SIST EN 15635:2009
(Main)Steel static storage systems - Application and maintenance of storage equipment
- Abstract
This European Standard gives guidelines for operational aspects relevant to structural safety of storage systems. Such systems operate with heavy mechanical handling equipment working in close proximity to static storage equipment. This European Standard minimizes the risk and consequences of unsafe operation or damage to the structure. Some other forms of storage equipment are only partially covered and further consideration, beyond the scope of this European Standard, can be required.
This European Standard gives guidance in conjunction with prEN 15512, EN 15620, and EN 15629 to ensure that the specifier, user and designer are aware of the constraints in each other’s area to allow a safe design to be produced.
This European Standard specifically excludes storage equipment manufactured form materials other than steel (except for certain accessories) and equipment intended to be used for domestic storage purposes.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 03-Dec-2008
- Technical Committee
- I13 - Imaginarni 13
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 02-Dec-2008
- Due Date
- 06-Feb-2009
- Completion Date
- 04-Dec-2008
SIST EN 15635:2009 is the Slovenian adoption of EN 15635:2008, published by SIST and CEN for steel static storage systems. SIST EN 15635:2009 gives guidance for the application and maintenance of storage equipment so that users, specifiers, suppliers, installers and inspectors can manage structural safety in warehouses and similar storage installations.
What does SIST EN 15635:2009 specify?
SIST EN 15635:2009 specifies operational guidance for steel static storage systems used with mechanical handling equipment in close proximity to racks and shelving. It focuses on safe use, inspection, damage response and changes in configuration, rather than on the basic structural design itself.
The document excludes storage equipment made from materials other than steel, except for certain accessories, and equipment intended for domestic storage use. Its main structure runs from the scope and references through terms, operational requirements, assembly and installation, changes to configuration, use, inspection and damage control, and safety reviews.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| A | Supplier’s responsibilities |
| B | Examples of typical load warning notices |
| C | Pallet damage |
| D | Safety of storage equipment in use and evaluation of damaged components |
| E | Use of the storage equipment - method of placement and orientation |
What are the key requirements of SIST EN 15635:2009?
SIST EN 15635:2009 requires the user to keep the project specification valid before first use and throughout operation, and to pass the right building, floor, goods, pallet, load and handling-equipment information to the specifier. In practice, this is what links the warehouse as-built condition to the design assumptions.
Safe operation and information
SIST EN 15635:2009 requires load warning notices to be supplied, permanently displayed and kept visible in the national language and durable format. The user must also ensure that the stated load limits are not exceeded and that the load make up accessory (LMA) is suitable for the rack.
SIST EN 15635:2009 requires adequate operator training and safe access equipment for storage levels above ground. Standing or climbing on racking or shelving is not allowed, so access must be planned rather than improvised.
Installation and configuration
SIST EN 15635:2009 requires correct assembly and installation by trained, qualified people working to the supplier’s instructions. It also requires floor fixings, base plate contact, bracing arrangements, run spacers and beam locks to be installed as specified, with installation tolerances aligned to EN 15620 for adjustable pallet racking (APR).
SIST EN 15635:2009 also requires consultation with the supplier or another appropriate expert before any change to the storage configuration. The rack should be unloaded before alteration, load warning notices must be updated, and changes to beam positions can require changes to the bracing layout.
Use of pallets, loads and handling equipment
SIST EN 15635:2009 requires pallets and other load-carrying accessories to be suitable for the rack, to remain within rated capacity, and to stay stable and within the operating clearances. It gives specific loading sequences for APR and drive-in racking, including careful placement without dragging the load across supporting members.
SIST EN 15635:2009 also requires drive-through lanes to be used for pallet placement and retrieval, not as general truck routes. Truck mast stiffness, wear and floor flatness must be managed together so the truck or its load does not strike the rack.
Inspection, damage and action
SIST EN 15635:2009 requires the user to appoint a Person Responsible for Storage Equipment Safety (PRSES), keep records, report damage immediately and carry out regular inspections. A technically competent person must perform expert inspections at intervals of not more than 12 months, and automated systems have a rolling inspection regime that covers the full installation over time.
SIST EN 15635:2009 classifies damage into GREEN LEVEL, AMBER RISK and RED RISK. Green means surveillance only, Amber means hazardous damage that needs action as soon as possible, and Red means very serious damage that requires immediate off-loading and isolation until repaired.
What terms does SIST EN 15635:2009 define?
- Adjustable pallet racking (APR) - a steel structure of frames and beams with adjustable beam heights for unit loads.
- Load make up accessory (LMA) - the item used to handle or contain a unit load, such as a pallet, container, bin or stillage.
- Mechanical handling equipment (MHE) - equipment used to transport the unit load to be stored.
- Person responsible for storage equipment safety (PRSES) - the appointed person responsible for maintaining safe operation of the warehouse storage system.
- Competent person - a person with the training, experience and education needed to do the task safely and effectively.
- Specifier - the person or company that turns the user’s requirements into a specification for the supplier.
- Unit load - one stored item that can be placed or retrieved in one operation.
Who uses SIST EN 15635:2009?
SIST EN 15635:2009 is used by warehouse managers, users, suppliers, specifiers, designers, installers, maintenance staff, inspectors and truck operators. It is relevant in warehousing, distribution, manufacturing and any storage operation using steel racks or shelving with forklift trucks or other MHE. Building control authorities also use it when checking that the storage installation matches the intended use.
What changed in SIST EN 15635:2009 from the previous edition?
SIST EN 15635:2009 is identical to EN 15635:2008.
Which standards are used with SIST EN 15635:2009?
SIST EN 15635:2009 is used with EN 15629, which covers the specification of storage equipment, and EN 15620, which covers tolerances, deformations and clearances for adjustable pallet racking. The introduction also points readers to prEN 15512 for structural design principles for steel static storage systems.
What does the SIST EN 15635:2009 document contain?
SIST EN 15635:2009 contains operational rules, inspection practices and damage-management methods for steel storage systems in service. It includes guidance on safe load notices, installation practice, rack modification, pallet and load placement, drive-in racking sequences, inspection schedules and the Green-Amber-Red damage classification.
The annexes add practical background material: supplier duties, example warning notices, pallet damage examples, damage evaluation background and placement/orientation examples. The figures show key installation and operating situations such as run spacers, pallet gates, operating clearances, drive-in loading sequences, beam deflection and the damage-classification flowchart.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 15635:2009 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Steel static storage systems - Application and maintenance of storage equipment". This standard covers: This European Standard gives guidelines for operational aspects relevant to structural safety of storage systems. Such systems operate with heavy mechanical handling equipment working in close proximity to static storage equipment. This European Standard minimizes the risk and consequences of unsafe operation or damage to the structure. Some other forms of storage equipment are only partially covered and further consideration, beyond the scope of this European Standard, can be required. This European Standard gives guidance in conjunction with prEN 15512, EN 15620, and EN 15629 to ensure that the specifier, user and designer are aware of the constraints in each other’s area to allow a safe design to be produced. This European Standard specifically excludes storage equipment manufactured form materials other than steel (except for certain accessories) and equipment intended to be used for domestic storage purposes.
This European Standard gives guidelines for operational aspects relevant to structural safety of storage systems. Such systems operate with heavy mechanical handling equipment working in close proximity to static storage equipment. This European Standard minimizes the risk and consequences of unsafe operation or damage to the structure. Some other forms of storage equipment are only partially covered and further consideration, beyond the scope of this European Standard, can be required. This European Standard gives guidance in conjunction with prEN 15512, EN 15620, and EN 15629 to ensure that the specifier, user and designer are aware of the constraints in each other’s area to allow a safe design to be produced. This European Standard specifically excludes storage equipment manufactured form materials other than steel (except for certain accessories) and equipment intended to be used for domestic storage purposes.
SIST EN 15635:2009 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.
SIST EN 15635:2009 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 15620:2021, SIST EN 15629:2009, SIST EN 15512:2009, SIST EN 16681:2016, SIST EN 15512:2021+A1:2022, SIST EN 15512:2021. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN 15635:2009 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)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.VNODGLãþHQMHOrtsfeste Regalsysteme aus Stahl - Anwendung und Wartung von LagereinrichtungenSystèmes de stockage statiques en acier - Utilisation et maintenance de système de stockageSteel static storage systems - Application and maintenance of storage equipment53.080Storage equipmentICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 15635:2008SIST EN 15635:2009en,fr01-januar-2009SIST EN 15635:2009SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 15635November 2008ICS 53.080 English VersionSteel static storage systems - Application and maintenance ofstorage equipmentSystèmes de stockage statiques en acier - Utilisation etmaintenance de système de stockageOrtsfeste Regalsysteme aus Stahl - Anwendung undWartung von LagereinrichtungenThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 5 October 2008.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the CEN 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 translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as theofficial versions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2008 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 15635:2008: ESIST EN 15635:2009
Supplier's responsibilities.33 Annex B (informative)
Examples of typical load warning notices.34 B.1 Load warning notices.34 B.2 Load warning notice layout.34 B.3 Training.34 B.4 Display.34 B.5 Checking load warning notice information.34 B.6 Equipment inspections.34 B.7 Sizes.34 Annex C (informative)
Pallet damage.49 Annex D (informative)
Safety of storage equipment in use and evaluation of damaged components.51 D.1 Reduction in margin of safety of damaged racking uprights or bracing members.51 D.2 Storage equipment inspections.53 D.2.1 General.53 D.2.2 Inspection schedules.54 D.2.3 Inspection for overloading of beams, cantilevers or shelves.54 Annex E (informative)
Use of the storage equipment – Method of placement and orientation.56 E.1 General.56 E.2 Placement and asymmetric loading.56 E.3 Unevenly distributed loading on pallets or other media.58 E.4 Incorrect placement of unit loads.59 E.5 Correct and incorrect location of unit loads.59 Bibliography.61
This European Standard gives guidance in conjunction with prEN 15512, EN 15620, and EN 15629 to ensure that the specifier, user and designer are aware of the constraints in each other’s area to allow a safe design to be produced. This European Standard specifically excludes storage equipment manufactured form materials other than steel (except for certain accessories) and equipment intended to be used for domestic storage purposes 2 Normative references The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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 — The specification of storage equipment EN 15620, Steel static storage systems — Adjustable pallet racking — Tolerances, deformations and clearances 3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. 3.1 adjustable pallet racking APR steelwork structure consisting of frames and beams adjustable in height, specifically designed to support load make up accessories and unit loads 3.2 allowable loading beam, frame or shelf safe load capacity indicated by the storage equipment supplier to the user on the safe load warning notices based upon the data supplied by the specifier 3.3 bay load total allowable weight of all the unit loads in a bay of racking not including any unit loads that can be stored on the floor of the bay 3.4 clearance nominal dimension between items 3.5 compartment load load, which can be loaded into one compartment of a rack or shelving structure from one side SIST EN 15635:2009
NOTE Examples of load make up accessories include pallets, containers, bins, boxes, barrels and stillages 3.13 mechanical handling equipment MHE equipment used to transport the unit load to be stored 3.14 pallet portable platform, with or without superstructure, for the assembly of a quantity of goods to form a unit load for handling and storage by mechanical appliances 3.15 pallet buffer back stop buffering back stop which is specified as an aid for use by forklift truck drivers to deposit a unit load in the correct position in the racking
3.16 pallet safety back stop safety back stop to prevent accidental collision of a pallet or its load with other unit loads or equipment, when that load is placed in the storage compartment
type (b) backstop to prevent accidental damage, usually placed at the back of a storage compartment, to prevent the accidental collision of a pallet or its load with other equipment, such as sprinklers, when a load is placed in the storage compartment 3.17 pick up and deposit stations P and D stations storage locations at the end of an aisle used as an interface between different types of mechanical handling equipment NOTE The P and D stations can be used as an interface between the unit load and handling equipment that is dedicated to the rack aisle (such as very narrow aisle (VNA) trucks or cranes) and the conveyors or free movement trucks which service the installation. The P and D stations can also be used to accurately fix the location of the unit load relative to the racking. This is often used by trucks or cranes having a fixed length of fork stroke and ensures accuracy in the X and Z directions when placing the unit load onto the racking beams. 3.18 person responsible for storage equipment safety
PRSES person appointed by the warehouse management with responsibility for maintaining the safe operation of the warehouse storage system 3.19 specification detailed description of the user’s requirements including the racking specification and other data such as the ambient storage conditions, the floor construction, local authority requirements, etc. including all details affecting either the design of the installation or its construction 3.20 specified allowable load unit load allowed in the storage equipment 3.21 specifier person or company that provides the supplier with a specification based on the user’s requirements NOTE The specifier can be a consultant or other specialist, the end user or the equipment supplier acting as the specifier. 3.22 supplier company that supplies the storage equipment NOTE The company can be the original manufacturer or an intermediate company acting as a distributor. 3.23 total racking or shelving load total allowable load supported by all the primary load supporting members
NOTE This may be the total load from beams or shelves in a defined area of racking or shelving. 3.24 truck operator person trained and responsible for the safe use of an individual fork lift truck or a range of such equipment NOTE This would normally be rider-controlled equipment but could also include pedestrian-controlled powered equipment together with hand-operated pallet trucks. SIST EN 15635:2009
4.2 Storage systems planning In order to determine a safe design of the storage equipment to be supplied for the load carrying capacity the following information shall be provided by the user to the specifier (see EN 15629): a) details of the building in which the storage system is intended to be housed and its environment; b) properties of the floor used as the foundation for the storage and mechanical handling equipment; c) details of the goods to be stored on the equipment and specification of any pallet or other type of load-carrying accessory; d) specification of the allowable loads for the storage equipment; e) layout and configuration of the equipment to allow for sufficient design clearances to be provided for the safe depositing and retrieval of goods considering the given throughput; f) specification of the handling equipment to be used, e.g. type of truck, etc. in relation to the storage equipment. (See EN 15620 for information on a truck's turning radius and operating aisle width requirements); g) specified requirements for collision protection and resistance to impact; h) specify who shall carry out the installation of the storage equipment (see 6.1); i) known information about planned future changes to storage requirements. 5 Important data of relevance to the user In order to ensure safe use of storage equipment: SIST EN 15635:2009
6.2 Installation quality and structural design The installation tolerances affect the carrying capacity of the structure and should be in accordance with EN 15620 for APR unless otherwise specified by the designer. SIST EN 15635:2009
NOTE
Run spacers fitted in these two positions provide some lateral support for accidentally damaged frames, however, while they can be of help they cannot be guaranteed to prevent the collapse of double runs.
f) spacing of beams, cantilevers, shelving, etc. shall not be greater than values given by the rack supplier that correspond to their maximum loads or the maximum allowable load on the upright frame as shown on the safe load warning notice; g) beams shall be locked in position as prescribed by the rack supplier; h) safe load warning notices shall be in position. SIST EN 15635:2009
7 Changes to the storage equipment configuration Changes in the safe carrying capacity can occur when the storage equipment is modified. In all cases of changes the supplier or an appropriate expert shall be consulted and any advice received shall be followed before any alterations are made. Changes shall be made in accordance with the supplier’s instructions which shall contain the following: a) rack shall be unloaded prior to carrying out the alterations;
b) additions or changes to the storage equipment by welding or bolting shall not be allowed unless specifically approved by the equipment supplier; c) safe load warning notices shall be updated as necessary after all changes to rack configuration; d) position of the bracing node points shall be changed if beam positions are changed in racking where back bracing is present. This can also require the repositioning of any horizontal bracing, which can be fixed between some beams (see Figure 2). NOTE 1 Changes in the safe load carrying capacity of the storage equipment can occur if it is relocated since changes in the floor conditions providing support for the equipment can cause changes in load capacity. NOTE 2 Changes in the rack or shelving configuration will generally cause a change in the load-carrying capacity of the rack. In braced or un-braced racking, if the height to the first beam level, or the spacing between beams, is increased, the safe load capacity of the frames will be reduced. NOTE 3 Storage structures that are braced down aisle will always have a higher load-carrying capacity than an identical un-braced structure built of the same components. The removal or faulty rearrangement of any bracing provided will substantially reduce the load carrying capacity of the installation. SIST EN 15635:2009
a) original configuration
b) beam positions altered with a possibly ineffective spine bracing
c) spine bracing altered to suite the new arrangement Figure 2 — Changes to beam configuration may require changes to the vertical bracing 8 Use of the storage equipment 8.1 General safety 8.1.1 Person responsible for storage equipment safety PRSES The user shall appoint a person responsible for storage equipment safety and the name of that person should be publicized to the warehouse staff. The PRSES shall be instructed to identify the supplier(s) of storage equipment, contact the supplier(s) and identify the training necessary to keep the storage equipment in a safe working condition. The PRSES shall be aware of the nature of the operations in the warehouse (see 4) and the associated dangers on the basis of a risk assessment, as well as the precautions that are taken to prevent or limit the dangers, by means of instructions and/or signs. 8.1.2 Safe load warning notices Instructions with regard to the safe load capacity shall be displayed in a prominent location on or adjacent to the storage equipment so that they are clearly visible, in the national language and in a durable format. Where necessary, the instructions should be displayed in such a way that persons with inadequate knowledge of the national language could also understand them (see Annex B.) The safe load capacity of storage equipment is based on good practice in the placement and retrieval of unit loads.
8.1.3 Training Operators shall receive adequate training in the use of the storage and handling equipment (see B.3). NOTE Truck drivers employed should be certificated/licensed. 8.1.4 Access to storage levels Safe access equipment shall be used for gaining access to storage levels above ground level. Standing or climbing on the racking or shelving shall not be allowed. NOTE This does not apply to construction or repairs where a specific risk assessment and safety precautions apply. 8.2 Pallet or load carrying accessories 8.2.1 Loading The pallet shall not be loaded beyond its rated capacity. SIST EN 15635:2009
acb Key a pallet foot support b cage pallet or stillage c clearance between pallet foot and side of foot support Figure 3 — Cage pallet or stillage supported on pallet foot supports 8.2.4 Precautions necessary for the use of weak pallets and pallets spanning in the incorrect direction Precautions shall be used for pallets (e.g. disposable pallets) that have insufficient strength to span between supporting beams or beam rails. Examples of such precautions are the use of: a) additional pallet support bars; b) decking of a compartment to form a supporting shelf; c) slave pallet to support a weak pallet. NOTE In manually operated systems where the positioning of LMA's can vary by more than ±50 mm in the down aisle direction due to depositing tolerances (e.g. pallets with and without overhang), the position of pallet support bars should be sufficiently visible to allow easy operation by the MHE operator 8.3 Unit load 8.3.1 Weight Heavier unit loads than those prescribed by the specifier and shown on the load warning notice shall not be placed in the storage system. 8.3.2 Load stability The goods shall be stacked or palletized such that they are stable. 8.3.3 Unit load clearances The actual dimensions of the unit loads (see Figure 4) shall not adversely affect the clearances provided for safe operation. (see EN 15620) SIST EN 15635:2009
(a) fanning (b) bulging (c) overhanging
Figure 4 — Characteristics of palletized unit loads that can affect the placing of unit loads 8.4 Unit load handling 8.4.1 Placement of loads Load makeup accessories shall be loaded into, and picked from, racking with care by trained personnel using the correct type of handling equipment. This shall be carried out in accordance with good practice. It shall be ensured that the loads placed on the storage equipment are the same as those specified. NOTE 1 The level of consistent accuracy of placement of the pallets both into and out of the system is dependent on training, practice, motivation and supervision, which also have a direct effect on the level of damage in the racking installation. If the method of placement of the loads is to be altered from that specified to the supplier, then the supplier or an appropriate expert shall be consulted about the consequences. Placement loads can vary if the mechanical equipment is changed. NOTE 2 Additional unregulated forces can be imposed on the storage equipment caused by faulty loading operations (e.g. pallet drag on beams, or deliberate use of pallet safety backstops to position load make up accessories, etc.). NOTE 3 Pallet buffer back stops should not be used; they are not a substitute for a well designed rack (see prEN 15512) and rack layout (see EN 15620) combined with good house keeping, warehouse practices and the use of adequately trained and instructed truck drivers. 8.4.2 Damage to storage equipment Mechanical handling equipment shall be carefully driven and shall only transport the specified unit loads. Any accidental or other damage that does occur shall be reported immediately to the PRSES by any person who observes or causes it (see 9.4.2.1 and Annex D). 8.4.3 Timber pallet usage Timber pallets shall be placed in a rack such that the pallet bearers span the space between beams, beam rails or cantilever arms. In this context, a bearer may be a one-piece member or a composite construction of top board, bottom board and blocks. Timber pallets shall be supported directly under their blocks to prevent breaking of the bottom boards and a collapse of the pallet. 8.4.4 Load make up accessory positioning on supports Pallets shall be correctly orientated (see Figure 5), correctly positioned on the storage equipment supporting members and shall
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