What you need to know about warehouse rack load capacity signs?

Proper warehouse rack markings are much more than just a formality required by Health and Safety (BHP) regulations. They are the foundation of employee safety, the protection of stored assets, and a guarantee of continuity for intralogistics processes. As a manufacturer of MGL storage systems, we have been supporting warehouse managers for years in ensuring marking accuracy, which directly translates into structural durability and reduced accident risks.

In this article, you will learn what information must be included on racks, what European standards say about it, and which mistakes to avoid to keep your warehouse safe and functional.

Why are rack markings crucial for your business?

Z punktu widzenia inwestora i zarządcy magazynu, czytelne informacje na konstrukcjach pełnią kilka istotnych funkcji:

• Safety: They provide information on permissible loads, preventing rack overloads.
• Efficiency: They assist forklift operators, speeding up the identification of storage locations.
• Legal Compliance: They are essential during National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) inspections and insurance audits.
• Liability: They constitute a legal basis in the event of potential incidents.

The absence or illegibility of markings is a direct path to losing insurance coverage or having financial penalties imposed on the enterprise.

Load capacity plaque (MDO) – the most critical structural element

The most important marking on any pallet rack is the load capacity plaque, often referred to by the acronym MDO (Permissible Load Mass). It should be placed in a prominent location, typically at the ends of the rack rows.

What must a correct load capacity plaque include?

1. Manufacturer or system supplier data.
2. Year of manufacture and serial/identification number.
3. Maximum load per storage level (e.g., for a pair of beams).
4. Maximum load per rack bay (section).
5. Height of the first level and the number of storage levels (changing these parameters without consulting the manufacturer is extremely dangerous – learn more about the risks of changing beam heights).
6. Information on permissible load units (pallet type, dimensions).

Standards and regulations governing rack marking

The design and operation of racking systems in Poland and Europe are based on specific legal acts and technical guidelines:

• PN-EN 15635: The standard regarding the use and inspection of warehouse racks (critical for periodic inspections).
• PN-EN 15512: Principles for structural design and calculations.
• FEM (Fédération Européenne de la Manutention) Guidelines: European technical recommendations.

Compliance with these standards is the responsibility of every employer committed to Health and Safety (BHP) standards in logistics.

Most common marking errors – check your warehouse

During technical audits, our specialists most frequently encounter the following deficiencies:

• Total absence of load capacity plaques: A common problem in older facilities.
• Outdated data: After restructuring or changing level configurations, the old plaque becomes invalid and misleads operators.
• Mechanical damage: Plaques that are defaced, painted over, or obscured by goods.
• Lack of rack load capacity signs: For example, missing information prohibiting walking under racks in areas not designated for that purpose.

How to ensure proper marking?

If you are planning to modernize an existing installation or build a new facility, remember these three steps:

1. Verification of documentation: Ensure that the data on the racks is consistent with the technical design.
2. Updates after changes: Every structural modification requires the issuance of new load capacity plaques by the manufacturer.
3. Regular inspection: During annual technical inspections (per PN-EN 15635), the condition and legibility of all markings must be checked.

Proper warehouse rack markings are an investment in the peace of mind and safety of your team. As an intralogistics partner, MGL helps not only by providing durable structures but also by ensuring their full compliance with rigorous standards.

Do you want to be sure that your racks are correctly marked? Contact our experts, who will perform a professional audit and assist in updating your warehouse’s technical documentation.