Summary:
EN 15635 governs the use, maintenance and inspection of steel storage systems to ensure the sustained safety of logistics operations. It directly engages the employer's responsibility and requires regular inspections, internal organisation and traceability. For procurement departments, this standard should inform specifications, supplier selection and contracts. The result: reduced risks, improved operational performance and enhanced equipment durability.
Contents:
- What is EN 15635?
- How to integrate EN 15635 into your procurement?
- What are the benefits of EN 15635?
Storage systems are strategic infrastructures for logistics warehouses. Their implementation and operation are generally governed by strict rules to guarantee safety and efficiency in the warehouse. The European standard EN 15635 is a perfect example. It provides a framework for the use and maintenance of steel storage systems. Its purpose: to minimise the risks and consequences of dangerous practices and/or structural damage. For corporate procurement departments, this is a key element to integrate when formalising requirements.
What is EN 15635?
EN 15635 provides guidelines to users for the installation, use and maintenance of their steel storage systems. It thus guarantees the safety and stability of storage systems under the intended load conditions throughout their product life cycle.
Furthermore, this standard stipulates that it is the employer's responsibility to maintain the installation in a state of compliance. The employer is therefore responsible for the proper maintenance of the installation and compliance with the recommended inspection frequency.
This applies to any so-called static steel storage system, generally used in logistics warehouses, warehouses or industrial facilities. These notably include: pallet racks, light or medium-load shelving, and dynamic shelving.
EN 15635 sets various requirements:
- An annual technical inspection by a certified expert, with the preparation of a written report specifying any non-conformities;
- Regular visual checks of the stability and integrity of steel racking systems, carried out by trained users to identify any potential degradation;
- The implementation of a maintenance register, which records all inspections, interventions and repairs carried out;
- The display of load notices in visible locations and their verification against the installation;
- The appointment of a person responsible for storage equipment safety (PRES);
- Staff training on best practices for handling and maintaining equipment;
- Immediate reporting of any damage or incident.
A traffic light alert system
Inspection reports highlight areas requiring intervention and associated risks, using a traffic light system:
- Red: these are the most serious damages, structures must be unloaded immediately;
- Orange: the identified rack must be unloaded within 4 weeks;
- Green: the identified rack must be monitored at each inspection.
How to integrate EN 15635 into your procurement?
When purchasing storage equipment, procurement teams can rely on all applicable standards to formalise their requirements. These elements will inform their specifications, supplier selection criteria and contracts.
These are the various standards relating to static steel storage systems:
- EN 15635 (Use and maintenance of storage systems)
- EN 15878 (Terms and definitions)
- EN 15629 (Storage system specification)
- EN 15620 (Adjustable pallet racking – Tolerances, deformations and clearances)
- EN 15512 (Adjustable pallet racking systems – Principles for structural design)
First of all, procurement teams must clearly map their requirements. In the specifications, they will provide various information: the location of the installation, the characteristics of the site, the loads intended to be stored, their turnover, etc. It is from these elements that suppliers will be able to guarantee the mechanical strength, rigidity and stability of their racking. They will also ensure that all these standards are mentioned, as well as the technical deliverables (load-level markings, operating and maintenance instructions) and on-site acceptance criteria. Beyond the purchase of equipment, they can also integrate associated services (installation, training, maintenance, repair, etc.).
In the supplier evaluation grid, buyers can include criteria demonstrating their compliance. The idea is to value suppliers capable of demonstrating systematic application of these standards: project references, internal procedures, inspection reports, etc.
In contracts, they can also integrate specific clauses: preventive maintenance, annual inspections, training for the person responsible for storage equipment safety, supply of spare parts, etc. It is also worthwhile recalling the marking and labelling obligations, as well as the product use instructions and warnings. Lastly, key performance indicators can also be specified that will be monitored to evaluate supplier performance: non-conformities identified during inspections, incident tracking, etc. These are all elements that can be incorporated into incentive mechanisms (discounts, improvement plans, etc.) or that will ultimately be used when renegotiating contracts.
Manutan supports companies
Our experts help you fit out all your logistics warehouses through:
- A wide selection of storage systems that meet regulatory requirements;
- Various ranges of products to protect operators and storage structures;
- Value-added services such as installation, technical inspections and repairs.
Available in Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Portugal and subject to conditions in Germany and the United Kingdom, as of content publication date.
What are the benefits of EN 15635?
Although EN 15635 is a legal obligation, it also presents multiple advantages for companies in terms of safety, operational efficiency and product durability.
Reducing risks
This is the primary function of EN 15635: to prevent any risk of accident. Rapid Racking, our UK subsidiary specialising in racking systems at Manutan, explains: "Failure to regularly inspect and properly maintain your racking can increase the risk of injury and exacerbate existing damage, potentially leading to catastrophic collapse." Poorly secured loads or deteriorating racking can have serious consequences: endangering personnel, destruction of stock or even production interruptions. Compliance helps reduce accident risks, quickly detect any anomalies to correct them as soon as possible. Just as it also protects companies from associated administrative, financial and criminal sanctions.
Improving operational efficiency
Through this standard, companies ensure a safe and efficient working environment. The proper use and maintenance of equipment help reduce the number of interruptions due to incidents or emergency repairs. This guarantees the smooth running of logistics operations, maintaining optimal productivity.
Extending product lifespan
EN 15635 particularly emphasises equipment maintenance. By following the recommendations, companies protect racking from premature damage and extend their lifespan. Consequently, this also reduces costs related to major repairs or total equipment replacement.
EN 15635 constitutes a reference standard for managing the safety of steel racking. By implementing it, companies ensure their compliance with legal regulations, but also, above all, improve their safety, productivity and long-term competitiveness.
