What are the risks for a company that uses pallet racking that does not comply with standards?

In modern logistics, the priority is maximum efficiency and optimal use of storage space. However, the foundation of every functional warehouse must be safety and full compliance with applicable technical standards. Pallet racks are complex steel load-bearing structures that require design, assembly, and operation in accordance with the current state of technology.

Ignoring these standards involves not only the risk of damaging goods but, above all, serious legal and financial consequences for the enterprise. Find out why certified pallet racks are crucial for your business.

Key European standards for racking systems

In the European warehousing industry, a set of harmonized standards applies, defining requirements for the entire lifecycle of racking systems:

• EN 15512:2020 + A1:2022: The latest version of the standard specifying principles for structural design and calculations.
• EN 15620:2021: Defines dimensional tolerances and clearances that ensure safe forklift maneuvering.
• EN 15635:2008: A key standard regarding safe use, maintenance, and periodic inspections.

Compliance with these guidelines serves as formal confirmation of operating in accordance with best engineering practices.

When is a rack considered “non-compliant”?

Non-compliance occurs when a structure does not meet technical requirements or has undergone unauthorized modifications. The most common deficiencies include:

• Lack of up-to-date technical documentation or a load capacity plaque specifying load limits.
• Unauthorized structural changes (e.g., changing beam levels) without recalculating load capacity according to EN 15512.
• Lack of a declaration of conformity with EN standards and exceeding permissible loads.
• Failure to conduct periodic technical inspections by a competent person (in accordance with EN 15635).
• Assembly performed without a professional design or specialist supervision.

Even if the racks appear visually stable, failure to meet the above points poses a real threat to safety.

Risks: From operational losses to criminal liability

Technical and operational consequences

A poorly designed storage system is a direct path to disaster. The most common consequences include structural collapse, destruction of cargo, and permanent deformation of load-bearing elements, which drastically reduce the load capacity of the entire system. This leads to costly downtime and a loss of supply chain continuity.

Legal and financial liability

According to Directive 2009/104/EC and occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations, the employer must provide safe equipment for workstations. Using systems that do not comply with standards can result in:

• Administrative penalties imposed by the National Labour Inspection.
• Refusal of insurance payouts by the insurer in the event of a failure.
• Criminal liability for supervisors and management, particularly in the case of serious accidents.
• The necessity of costly dismantling and replacement of the entire system following an inspection.

Important: Compliance with standards is not just a formality—it is the key to the legal and financial security of your company.

Impact on audits and certification (ISO, SMETA)

In industries such as automotive or FMCG, auditors (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 45001) rigorously verify the technical condition of racking. Identifying deficiencies relative to EN 15512 or EN 15635 standards can result in the loss of certifications, lower scores in supply chain audits (SMETA, SQAS), and a damaged market reputation.

How to ensure full warehouse safety?

To avoid risks and operate in accordance with the current state of technology, it is worth implementing the following steps:

1. Cooperation with professionals: Purchase systems from certified manufacturers declaring compliance with EN 15512:2020 + A1:2022.
2. Professional assembly: Entrust installation and technical acceptance to experienced companies.
3. Regular inspections: Conduct inspections at least once a year, in accordance with the EN 15635:2008 standard.
4. Staff education: Train employees on the safe use of racking and damage reporting procedures.

Do your racks meet current requirements? Do not risk the safety of your employees and the stability of your business. A professional technical audit conducted by a competent person will allow you to identify hazards and implement necessary corrective actions.