Safety inspection of shelves

The safety inspection of shelving is based on the SFS-EN 15635 standard for fixed steel shelving systems, which came into force in 2009. According to the standard, shelving systems must be inspected by a technically qualified person at least every 12 months. A written report of the inspection is drawn up, setting out the findings and the actions required to remedy the safety deficiencies.

The users of the shelving should also carry out periodic inspections of the shelving's condition. Storage shelving should be inspected weekly or at regular intervals. The deficiencies and risks identified should be recorded and further action taken on the basis of these.

Contents of the security inspection report

The security inspection report contains a summary of the framework found, which we have listed per shelf. After the inspection, we can make an offer for missing and defective parts to be installed in place.

We offer annual and regular inspections.

During the inspection, we check, among other things, the following:

✅ Column elements

✅ Horizontal beams and safety devices

✅ Supports

✅ Floor anchorages

✅ Column guards

✅ Tunnel guards

✅ Load-bearing/load-bearing signs

✅ Possible guide rails

Colour coding of the report

Deficiencies are recorded and marked on the shelf according to their severity, divided into green, orange and red risk categories:

Agreen risk class deficiency is a minor change below the threshold value specified by the manufacturer. Green risk category changes are marked, recorded and monitored.

Anorange risk category deficiency requires action as soon as possible. The orange risk category includes those defects where the limit value is exceeded by up to twice the limit value.

Red risk class deficiencies are shelf distortions and deformations where the limit values set by the manufacturer are significantly exceeded. In this case, the resulting hazard is serious and the shelf load must be unloaded until repairs have been carried out.

Why are regular shelf inspections important?

Without regular shelf inspections, critical damage and the framework for the condition of the shelving will go unnoticed and this will have a direct impact on occupational safety in the warehouse. The columns of a pallet racking system are the main load-bearing element of the structure, so it is damage to them that poses the greatest safety risk. Deflection of a column or a collision with a forklift truck can quickly undermine the stability of the entire racking structure. When the strength of a column fails, the entire racking structure can follow suit - in the worst case, collapse occurs without warning. Therefore, column damage must always be taken extremely seriously and inspected and repaired without delay.

Regular safety inspections of pallet racking also prevent accidents at work, as the risks and the framework are known to the users at all times. It saves the company resources and keeps the working environment safe.

The most important points for the user to check

✅ Load on column elements and horizontal beams

✅ Clearances of shelves

✅ Permissible spacer load

✅ Layout of pallets

✅ Quality of pallets

✅ Arrangement and height of shelves

✅ Floor

✅ Damage classes of column elements

✅ Lighting

✅ Passenger and forklift traffic

✅ Instruction at the workplace

Pallet truck safety

When assessing the condition ofpallet racks, particular attention should be paid to possible structural damage such as deflections, dents and other visible deformations. Even the slightest apparent deformation can have a surprisingly negative effect on the load-bearing capacity of the racking.

Correct loading and correct sizing of the shelving are essential for safe storage. Each shelving unit should have clearly displayed load plates indicating the load capacity of the shelves and the entire frame. Compliance with these limits is one of the most important safety factors.

Installation errors can also compromise the safety of the shelving system. If the column is installed at an angle or the heights of the horizontal beams do not match from pole to pole, the structure is subjected to uneven loading, which can be seen as "skew" when viewed from the front. Any slopes in the floor surfaces must be taken into account by the use of filler plates to ensure that the shelving remains level in the depth direction. Installing shelves perfectly straight is one of the cornerstones of safety, and proper anchoring of columns to the floor must always be ensured.

The need for repairs to shelving can be reduced and damage prevented by using the right types of protection and safety components, such as crash guards, column guards and end guards.

Benefits of racking inspection

✅ All-inclusive storage racking inspection

✅ Experienced and trained inspectors

✅ Implementation without downtime

✅ Accurate and transparent inspection report

✅ Reduced risk of personal injury and shelf damage

✅ Extends the service life and safety of equipment

✅ Early risk identification saves costs

✅ Rapid repair action when needed

Frequently asked questions about shelf inspection

What does a shelf safety inspection cover?

The safety inspection covers such things as checking for necessary load signs, checking for load capacity in accordance with standards, damage to columns and horizontal blocks, lighting, pallet condition, collision protection, floor condition and the condition of shelf accessories.

Do you repair shelf damage?

The necessary corrective measures can be agreed on the basis of the inspection report. Our experienced fitters are ready to carry out repairs for you if the shelving requires it. You can read more about our installation service here ->

Is a shelf inspection mandatory?

Although an inspection is very useful from a business point of view, it is also mandatory. All businesses have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment for employees. This is laid down in the Health and Safety at Work Act (738/2002).

Contact our sales team if you are interested in a shelf inspection!