Having your racking inspected? It should meet these rules!
Proper and professional warehousing means so much more than just installing a few racks and keeping them stocked. You need to set up all process smoothly and efficiently, keep the warehouse clean, and apply a sophisticated stock management system. But the racking itself must also meet a variety of conditions. Are you familiar with the safety and quality requirements for warehouse racking? We’ve mapped them out for you.
As an employer, you’re naturally concerned about the safety of your employees. That includes proper working conditions. This means safe traffic flows, ergonomic office chairs, protective clothing, etc., but have you thought about the warehouse as well? Probably so: as a professional business, you don’t want to risk warehouse racking tipping over or a load falling onto an employee. Or what about slipping hazards due to slippery floors or spills?
Warehouse racking inspection
As an employer, you are responsible for the health, safety and well-being of your employees. Part of this is ensuring safe work equipment. This includes racking and all of its components. Thus, occupational health and safety law requires inspection of your warehouse racking at least once a calendar year. This way you can guarantee that your warehouse is safe and prioritize employee safety. A report must detail the inspection and how you maintain your warehouse racking. So be sure to arrange this inspection and report, to avoid potential fines.
What types of warehouse racking require inspection?
European law requires inspections for all steel storage systems. The racking must meet European standard NEN EN 15635 (Steel static storage systems – Adjustable pallet racking – Tolerances – Deformations and clearances). You must have your warehouse racking inspected annually. In addition, it is necessary to request an inspection after conversions or modifications to the design. The warehouse designer must also conduct an inspection immediately after delivery of a new warehouse.
Does your warehouse design have to meet the Building Decree, and do you need a permit?
The height of your warehouse racking determines the rules and regulations it must meet. Warehouse racking higher than 3 m is considered a structure. Shorter warehouse racking is not. The higher warehouse racking (i.e. structures) must meet the Building Decree 2012 (“Bouwbesluit 2012”). Warehouse racking over 3 m high also requires permit.
Want to avoid the red tape?
Are you unsure whether your warehouse meets the conditions, are you about to redesign your warehouse or are you having trouble keeping a handle on all your warehouse operations? If so, you may want to look at the options for outsourcing your warehousing. Let another party handle all the red tape and provide you with peace of mind. It’s that easy!
Want to know more about inspecting your logistics process?
Please feel free to contact us!