UNI EN 15635:2009: safety and maintenance of industrial racking systems

In terms of safety and efficiency in the use of industrial racking systems, the UNI EN 15635:2009 standard represents an essential reference for the entire industrial sector. This regulation provides specific guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of static racking, with a particular focus on structural safety, especially in environments where mechanical handling equipment is used.

In this article, we will look at the areas it covers, what it sets out, and what the obligations are for companies.

Objectives of the Standard

The primary objective of the UNI EN 15635 standard is to minimize the risks associated with the use of racking systems, protecting both operators and stored goods. The standard provides specific guidelines regarding regular checks, maintenance, and inspections, ensuring that racking systems are always in safe condition and ready for use.

Inspection categories

To ensure the safety of racking systems and, more generally, storage areas, the standard introduces a damage classification system for racking, dividing conditions into three levels:

1. Green level: the racking is safe and does not require immediate action, apart from annual monitoring.
2. Amber level: prompt action is required within 30 days. The affected bays may remain loaded until repairs are carried out. If repairs are not completed within 30 days, the risk will escalate to red level.
3. Red level: the racking must be immediately made safe and unloaded in order to carry out the necessary repairs.

This classification allows companies to act promptly and in a targeted manner, minimizing risks and ensuring that storage operations are carried out under optimal safety conditions.

User responsabilities

In addition to classifying the urgency level of interventions, the standard also identifies the internal roles within a company responsible for the safety of racking and warehouse operations.

According to the standard, the employer must appoint a person responsible for safety, known as the PRSES (Person Responsible for Safety of Storage Equipment). This role is essential for carrying out visual checks and detailed inspections, identifying any issues with the racking. The PRSES must be trained to recognize signs of wear and maintain accurate records of inspections and maintenance, which are essential in the event of audits and inspections by competent authorities.

In addition to monitoring the condition of the racking, the PRSES is responsible for communicating risks and implementing safe practices among operators. This includes training staff on the correct use of racking systems and managing emergency procedures in case of incidents.

Integration with National Regulations

In addition to UNI EN 15635, it is always important to consider national and local regulations that may affect the management of racking systems.

In Italy, for example, Legislative Decree 81/2008 establishes specific measures to ensure health and safety in the workplace. This decree requires that equipment complies with safety requirements and undergoes periodic inspections by qualified personnel. Integrating these regulations with UNI EN 15635 creates a robust regulatory framework that promotes not only safety, but also operational efficiency within companies.

Companies that comply with both regulations can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and improve working conditions, thereby increasing productivity and employee morale.

Armes racking systems

Armes designs and manufactures industrial racking systems in accordance with strict technical standards and in full compliance with European and national regulations.

Each storage system is carefully subjected to structural checks to determine the maximum load capacity and ensure uniform weight distribution, preventing overload risks and guaranteeing operational safety. This focus on safety governs the design and installation of the structures and meets the requirements of the UNI EN 15629 and UNI EN 15512 standards.

Armes solutions include customizable systems designed to meet the specific needs of each customer and optimize available space:

• Automated storage systems: enabling advanced and intensive space management through automation.
• Pallet racking: designed to facilitate the storage of palletized goods, making loads accessible and safe.
• Cantilever: equipped with cantilever arms for storing long or bulky materials such as pipes and panels.
• Gravity-fed racking: ideal for high-density storage, with both light and heavy versions that use gravity for handling via roller systems.

Conclusion

UNI EN 15635:2009 is an essential standard for maintaining safety and efficiency in storage areas. Complying with this regulation and relying on specialists such as Armes allows companies to ensure safe working environments, reduce the risk of accidents, and optimize the use of racking systems.

If you are planning a storage system or want to ensure compliance with current regulations, do not hesitate to contact Armes.