EN 18121:2026
(Main)Design and use of free-standing steel rack protection for adjustable pallet racking - Upright protectors and frame barriers - Requirements and test methods
- Abstract
This document specifies requirements and test methods for free standing and floor fixed steel upright protector and free standing and floor fixed steel frame barriers for adjustable pallet racking.
Frame barriers and upright protectors, according to this document, are not connected to the rack. Frame barriers and upright protectors connected to the racking are excluded from this document.
This document does not apply to:
— devices for traffic routes or drive ways;
— guide rails and guide-ins;
— safety and buffering backstops;
— handrails and stair rails;
— protection from falls at height;
— pick and deposit (P and D) stations;
— protection requirements for dynamic storage; including mobiles;
— protection requirements for crane racking;
— sacrificial legs.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 15-Sep-2026
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 344 - Steel static storage systems
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 344/WG 6 - Rack protections
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 16-Sep-2026
- Due Date
- 19-Jun-2026
- Completion Date
- 16-Sep-2026
EN 18121:2026 is a CEN European Standard for free-standing and floor-fixed steel upright protectors and frame barriers used with adjustable pallet racking. It specifies the design, use, test methods, and documentation for rack protection that is not connected to the rack, so it is aimed at racking designers, suppliers, warehouse operators, and the people who install, inspect, and maintain storage equipment.
What does EN 18121:2026 specify?
EN 18121:2026 specifies requirements and test methods for free-standing and floor-fixed steel upright protectors and free-standing and floor-fixed steel frame barriers for adjustable pallet racking. It organizes the subject into scope, normative references, terms and definitions, requirements, testing, and documentation, with two informative annexes that help with selection, inspection, and retrofit use.
The scope is limited to protection devices that are not connected to the rack. Devices connected to the racking are outside the document, as are traffic-route devices, guide rails, safety backstops, handrails, fall protection, pick and deposit stations, dynamic storage including mobiles, crane racking protection, and sacrificial legs.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A | Selection criteria and inspection |
| Annex B | Retro-fitting of protectors |
What are the key requirements of EN 18121:2026?
EN 18121:2026 links the protector to the racking system, sets minimum geometry and impact performance, and then requires testing and documentation to prove that the protector will not let the rack be contacted. In practice, the standard is about choosing the right protector, placing it correctly, proving its energy absorption, and keeping enough clearance after installation.
Specification, design, and placement
Clause 4.1 says frame barriers and upright protectors are to be specified according to EN 15629, designed in accordance with EN 15512:2020+A1:2022 and EN 15620, and maintained according to EN 15635. That means the protector is not designed in isolation - it has to fit the storage equipment specification, the structural design of the rack, and the warehouse maintenance process.
Clause 4.2 requires frame barriers, when used, to act as a visual warning and a physical barrier at end frames and passageways. They must be positioned so that, after impact deformation, the upright is still not contacted, and they must be made conspicuous by colours and/or stripes.
Clause 4.3 gives similar placement rules for upright protectors. They also must not allow contact with the upright after deformation, must be at least 300 mm high from floor level, and must be conspicuous.
Different protector types and their use
Clause 4.3.2 covers corner protection at end uprights and uprights at passageways. Corner protection is the mandatory-use case in the test criteria, but the document also notes that corner protection is not required where mechanical handling equipment cannot pass the end of the rack.
Clause 4.3.3 covers upright protectors for in-aisle protection. If the protector edge is within 40 mm of the upright, the normal EN 15620 clearance applies. If it is farther away than 40 mm, the clearance has to increase by the extra offset beyond 40 mm. In practice, this means the installer must check the bay clearance, not just fit the protector by eye.
Mechanical performance and test levels
Clause 4.4 sets the minimum energy absorption levels. Corner upright protection and frame barriers are designed for 400 J, while optional in-aisle upright protection is designed for 200 J. The protected area extends from 75 mm above the floor to 50 mm below the top of the protector.
The acceptance criterion is that the racking structure, upright, bracing, base plate, and fixings are not contacted. That matters because a protector can deform in a test, but if the rack is hit, the design has failed.
Clause 4.5 says the minimum distance between the rack and the protector comes from the test results. The document notes that typical upright-to-protector distances are between 25 mm and 50 mm, so the installation gap is determined by the verified design rather than a fixed universal value.
Testing and reporting
Clause 5 requires testing for energy absorption and deformation. At least three separate specimens have to be tested, and a specimen fails if it contacts the component being protected.
The impact test uses a swung load and a 30 mm diameter steel bar with a maximum length of 100 mm. The test arrangement has to model the most onerous intended use, including the fixings and the concrete slab into which they are anchored. Where the floor is unknown, the standard uses unreinforced concrete 150 mm thick in strength class 20/25 as the reference test slab.
Clause 5.5 requires a formal test report with specimen details, material data, the standard used, date, arrangement, impact details, measurements, observations, results, and failure mode. Clause 5.6 gives a correction method when actual thickness and yield stress differ from the design values. Clause 5.9 and 5.10 define the repeated-impact method used to determine the deflection limit for damage categorized as Green Risk.
Documentation for use in practice
Clause 6 requires installation details, a user manual, and inspection and maintenance information. These documents must tell the user how to install the protector at the tested clearance, how to use it safely, and how to inspect it after impact or visible deformation.
What terms does EN 18121:2026 define?
- Frame barrier - a free-standing, floor-fixed steel component that protects the lower part of upright frames at ends of runs and passageways from accidental impact by mechanical handling equipment (MHE).
- Upright protector - a free-standing, floor-fixed steel component that protects the lower part of uprights from accidental impact by MHE.
- Mechanical handling equipment (MHE) - the moving equipment whose accidental impact the protector is intended to absorb, such as warehouse transport equipment moving in aisles and at pallet locations.
- Green Risk - the damage level used in the repeated-impact test to judge the deflection limit before the protector contacts the rack.
- Person responsible for storage equipment safety (PRSES) - the responsible person referred to for storage equipment safety, training, and inspection arrangements.
- Adjustable pallet racking - the racking system for which these protectors are specified, designed, and tested.
Who uses EN 18121:2026?
EN 18121:2026 is used by rack designers, racking manufacturers, and suppliers who need to specify protector type, clearance, and impact performance. Warehouse owners and operators use it to decide where corner protection or frame barriers are justified by risk assessment and how to document safe use.
It is also relevant to installers, inspectors, maintenance staff, and the PRSES because the document sets out installation details, inspection criteria, damage assessment, and maintenance information. Buyers and technical approvers use it to compare products against a common method for design and test evidence.
Which standards are used with EN 18121:2026?
- EN 15629 - used for specifying storage equipment.
- EN 15512:2020+A1:2022 - used for the structural design principles of adjustable pallet racking systems.
- EN 15620 - used for tolerances, deformations, and clearance rules.
- EN 15635 - used for application, maintenance, inspection, and the Green Risk reference.
- EN ISO 6892-1 - used for the tensile test on steel material in the test schedule.
- EN 15878:2010 - used as the source for the frame barrier definition referenced in clause 3.1.
What does the EN 18121:2026 document contain?
EN 18121:2026 includes example figures for frame barriers and upright protectors, a plan showing their location in relation to passageways and bays, and schematic impact-test arrangements. It also includes tables that set the minimum energy absorption levels, the test schedule, the number of tests, and the impact conditions.
The testing part covers specimen assembly, failure criteria, correction of test load, test reporting, and the repeated-impact method used to determine Green Risk deflection limits. The annexes add practical guidance on selecting a protector, assessing risk, inspecting damage, and checking the effects of retro-fitting on clearance and floor fixings.
Relations
- Refers
EN 15635:2008 - Steel static storage systems - Application and maintenance of storage equipment - Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 18121:2026 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Design and use of free-standing steel rack protection for adjustable pallet racking - Upright protectors and frame barriers - Requirements and test methods". This standard covers: This document specifies requirements and test methods for free standing and floor fixed steel upright protector and free standing and floor fixed steel frame barriers for adjustable pallet racking. Frame barriers and upright protectors, according to this document, are not connected to the rack. Frame barriers and upright protectors connected to the racking are excluded from this document. This document does not apply to: — devices for traffic routes or drive ways; — guide rails and guide-ins; — safety and buffering backstops; — handrails and stair rails; — protection from falls at height; — pick and deposit (P and D) stations; — protection requirements for dynamic storage; including mobiles; — protection requirements for crane racking; — sacrificial legs.
This document specifies requirements and test methods for free standing and floor fixed steel upright protector and free standing and floor fixed steel frame barriers for adjustable pallet racking. Frame barriers and upright protectors, according to this document, are not connected to the rack. Frame barriers and upright protectors connected to the racking are excluded from this document. This document does not apply to: — devices for traffic routes or drive ways; — guide rails and guide-ins; — safety and buffering backstops; — handrails and stair rails; — protection from falls at height; — pick and deposit (P and D) stations; — protection requirements for dynamic storage; including mobiles; — protection requirements for crane racking; — sacrificial legs.
EN 18121:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 53.080 - Storage equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 18121:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 15635:2008, EN 15620:2021, EN 15512:2020+A1:2022, EN ISO 6892-1:2019, EN 15629:2008. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 18121:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2026
Načrtovanje in uporaba prostostoječih jeklenih zaščitnih regalov za nastavljive
paletne regale - Pokončne zaščite in okvirne pregrade - Zahteve in prekusne
metode
Design and use of free standing steel rack protection for adjustable pallet racking -
Upright protectors and frame barriers - Requirements and test methods
Auslegung und Verwendung von Anfahrschutz für verstellbare Pallettenregale - Pfosten-
und Rahmenschutz - Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
Conception et utilisation de protections en acier pour rayonnages à palettes réglables -
Protecteurs des montants et des échelles - Exigences et méthodes d'essai
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 18121:2026
ICS:
53.080 Skladiščna oprema Storage equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 18121
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
September 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 53.080
English Version
Design and use of free-standing steel rack protection for
adjustable pallet racking - Upright protectors and frame
barriers - Requirements and test methods
Conception et utilisation de protections en acier pour Auslegung und Verwendung von freistehendem Stahl-
rayonnages à palettes réglables - Protecteurs des Anfahrschutz für verstellbare Pallettenregale - Pfosten-
montants et des échelles - Exigences et méthodes und Rahmenschutz - Anforderungen und
d'essai Prüfverfahren
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 17 August 2026.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 18121:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Requirements . 11
4.1 Specification, design and inspection / maintenance. 11
4.2 Frame barrier . 11
4.3 Upright protector . 12
4.3.1 General. 12
4.3.2 Upright protector for corner protection . 12
4.3.3 Upright protector for in-aisle protection . 14
4.4 Mechanical performance. 15
4.4.1 General. 15
4.4.2 Upright protector . 16
4.4.3 Frame barriers . 16
4.5 Clearances . 18
4.5.1 Upright protector . 18
4.5.2 Frame barriers . 19
5 Testing . 19
5.1 General. 19
5.2 Assembly of test specimens. 19
5.3 Number of tests . 19
5.4 Test criteria (definition of failure load) . 19
5.5 Test reports . 19
5.6 Corrections to test load . 20
5.7 Schedule of tests . 20
5.8 Protection testing . 21
5.8.1 General. 21
5.8.2 Upright protector and frame barrier testing . 22
5.9 Testing to determine the level of damage to be categorized as Green Risk . 25
5.9.1 General. 25
5.9.2 Number of tests . 25
5.9.3 Test procedure . 25
5.10 Analysis of results . 26
6 Documentation . 26
6.1 General. 26
6.2 Installation details . 26
6.3 User manual . 26
6.4 Inspection and maintenance. 27
Annex A (informative) Selection criteria and inspection . 28
Annex B (informative) Retro-fitting of protectors . 30
Bibliography . 31
European foreword
This document (EN 18121:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 344 “Steel static
storage systems”, the secretariat of which is held by UNI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2027, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by March 2027.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to provide information on the requirements, design, use and test
procedures of steel upright protectors and steel frame barriers, not connected to the rack (free standing),
for pallet racking.
Such protection reduces the risk of contact to uprights and upright frame bracing members depending
on the level of impact, but is usually incapable of stopping a travelling truck.
Adequate protection depends on a number of parameters, as given in a risk assessment.
Appropriate operator training and safety measures reduce contact caused by fork-lift trucks or other
moving equipment against rack-uprights.
As requirements and test procedures given in this document base on free-standing steel upright
protectors and free-standing steel frame barriers, these requirements and test procedures can be taken
as guideline for non-steel products, whereas a declaration of those products against this document is
explicitly not intended.
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements and test methods for free standing and floor fixed steel upright
protector and free standing and floor fixed steel frame barriers for adjustable pallet racking.
Frame barriers and upright protectors, according to this document, are not connected to the rack. Frame
barriers and upright protectors connected to the racking are excluded from this document.
This document does not apply to:
— devices for traffic routes or drive ways;
— guide rails and guide-ins;
— safety and buffering backstops;
— handrails and stair rails;
— protection from falls at height;
— pick and deposit (P and D) stations;
— protection requirements for dynamic storage; including mobiles;
— protection requirements for crane racking;
— sacrificial legs.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 15629, Steel static storage systems — Specification of storage equipment
EN 15512:2020+A1:2022, Steel static storage systems — Adjustable pallet racking systems — Principles
for structural design
EN 15620, Steel static storage systems — Tolerances, deformations and clearances
EN 15635, Steel static storage systems — Application and maintenance of storage equipment
EN ISO 6892-1, Metallic materials — Tensile testing — Part 1: Method of test at room temperature
(ISO 6892-1)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
frame barrier
free standing and floor fixed steel component(s) to protect the lower part of upright frames at the ends
of runs and at passageways against accidental impact from mechanical handling equipment (MHE)
Note 1 to entry: Frame barriers are free standing and floor fixed components
Note 2 to entry: Figure 1b) shows a possible combination of a frame barrier with an upright protector. According
to the design of the frame barrier it can also be installed by itself (see Figure 1a).
[SOURCE: EN 15878:2010, 3.3.8 – modified, “and floor fixed steel” added]
a) Example of a frame barrier
b) Example of a frame barrier as a combination of a frame barrier (as protection rails)
with an upright protector
Figure 1 — Examples of frame barriers
3.2
upright protector
free standing and floor fixed steel component to protect the lower part of uprights against accidental
impact from mechanical handling equipment (MHE)
[SOURCE: EN 15620:2021]
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.
a) Example of an upright protector (for corner protection, two-sided)
b) Example of an upright protector (for in-aisle protection, three-sided)
Figure 2 — Examples of upright protectors
4 Requirements
4.1 Specification, design and inspection / maintenance
Frame barriers and upright protectors shall be specified according to EN 15629 and designed in
accordance with EN 15512:2020+A1:2022 and EN 15620.
NOTE 1 Annex A provides further information about the selection criteria of rack protection.
Installation instructions shall include instructions for person(s) responsible for storage equipment safety
in accordance with EN 15635 and training information of the staff/operator.
Inspection and maintenance shall be in accordance with EN 15635.
NOTE 2 Rack protection included in the rack design is part of the design of the rack.
4.2 Frame barrier
Frame barriers can optionally be located close to the rear uprights of the end frame and frame bracing at
each side of a passage way (see Figure 3) to provide:
— a visual warning;
— a physical barrier for the front and side of the corner upright for mechanical handling equipment
entering an aisle;
and
— a physical barrier to the goods, pallets and/or loads for the protection of the rear upright and bracing.
Frame barriers are available in a variety of forms and if used:
— they shall be positioned in such a way that, after its deformation by absorbing an impact, the upright
will not be contacted;
— they shall be a minimum of 300 mm height from floor level;
— the protector rail shall extend between a maximum of 75 mm above the floor to the specific height of
the frame barrier;
— they shall be made conspicuous by colours and/or stripes.
NOTE 1 See also 4.5.2 for the positioning of the frame protection.
Larger sizes of frame protections are designed according to individual tests.
NOTE 2 The protector rail can extend below the test level of 75 mm to reduce the risk of MHE forks going under
the rail.
Frame barriers can be designed as a stand-alone device (see Figure 1a)) or combined with an upright
protector for corner protection (see Figure 1b)).
Protection by frame barriers is optional and based on user's risk assessment, but recommended for the
rear uprights and frame bracing where goods are stored at the ends outside of a run.
4.3 Upright protector
4.3.1 General
Upright protectors are available in a variety of forms and they shall:
— be positioned in such a way that, after its deformation by absorbing an impact, the upright will not
be contacted;
— be a minimum of 300 mm height from floor level;
— be made conspicuous by colours and/or stripes.
4.3.2 Upright protector for corner protection
Upright protectors for corner protection (see Figure 2a)) shall be installed:
— at the uprights (at the end of the rack)
and
— at the uprights at each side of a passage way (see Figure 3).
Upright protectors for corner protection can be designed as stand-alone devices (see Figure 2a)) or
combined with a frame barrier (see Figure 2b)).
Corner protection is not required where a MHE cannot pass by the end of the rack.
Key
1 frame barrier in combination with an upright protector at passageways
2 upright protectors for in-aisle protection
3 upright protectors for corner protections
4 passageway
Figure 3 — Plan of rack prot
...