careful testing of racking systems protect employees, prevent damage and increase the service life of any storage facility. Those who opt for high-quality systems such as TOPREGAL's heavy-duty shelving at an early stage and consistently comply with the inspection specifications will safeguard their investment in the long term.

Shelves Safety Inspection