EUROPEAN STANDARD

EN 15629

NORME EUROPENNE
EUROPISCHE NORM

November 2008

ICS 53.080

English Version

Steel static storage systems - Specification of storage

equipment
Systmes de stockage en acier - Spcification du systme
de stockage

Ortsfeste Regalsysteme aus Stahl - Spezifikation von

Lagereinrichtungen

This 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 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 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 Management Centre has the same status as the
official 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 STANDARDIZATION

COMIT EUROPEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPISCHES KOMITEE FR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36

2008 CEN

All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved

worldwide for CEN national Members.

B-1050 Brussels

Ref. No. EN 15629:2008: E

EN 15629:2008 (E)

Contents

Page

Foreword..............................................................................................................................................................4
0

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................5

Scope ......................................................................................................................................................7

Normative references ............................................................................................................................7

Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................7

4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4

Specification data of relevance to the supplier ................................................................................11

Storage equipment planning ..............................................................................................................11
Storage system structural design......................................................................................................11
Storage equipment dimensioning......................................................................................................11
Storage equipment installation ..........................................................................................................11

Specification data of relevance to the user ......................................................................................12

6
6.1
6.2
6.2.1
6.2.2
6.2.3
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.5.1
6.5.2
6.5.3
6.5.4
6.6
6.6.1
6.6.2
6.6.3
6.6.4
6.6.5
6.6.6
6.6.7
6.6.8
6.6.9
6.6.10
6.7
6.7.1
6.7.2
6.8
6.9
6.10

Specific information to enable the project to be designed .............................................................12

General..................................................................................................................................................12
Floor of the building ............................................................................................................................13
Floor specification ...............................................................................................................................13
Information for the base plate and anchorage design.....................................................................16
External floors......................................................................................................................................17
Rack-supported floors and mezzanines............................................................................................17
Provision of edge guarding ................................................................................................................19
Details of goods to be stored .............................................................................................................19
Non-palletized goods ..........................................................................................................................19
Palletized goods...................................................................................................................................19
Special loading accessories, e.g. box pallets, steel bins, skid pallets, roll containers, etc. .......20
Hazardous goods.................................................................................................................................20
Storage equipment design loads. ......................................................................................................20
General..................................................................................................................................................20
Special considerations for mechanical loading ...............................................................................20
Method of operation ............................................................................................................................21
Impact provision requirements ..........................................................................................................21
Back stop specification.......................................................................................................................21
Pallet-buffering back stops.................................................................................................................21
Pallet safety back stops ......................................................................................................................22
P&D stations.........................................................................................................................................22
Imposed loads from handling equipment .........................................................................................22
Hand-loaded systems..........................................................................................................................22
Unit loads..............................................................................................................................................22
Weight of unit loads.............................................................................................................................22
Overall dimensions..............................................................................................................................23
Non-uniform loads ...............................................................................................................................23
Seismic, wind and snow loads ...........................................................................................................27
Environment .........................................................................................................................................27

Support by, or very close to, another structure ...............................................................................28

8
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.3.1

Storage system configuration ............................................................................................................28

Building plans ......................................................................................................................................28
Precautions to reduce risk to personnel due to goods falling from racking or floors.................29
Operational clearances .......................................................................................................................29
General..................................................................................................................................................29

EN 15629:2008 (E)

8.3.2
8.3.3
8.3.4
8.4
8.4.1
8.4.2
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8

Racking classifications for pallet racking.........................................................................................30

Horizontal and vertical clearances for pallet racking ......................................................................30
Aisle width dimensions.......................................................................................................................30
Drive-in racking ...................................................................................................................................30
Clearances relating to the placement of pallets...............................................................................30
Pallet specification ..............................................................................................................................30
Passageways for pedestrians ............................................................................................................30
Passageways for trucks under or through the racking structure ..................................................30
Means of escape..................................................................................................................................31
Free-standing upright protectors ......................................................................................................31

Safety colours ......................................................................................................................................31

10

Fire safety.............................................................................................................................................31

11

Storage equipment inspections.........................................................................................................32

Annex A (informative) Specifiers and users responsibilities .....................................................................33

Annex B (informative) Suppliers responsibilities .........................................................................................34
Bibliography......................................................................................................................................................35

EN 15629:2008 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN 15629:2008) 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 May 2009, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the
latest by May 2009.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: 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 the United Kingdom.

EN 15629:2008 (E)

Introduction

0.1 Racking and Shelving as work equipment

When specifying the design requirements for racking and shelving, there should be an awareness of national
legislation regarding work equipment. This legislation is based upon the European Directives:
a)

89/391/EEC: Concerning measurements to promote the improvement of safety and health for the use of
work equipment by workers at work;

b)

89/655/EEC: Concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment by
workers at work

This European Standard should be considered in conjunction with the application and maintenance of storage
equipment (See EN 15635).
0.2 Structural Eurocodes for load bearing structures and buildings
The determination of the safe load bearing capacity of racking and shelving is a structural engineering task
and therefore the Eurocodes are relevant, particularly EN 1993-1-1 and EN 1993-1-3, for the design. The
codes and guidelines worked out by CEN/TC 344 are intended to amplify and clarify the requirements of the
Eurocodes, since they particularly apply to design, while specification, installation, application and
maintenance are considered as special requirements for racking and shelving products. This European
Standard covers specification.
0.3 Additional European standards for racking and shelving
Due to the differences in the shape of structural components, detailing and connection types, additional
technical information to the Eurocodes is required in order to provide state of the art guidance. This guidance
is for the client or the consultant specifying the requirement, the practising engineer involved in the design, the
installer building the structure and the user who maintains the structure in a sound condition suitable for safe
use throughout its working life.
This, together with the need to provide harmonized design rules, is the reason why the European Racking
Federation (ERF) has taken the initiative with the CEN/TC 344. This Technical Committee is preparing a
number of European standards for specific types of racking and shelving used in specific applications as
follows:
prEN 15512, Steel static storage systems Adjustable pallet racking systems Principles for structural
design
EN 15620, Steel static storage systems Adjustable pallet racking Tolerances, deformations and
clearances
EN 15635, Steel static storage systems The application and maintenance of storage equipment
In drafting these documents, a liaison with other CEN TC's has been carried out as appropriate.

EN 15629:2008 (E)

0.4 Additional information specific to this document

CEN/TC 344 documents may be useful for design cases not covered by the Eurocodes (other structures,
other actions, other materials) and to serve as a reference document for other CEN TC's concerning design
matters.
This European standard is applicable to:
a)

specifiers of storage equipment;

b)

committees drafting design-related product, testing and execution standards;

c)

clients (e.g. for the formulation of their specific requirements);

d)

designers and constructors;

e)

relevant authorities.

As part of the specification process, reference to prEN 15512, EN 15620 and EN 15635 ensures that both the
user and the designer are aware of the constraints in each others area and allows an effective design to be
produced.

EN 15629:2008 (E)

Scope

This European Standard supplies guidelines for the technical specification to allow the design of racking and
shelving in its various forms such as adjustable pallet racking (APR), crane serviced racking, drive-in racking
(DIR), cantilever racking and shelving systems, including their various forms of construction, using manually
operated and controlled mechanical handling systems. Some other forms of storage equipments are only
partially covered and further consideration, beyond the scope of this document, may be required.
This European Standard gives guidance for the specifier of storage systems to coordinate suppliers of all
equipment including individual responsibilities.
This European Standard does not cover storage equipments manufactured from materials other than steel
(except for certain accessories) and equipment intended to be used for domestic storage purposes.

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.
prEN 15512, Steel static storage systems Adjustable pallet racking systems Principles for structural
design
EN 15620, Steel static storage systems Adjustable pallet racking Tolerances, deformations and
clearances
EN 15635, Steel static storage systems The application and maintenance of storage equipment

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
pallets and unit loads
3.2
bay load
total allowable weight of all the unit loads in a bay of racking not including any unit loads that may be stored
on the floor of the bay
3.3
compartment load
load which can be loaded into one compartment of a racking or shelving structure from one side
3.4
counterbalanced forklift truck
rider-operated type of forklift truck that carries its load cantilevered forward of its front main wheel axle and is
stabilized with a counter weight at the rear of the truck
NOTE

This type of truck is a general-purpose truck and may be used in wide-aisle pallet racking systems.

EN 15629:2008 (E)

3.5
design clearances
nominal dimension between items used in the design
NOTE
These clearances enable input and output of the load to take place without contact of the load with any other
loads or any part of the storage system structure other than normal contact when the load is placed on the beams or other
members provided for its support in storage.

3.6
double-deep racking
racking in which pallets can be stored two deep from one aisle into the installation and accessed by a
specially adapted long reach fork mechanism
3.7
drive-in racking
DIR
system of racking that provides blocks of storage where pallets are stored two or more deep and access is
gained by driving a lift truck into a lane with pallets supported along their sides on beam rails supported from
the uprights
3.8
drive-through racking
system of racking that provides blocks of storage where pallets are stored two or more deep similar to DIR
except that the truck can be driven into a lane on one side of the block and out of the other if there are no
obstructions
3.9
frame load
total allowable weight of all the unit loads transmitted to the frame by the members attached to the frame
3.10
hand pallet truck
small hand-operated truck used for moving pallets around on level floors and the pallet is lifted clear of the
floor by raising and lowering a tiller bar that operates a hydraulic lifting device
3.11
intrusive stacking
placement or retrieval of a pallet where the turning radius or length of a lift truck is greater than the aisle width
and part of the pallet storage location concerned is used by the truck forks and load when turning to place or
retrieve a pallet
3.12
mechanical handling equipment
MHE
mechanical equipment used to transport the unit load to be stored
3.13
mezzanine floors
RSA
additional floor above the ground floor slab level used for storage which can be free standing or attached to
the building structure
3.14
narrow-aisle racking
pallet racking arranged in a similar way to wide aisle racking but having aisles of a reduced width for use with
more specialist types of lift truck

EN 15629:2008 (E)

3.15
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
3.16
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
3.17
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 (a) safety device, which protects against unintentional load movement within the racking and
prevents loads from protruding or from falling into an aisle or into an area accessible to people
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
3.18
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.

3.19
powered hand pallet truck
small hand-operated truck used for moving pallets around on level floors where the power for lifting and
moving the pallet loads is provided by a battery and electric motor.
3.20
reach truck
stacking lift truck with outriggers where the load can be repositioned by moving the mast or fork arm carriage
NOTE
These trucks are generally used in narrow aisle racking because their overall length is less than a
counterbalanced lift truck of the same lifting capacity.

3.21
shelving
hand-loaded supporting surfaces supported by upright frames
3.22
specified allowable unit load
unit load allowed in the storage equipment
3.23
specifier
person or company that provides the supplier with a specification based on the users requirements
NOTE
specifier.

The specifier can be a consultant or other specialist, the end user or the equipment supplier acting as the

EN 15629:2008 (E)

3.24
storage equipment
structure used to store the unit loads
3.25
straddle-type stacker trucks
manually or electrically operated pallet trucks with straddle legs
3.26
supplier
company that supplies the storage equipment
NOTE

The company may be the original manufacturer or an intermediate company acting as a distributor.

3.27
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.

3.28
unit load
weight of an individual stored item that can be placed or retrieved in one operation
3.29
user
company or person who manages and operates the installation on a daily basis and is responsible for the
continuing safety of the installation
3.30
very narrow aisle racking
VNA racking
pallet racking arranged with aisles of a width to cater only for the truck and the unit load width plus an
operational clearance where the truck cannot make 90 turns into the rack face for loading and off loading
3.31
very narrow aisle truck
VNA truck
rider operated fork lift truck which can work in aisles only slightly wider than the truck or the unit load carried
and is fitted with a fork mechanism permitting access on either side of the aisle without turning the main body
of the truck.
NOTE 1
VNA trucks are normally guided within the aisles. Because of the accuracy required in placing pallets into the
racking, these trucks usually pick the pallet loads up from a specially designed P&D station at the entrance to each aisle.
NOTE 2

A VNA truck is sometimes known as a Turret Truck.

3.32
wide-aisle racking
pallet racking arranged to leave aisles of sufficient width to allow the forklift truck equipment to traverse the
length of the aisle and to make 90 turns into the rack face for loading and off loading.
3.33
90 stacking
placement or retrieval of a pallet where the forklift truck makes a 90 turn to face the rack during the
placement or retrieval process.
NOTE

10

In making this turn no part of the truck or load intrudes into the racking.

EN 15629:2008 (E)

Specification data of relevance to the supplier

4.1

Storage equipment 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 as a minimum by the user to the specifier:
a)

details of the site and building in which it shall be housed, its environment, its exposure to wind, snow and
seismic conditions;

b)

properties of the storage equipment foundation, the floor;

c)

details of the goods to be stored on the equipment including the specification of the load carrying
accessory, e.g. pallet, box, bin, etc.;

d)

specification of the allowable loads for the storage equipment;

e)

throughput and anticipated configuration of the equipment. The specifier shall consider all operational
factors in the evaluation of the risk in the operation (see EN 15620);

NOTE

This is to allow sufficient design clearances to be provided for the safe depositing and retrieval of goods.

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 truck turning radius and effective aisle width requirements);

g)

specify if the user shall carry out the installation of the storage equipment;

h)

all known information about planned future changes to storage requirements;

The specifiers' and users' responsibilities are further clarified in Annex A.

4.2

Storage system structural design

The supplier, provided with the relevant specification information, shall design the storage equipment in
accordance with the relevant European Standards or, if not available, industry codes of practice. The designer
may assume that the clearances specified in relation to the material handling equipment intended for use with
its operational specification, are such that accidental collision forces may be neglected in the structural design.

4.3

Storage equipment dimensioning

For adjustable pallet racking, EN 15620 shall be used in the design and layout to provide guidance on the
relevant tolerances, deformations and clearances.

4.4

Storage equipment installation

If it is specified that the installation work is not to be undertaken by the supplier, then the supplier shall provide
written assembly and installation instructions to their customers on the basis that the installers are
experienced and competent for the work involved.
NOTE
The correct assembly and installation of the storage equipment is of equal importance to the provision of a
safe structural design. The persons carrying out the assembly and installation should be trained and experienced in the
work to be done and should be properly supervised and controlled to ensure that the health and safety of all persons is
safeguarded. The quality and accuracy of the installation work can have a significant effect on the performance and
structural integrity of the storage equipment. The suppliers workforce should be trained to carry out this work efficiently
and have the experience to do so safely.

11

EN 15629:2008 (E)

Specification data of relevance to the user

The specifier shall ensure that the user is made aware of all the details of the contract specification provided
to the supplier for the design of the installation. In order to maintain the continuing safe use of storage
equipment, the user shall ensure the following information specified for its design, construction and operation
is taken into account:
a)

design layout and configuration;

b)

lift truck make and type specified including characteristic of the lift truck (e.g. dimension, turning radii, etc.,
see EN 15620);

c)

adequacy of the floor of the building on which the equipment shall be erected. The floor is the foundation
and supports the applied loads including the storage equipment and the MHE and receives the base plate
floor fixings;

d)

avoidance of rapid cooling or heating in cold store that can cause differential expansion or contraction
movement between the racking and the concrete floor. Raising or lowering of the store temperature shall
be done in such a way that it will not cause harmful differential movements that adversely affect the
storage equipment or its floor fixings;

e)

instructions for assembly and installation provided by the supplier are fully implemented if the user
constructs the installation or if a contractor other than the supplier constructs the installation;

f)

allowable load carrying capacity information that shall be provided by the supplier;

g)

method of equipment operation shall accord with the design information supplied by the user to the
specifier. The lift truck shall be in accordance with the operational conditions (e.g. throughput, safe
depositing at height, and moving of VNA trucks at height). Unless otherwise specified, the storage
equipment supplier may assume correct application and maintenance for the design and that there are no
special impact forces arising from loading operations to be taken into account;

h)

pallet shall be suitable for storage on beams or beam rails. Damaged pallets shall not be used;

i)

continuing safety of the storage equipment is dependent upon regular inspection for damage and
maintenance during the life of the equipment. Information on the frequency and level of inspections is
detailed in EN 15635;

j)

continuing safety of the system is dependent upon regular maintenance of the handling equipment;

k)

continuing safety of the storage equipment is dependant on the original structural design configuration not
being altered without any proposed changes being first approved by the supplier or other qualified
engineers.

NOTE
To ensure safe operation of trucks and to avoid unforeseen difficulties or loss of storage capacity, the
warehouse should, ideally, be designed after the storage equipment configuration has been decided upon.

6
6.1

Specific information to enable the project to be designed

General

The use of the storage equipment in practice shall not be in conflict with the information supplied to the
specifier by the user. The design of the storage equipment should not generally take place without information
being supplied to the specifier by the user.
This document covers those aspects of the specification that shall be provided as a minimum for the structural
design:

12

EN 15629:2008 (E)

a)

size and weight of items to be stored;

b)

reasons for provision of the back stops, e.g. for accident prevention or for pallet positioning;

c)

design resistance forces and stiffness requirements for the pallet back stops;

d)

equivalent static support forces applied to rack supported guide rails or by other equipment supported by
the storage equipment.

The suppliers' responsibilities are further clarified in Annex B.

NOTE
In designing the layout and configuration of the storage facility, the specifier should be familiar with the various
requirements for the safe and economic design of the storage equipment as follows:
1)

upright widths available for the bay loads and beam spacing;

2)

beam dimensions available for the loads and spans envisaged;

3)

use of back or spine bracing;

4)

differences in turning radii and overall dimensions between lift truck models;

5)

spatial requirements for safe operation;

6)

level of skill provided by the nominated equipment installers.

6.2

Floor of the building

6.2.1

Floor specification

6.2.1.1

Floor construction

The specifier shall be responsible for confirming the suitability of the intended floor or foundation and its
performance characteristics for the loads being imposed upon it by the racking, shelving or mechanical
handling equipment.
NOTE 1
Floor construction materials that are easily compressible, such as many bituminous compounds, can offer
negligible support and should be given special consideration.
NOTE 2
Floors constructed from tiles or small prefabricated slabs, etc. usually have low load carrying capacity and can
suffer from irregular settlement. Such floors should not be used where heavy concentrated loads are imposed.

6.2.1.2

Floor loading

With a warehouse facility, the specifier shall confirm that the floor shall be suitable to support the imposed
loads from the storage equipment and the MHE and shall be suitable for floor anchor fixings to be used.
NOTE 1
anchors.

Floor fixings are installed by drilling holes in the floor slab and securing via mechanical, chemical or grouted

NOTE 2
The deformations of the floor, occurring as a consequence of the imposed loads, will cause the racking to be
out of plumb. If the racking is no longer vertical, the gravity loads exerted by the contents of the racking will generate a
horizontal sway load component, (see Figures 1 and 2). For a large unanticipated floor deformation, this horizontal
component of load can be greater than the safe value considered in the design of the storage equipment.

13

EN 15629:2008 (E)

Key

floor slope under the rack frame

Figure 1 Tilt due to the suspended floor deformation resulting in additional bracing load and
unequal column load effects

14

EN 15629:2008 (E)

Key
C

compression

tension

floor deflection

floor slope under the rack frame

Figure 2 Additional horizontal and vertical forces on the storage equipment components such as
portal ties, frame bracing, uprights and floor fixings due to suspended floor deformation
6.2.1.3

Floor deformations

The properties of the foundation base, including floor deformation over time, shall be defined by the specifier.
NOTE 1
Elastic floor deformation effects, such as those shown in Figures 1 and 2, can increase with time due to the
creep of structural materials such as concrete, timber or unstable floor materials such as bitumen. Settlement of the
subsoil under a concrete ground bearing floor slab or foundation base can also cause these effects.
NOTE 2
specified.

The storage equipment designer may consider the floor as quasi rigid (see EN 15620) unless otherwise

NOTE 3
When VNA lift trucks are used, there is a relationship between the flatness, levelness, and deformation of the
floor and safety and efficiency in use. For a given unevenness of the floor, the truck, which may elevate loads while
travelling, will sway sideways in the aisle so as to risk colliding with the equipment or loads already placed.

15

EN 15629:2008 (E)

6.2.1.4

Movement joints

The specifier shall define the extent of the potential movement across the movement joint. Special
consideration shall be given to storage equipment floor fixings when they occur near to a joint and to the
effects of joint movement on any storage equipment that may straddle such joints.
NOTE
The purpose of movement joints in a concrete floor slab is to ensure that the stresses due to concrete
shrinkage or to temperature changes concentrate the movement at clearly defined positions and do not fracture the slab
randomly. Movement joints under racking uprights should be avoided within the rack area.

6.2.2

Information for the base plate and anchorage design

The specifier shall provide the supplier with comprehensive information regarding the floor for the design of
base plates and fixings for the storage equipment.
Relevant information shall include the following.
a)

The concrete slab type:

1)

suspended or ground bearing;

2)

solid concrete or other type;

3)

with or without a top screed;

4)

thickness and grade of screed;

5)

thickness of structural slab;

6)

quality or grade of the structural slab concrete;

7)

use of additives, to the concrete during construction of a floor. These additives may cause metal
parts such as base plates and floor fixings to corrode;

8)

size and location of any steel reinforcement relative to the slab surface;

9)

position and construction details of all expansion and movement joints;

10) location of all cut out shrinkage joints which shall be treated as an edge of the concrete slab.
If no floor information is available, the equipment supplier may assume, for the purpose of design of the
anchorage and base plate, that the floor is solid concrete, without a surface screed, and has a minimum
strength of class C20/25.
b)

The floor materials, if the floor is not solid concrete, e.g. bituminous floors or concrete floors with
bituminous surface screeds appropriate performance data shall be provided. If no information is available
on the characteristics of a bituminous floor or screed, the equipment supplier may assume, for the
purpose of design, that the allowable long term contact stress under a base plate has a design value of
2
0,3 N/mm and is of a suitable thickness. Special consideration shall be given when anchoring to a
bituminous floor or concrete floor with a bituminous surface screed.

c)

Deformations, flatness and variations in the horizontal level of the floor (for adjustable pallet racking refer
to EN 15620).

d)

The presence of pre or post tensioning or other cables, ducts or under floor electric heater cables, it is
very important for the personnel's safety and to prevent functional or structural damage to the floor to
avoid any contact with these hidden dangers during drilling operations. The positions where drilling shall
or shall not occur shall be clearly marked by the building owner or user.

16

EN 15629:2008 (E)

NOTE
Problems can occur if the floor contains hidden cavities such as in hollow pot or pre-cast slab floors. Such
floor types can also cause problems under the effects of concentrated upright loads.

6.2.3

External floors

Racking erected in an external environment is subject to additional loads such as wind and snow loads and
these forces shall be considered for the design including the design of the connection fixings and the
foundation. Special considerations shall be made for hard standing areas.

6.3

Rack-supported floors and mezzanines

The following additional information shall be provided by the specifier for floors that are supported by storage
equipment, such as floors over racks or shelving1 suspended walkways and mezzanines:
a)

intended use of the floor, e.g. for office, storage, walkway, etc.;

b)

maximum uniformly distributed load over the floor area not occupied by storage equipment;

c)

maximum local loads that can occur, e.g. at lift truck loading and/or unloading areas;

d)

maximum concentrated loads may be caused by wheeled traffic such as pallet trucks or trolleys or by
shelving standing on the floor decking (see below) imposed on the floor or mezzanine;

e)

additional requirements such as anti-slip, wear and tear resistance, ceiling light reflection etc.;

f)

requirement imposed due to fire safety regulations.

The minimum loads specified in prEN 15512 should be used for the design.
NOTE 1
In some countries national regulations may specify other minimum values for these loads and may require
specific approval.
NOTE 2
floor.

Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 show different configurations of a racking or shelving supported mezzanine or a walkway

NOTE 3
The concentrated loads imposed on the mezzanine floor decking can be relatively high and load spreaders
may be required.

The floor structure shown in Figure 4 shall be designed for the point loads caused by the storage
equipment on the upper tier.

Figure 3 Over-rack mezzanine floor

1 Guidance on shelving design is available in FEM 10.2.06.

17

EN 15629:2008 (E)

Figure 4 Over-rack mezzanine floor supporting shelving

Figure 5 Multi-tier shelf racking

Figure 6 Walkways suspended between the upright frames

18

EN 15629:2008 (E)

The specification of the details and loading of all wheeled traffic on a floor shall be provided by the specifier to
ensure a safe design. Details shall include the following:
i)

type and make of the wheeled load carrier plus the manufacturers construction details;

ii)

if hand operated;

iii)

if powered, the acceleration, cornering and braking forces applied to the floor together with the
maximum operational speed;

iv) if a man-rider power-operated truck, the additional dynamic load effects; braking, accelerating,
cornering, etc.;
v)

wheel diameters single or tandem, wheel base, spacing, etc.;

vi) wheel material, steel, rubber, polyurethane, etc.;

vii) distribution of the dead weight of the carrier to the wheels;
viii) distribution of the maximum weight of the goods to the wheels.

6.4

Provision of edge guarding

The requirements of edge guarding in areas accessible to people may be controlled by national safety
standards. Unless included in the project specification, edge guarding shall be provided for personnel safety
only and shall not take into account the effect of impact from mechanical handling equipment.
Edge guarding shall be of adequate strength and stability to restrain a person liable to fall onto or against it.
NOTE 1
Areas where goods are raised or lowered by means of a lift truck are high risk areas. One method of edge
guarding an opening at the edge of a floor can be to provide a special type of fence or barrier, which the worker can raise
without having to approach the edge.
NOTE 2

6.5

Examples of edge guarding are handrails, knee rails, pallet gates, mesh screens and kickboards.

Details of goods to be stored

6.5.1

Non-palletized goods

Data to be provided in the specification shall include:

a)

length, width, height and shape per item;

b)

tolerances of unit load dimensions;

c)

weight per item;

d)

manner of handling.

6.5.2

Palletized goods

Data to be provided in the specification shall include:

a)

maximum weight of goods on one pallet;

b)

type and quality of pallet, pallet tolerances (actual minimum pallet dimensions) and pallet entry directions;

19

EN 15629:2008 (E)

c) maximum dimension of the unit load considering overhang, bulging and/or fanning out of goods, height of
loaded pallet (see Figure 7).
6.5.3

Special loading accessories, e.g. box pallets, steel bins, skid pallets, roll containers, etc.

Data to be provided in the specification shall include:

a)

exact description of the loading accessory;

b)

maximum weight of goods in or on the loading accessory;

c)

dimensions;

d) tolerances.
6.5.4

Hazardous goods

For the storage of hazardous goods the specifier shall define the additional requirements for the design of the
storage equipment, if any.

6.6

Storage equipment design loads.

6.6.1

General

Data in the specification shall include, where applicable:

a)

maximum weight of the unit load;

b)

maximum uniformly distributed load per compartment;

c)

maximum loading per metre run or maximum weight plus dimension in the run direction of the uniform
load, e.g. drive-in racking beam rails or dynamic storage racks;

d)

maximum load on a cantilever arm and the location of its centre of gravity;

e)

floor loading imposed on the storage equipment;

f)

flexibility of the load;

g)

if design loading is not uniform or is different from the above considerations, then all special and relevant
details shall be provided.

6.6.2

Special considerations for mechanical loading

Special considerations in the specification, for mechanical loading, shall include:

a)

additional forces imposed on the storage equipment caused by the loading operation;

b)

types of fork lift trucks to be used;

c)

type of storage and retrieval equipment with a description of the loading imposed by the storage and
retrieval equipment on the storage equipment if so supported.

20

EN 15629:2008 (E)

6.6.3

Method of operation

The method of equipment operation shall be in accordance with the design information supplied by the user to
the specifier. Unless specified otherwise the storage equipment supplier shall assume for the purposes of
design that the requirements as defined in EN 15620 and EN 15635 are adhered to.
The method of handling goods shall be defined for establishing the loads imposed on the racking during
placing operations.
NOTE 1
Good handling practice with mechanical handling equipment will not misuse or cause any impact loading to
the storage equipment (see EN 15635). For crane storage and retrieval machines see FEM 9.831.
NOTE 2
If a forklift truck does not place a pallet in a controlled manner, a larger than normal force will be exerted on
the storage equipment during loading. Examples are:
a) when a pallet is pushed to the back over and is in contact slid into position thereby creating a large horizontal frictional
force (e.g. in the case of a steel stillage when it is tilted forward or backward and two of the four legs are sliding on the
pallet foot supports);
b) when a pallet safety back stop is used as a pallet buffer back stop;
c) when the truck mast exhibits excessive flexibility.

6.6.4

Impact provision requirements

The user shall be responsible for preventing racking components being exposed to damage or impact (see EN
15620 and rEN 15635).
If impact resistance is specified by the user, the collision protection and/or impact provisions shall be defined
by the specifier. These impact provision requirements shall be based upon the operational features and
mechanical handling equipment to be used in the specific application.
6.6.5

Back stop specification

The specifier shall define the back stop design requirements by stating:
a)

purpose of the stop, i.e. safety back stop or buffering back stop;

b)

maximum allowable deflection of the end stop to protect ancillary equipment or to prevent a unit load from
falling from its supports;

c)

static equivalent horizontal design force of the dynamic impact force;

d)

positions at which the force will be applied.

6.6.6

Pallet-buffering back stops

The forces imposed by the mechanical handling equipment onto the back stop shall be specified by the
specifier. If not then the designer shall use the forces specified in prEN 15512.
NOTE 1
The use of pallet buffering back stops should not be used as a means of positioning pallets because they
encourage misuse in terms of much higher impact forces than the minimum as defined in prEN 15512.
NOTE 2
Pallet buffering back stops are most frequently found in conjunction with forklift truck operations and are
specified as a systematic positioning aid.
NOTE 3
The requirement for any type of pallet back stop should be carefully considered and clearly specified
considering the following points:

21

EN 15629:2008 (E)

a) The actual value of the buffering force for the design can exceed 100 % of the maximum unit load and much larger
horizontal loads due to impact forces need to be taken into account in designing the racking (see prEN 15512). Inclusion
of such impact forces in the structural design process inevitably leads to a heavier and more expensive racking structure.
b) Misuse will inevitably result in accidents and structural damage.
c) The correct choice of clearances based on EN 15620 should result in an economic and safe use of the storage volume
available without the necessity for back stops.

6.6.7

Pallet safety back stops

The forces imposed by the mechanical handling equipment on the back stop shall be specified by the specifier.
If the forces are not specified, then the designer shall use the forces specified in prEN 15512.
Design clearances shall be specified by the specifier to ensure that the safety pallet stop will only be impacted
accidentally.
If, in practice, the pallet safety back stop is used in a systematic way as a positioning aid then it shall be
considered as a pallet buffering back stop and be subject to the requirements of 6.6.6.
NOTE 1
Safety pallet stops for incidental loads may be required in accordance with EN 528 or for other reasons and
may be provided where sufficient design clearances are available in an installation. These back stops are most frequently
found in automated storage/retrieval crane operations.
NOTE 2
This type of stop is intended as a safety device to prevent loads being unintentionally moved within the racking
such that they protrude or fall into an aisle or an area accessible to people.

6.6.8

P&D stations

The design loads and positioning tolerances shall be clearly defined in the specification especially if the P&D
station is to be subjected to pallet buffering forces when centring devices are used.
NOTE
The design specification of P&D stations requires special consideration and attention to performance
requirements since these items of storage equipment are frequently positioned at crucial points in the storage system and
reliability is important. P&D stations can be used by cranes, trucks or other automated equipment such as conveyors or
any combination of such storage handling equipment.

6.6.9

Imposed loads from handling equipment

In the case of cranes or rack-guided VNA trucks, the specifier shall define the static equivalent design forces
for all the vertical and horizontal load handling, buffering or dynamic loads to guide or supporting rails to which
the storage equipment may be subjected.
6.6.10 Hand-loaded systems
In a hand-loaded situation, where the unit load or package exceeds 10% of the total shelf design load, this
shall be specified and the weight of the unit load shall be provided to enable the supplier to make a suitable
allowance for impact.

6.7
6.7.1

Unit loads
Weight of unit loads

The specifier shall define the maximum weight of the unit load.
The specifier may define allowable loads for the upright frame and for overall stability (total storage system
loads) loads that are up to 20% lower than those based upon the maximum unit load. This variation in

22

EN 15629:2008 (E)

allowable loads for different aspects of design may only be used when a management system is used in the
storage equipment to ensure that the lower allowable frame, and stability loads specified are never exceeded.
NOTE 1
The management system should include the distribution of the allowable loads over the racking height at each
bay and down the length of the run.
NOTE 2
If reliable warehouse control software is available which can control the upright loading at individual pallet
levels, then this may be taken into account in the specification of load distribution in the racking.

6.7.2

Overall dimensions

The physical proportions of the pallet and its load characteristics shall be provided by the specifier and form
the basis of providing support and clearances, enabling the system to be operated safely (see Figure 7).

a)

fanning load

b)

bulging load

c)

overhanging load

Figure 7 Palletized loads that affect design clearances

6.8

Non-uniform loads

The specifier shall define the carrying capacity of the beam or cantilever arm taking into account the most
unfavourable condition including any non-uniformly loaded or unsymmetrical placed pallets (see Figures 8 to
14).
NOTE 1
Not all storage equipment components are equally loaded. This would be the case for asymmetrically placed
loads or if the load is carried by more than two cantilever arms (see Figure 9 where the reactions at A and B depend upon
the stiffness or flexibility of the load).

Unless specified otherwise, the storage equipment designer may assume that pallets, etc. are uniformly
loaded and that they are placed symmetrically onto the supports provided that the limits of load eccentricity
given in prEN 15512 are fulfilled.
Where a variety of pallet sizes and/or loads are to be stored in a racking system, the specifier shall provide
details of the range of pallet sizes and/or loads to the storage equipment supplier who shall ensure adequate
safe support for the range of pallet sizes and /or loads.
NOTE 2
Projecting loads as in Figure 8 should not be used because of the difficulty in controlling the degree of
overhang as well as the tilting stability of the load, although it is felt appropriate that it should be included in this document.
The effective aisle width is also adversely affected.

23

EN 15629:2008 (E)

L2

L1

L1

B
L2

Key
A
B

Support beam with a larger load than support beam B

Support beam with a smaller load than support beam A

F Unit load F acts at the centre of gravity of the unit load

L1 Distance from the centre of load to the beam A
L2 Distance from the centre of load to the beam B

Figure 8 Examples of unequally loaded beams with unequal support reactions at A and B due to
asymmetrically placed unit load
F

L1

L2

L2

L1

L
Key
A
B

Support beam with a larger load than support beam B

Support beam with a smaller load than support beam A

L Length of unit load

L1 Distance from the outer beam B to the edge of load
L2 Distance from the centre beam A to the outer beam B

Figure 9 Example of equally loaded beams or cantilever arms with equal support reactions at A due
to symmetrically placed unit load where L1=L/6 and L2=L/3

24

EN 15629:2008 (E)

L1

L1

Key
A

Support beam with a smaller load than support beam B

B
F

Support beam with a larger load than support beam A

Weight of unit load

L1 Distance from the outer beam to the centre of load

Figure 10 Example of unequally loaded beams or cantilever arms A and B with unequal support
reactions at A and B due to unit load supported on three arms or beams
F

F/2

L1

L1

F/2

Key
F

Weight of unit load

L1 Distance from the outer beam to the centre of load

Figure 11 Example of unequally loaded beams or cantilever arms with unequal support reactions
due to flexible unit load with long overhang being supported on only two of the three arms or beams

25

EN 15629:2008 (E)

F1
F2

L1

L2

Key
A
B

Support beam with a larger load than support beam B

Support beam with a smaller load than support beam A

F Weight of loads
L1 Distance from the beam A to the centre of load
L2 Distance from the beam B to the centre of load

Figure 12 Non-uniform pallet loads where beam 'A' carries more load than beam 'B'

Key
F

Weight of loads

Figure 13 Point loaded beams due to drums or coils

26

EN 15629:2008 (E)

Figure 14 Non-uniformly loaded compartment

6.9

Seismic, wind and snow loads

The location of the project and the design documents to be used, shall be stated by the specifier in order that
the seismic, wind and snow loads can be evaluated for the racking or shelving structure at that specific project
site.
Wind and snow loads are only applicable to rack-clad buildings and racking located outside the shelter of a
fully clad building unless specified otherwise.
If the racking or shelving is to be designed to have resistance to seismic loads, the following categories of
information shall be provided by the specifier relating to:
a)

site, subsoil characteristics, and the basic characteristics of the design earthquake, following specified
reference documents;

b)

importance class of the building and the racking system;

c)

characteristics of the goods to be stored, including shape, weight, type of packaging and those of the
pallets and load bearing accessories;

d)

interface between the building and the racking system, providing proper clearances in order to
accommodate the drift space under seismic forces;

e)

sum of the specified unit loads for a run of racking for the seismic load case.

NOTE 1

The design of the floor slab and racking are interdependent.

NOTE 2

See EN 1998, and national regulations.

6.10 Environment
The minimum and maximum temperatures shall be defined by the specifier to the supplier.
Unless specified otherwise, the storage equipment supplier may assume that:
a)

storage equipment will be subject to a relative humidity greater than 65% during only a few weeks of the
year measured at a temperature of 20C;

b)

environment including the floor slab is dry, non-chemically aggressive and internal;

27

EN 15629:2008 (E)

c)

for cold stores the cooling down procedure shall be such that no additional design requirements are
needed for the storage equipment;

d)

appropriate heating and lighting will be provided over the storage area.

Where the above assumptions are not valid, the specifier shall provide information in order for the supplier to
determine the quality and durability of the paint or other steel surface treatment for its protection.
NOTE
The mechanical and physical properties of materials such as wood and particleboard can change under the
influence of high humidity and should be considered.

Support by, or very close to, another structure

The specifier shall co-ordinate design activities to ensure that clearances are such that either there is no
transfer of force or the effects are taken into account in designing or checking both the storage equipment and
the building structure.

8
8.1

Storage system configuration

Building plans

The relevant building plans shall be provided by the user to the specifier in order to determine the racking or
shelving layout. All obstructions shall be clearly shown. The building plan shall take account of the location
and the absolute dimensions of the storage system including the mechanical handling equipment intended for
use.
The following data in respect of the building plans shall be provided for the layout of the racking or shelving
within the available clear volume of the building or bay of a building (see Figure 15):
a)

location of mechanical and electrical services, columns, bracings, fire walls, lights, windows, door
openings, floor joints, emergency exits, manholes etc.;

b)

details of the area where the racking will be placed: effective clear length, width and height of this area;

c)

type and location of all fire fighting equipment;

d)

building structure tolerances and deformations;

e)

floor tolerances and deformations.

28

EN 15629:2008 (E)

Key
A
B

The side wall structure wind deflection based upon National Standards design wind load
The highest point on the floor

C
D

The deformation of the column

The clear width between columns including deformations

E
F

The clear height between the floor high point and the lowest ceiling obstruction including deformations
The deflection of the roof

Figure 15 Building deformations due to wind snow and seismic conditions to be used in assessing
the effective volume available for racking or shelving

8.2

Precautions to reduce risk to personnel due to goods falling from racking or floors

Where there is a risk of injury to personnel from falling goods, effective preventative measures shall be
defined by the specifier. These measures shall take into consideration the dimensions and weights of the
goods at risk. Special attention shall be paid to passages, landings, platforms, order picking areas adjacent to
racking or shelving and perforated floors.
NOTE
In some cases the area at the end of a run can be protected by increasing the height of racking or shelving
upright frames at the end of the run.

8.3
8.3.1

Operational clearances
General

The clearances detailed in EN 15620 for pallet racking shall be considered by the specifier in relation to the
overall measurements of the pallet and load (i.e. including any pallet load overhang, see Figure 7). The
specifier shall confirm the defined minimum clearances are adequate for safe operation.

29

EN 15629:2008 (E)

8.3.2

Racking classifications for pallet racking

The specifier shall define the racking class requirement as defined in EN 15620.
NOTE
Pallet racking can be classified in different groups relating to the type of handling system in use. The racking
for each classification has a different standard of tolerances, clearances and deformations.

8.3.3

Horizontal and vertical clearances for pallet racking

The minimum clearances that shall be used in conjunction with this document are stated in EN 15620 and EN
15635. Intrusive stacking of unit loads by trucks shall not be considered as within the scope of this document.
8.3.4

Aisle width dimensions

The specifier shall determine the minimum aisle width from information provided by the MHE supplier together
with information on the unit loads to be stored. In determining the effective width of a cantilever rack aisle, the
cross aisle lateral deflection for column bending shall be taken into account.

8.4

Drive-in racking

8.4.1 Clearances relating to the placement of pallets

Adequate clearances shall be provided by the specifier for the safe placement of pallets.2
NOTE

8.4.2

Guidance on drive-in clearances is available in FEM 10.2.03.

Pallet specification

The specification of pallets for drive-in racking shall include for a quality of pallet which, when loaded with the
specified goods for the drive-in, shall not deflect more than 25 mm when supported on the beam rails with a
minimum bearing on one side of 20 mm and a pallet span equal to the nominal clear dimension between the
beam rails.

8.5

Passageways for pedestrians

Passageway clear headroom for pedestrians shall be at least 2,1 m unless otherwise specified in national
regulations. Passageways for pedestrians that pass under or through racking or shelving shall be provided
with overhead guarding, to prevent any stored goods from falling through the racking.
NOTE

8.6

Overhead guarding will not prevent the fall of individual goods from the pallet

Passageways for trucks under or through the racking structure

The headroom in a passage shall be at least equal to the drive-through height of all means of transport using
the passage plus a clearance of 250 mm.
Where trucks without overhead guards pass under or through racking or shelving, guarding shall be provided
to prevent stored goods from falling through the racking. Overhead guarding shall be of adequate strength to
prevent the unit loads from falling through onto the passageway below.

2 Guidance on drive-in clearances is available in FEM 10.2.03 "Guidelines for specifiers of static pallet racking and

shelving".

30

EN 15629:2008 (E)

NOTE

8.7

Overhead guarding will not prevent the fall of individual goods from the pallet

Means of escape

Specifiers shall design storage layouts to national requirements relating to means of escape.

8.8

Free-standing upright protectors

In determining the minimum requirement for aisle and gangway widths, consideration shall be given to the
provision of effective upright protection. The minimum locations protected should be:
a)

uprights at the exposed ends of aisles and at passageways used for movement of trucks;

b)

uprights of drive-in racking next to main gangways (not drive-in or drive-through bays).

Column guards shall be made conspicuous by safety colours.

Refer to prEN 15512 for the minimum strength requirements for free standing upright protectors.
NOTE 1
If upright protection is added to an installation as a modification to an original design, it can reduce operating
clearances, which in some instances can result in more difficult truck operating conditions.
NOTE 2
Most storage equipment damage results from collisions with forklift trucks. The chance of an accidental
collision can be minimized by:
i)

good warehouse management;

ii)

good housekeeping;

iii)

forklift truck driver training and operator discipline;

iv)

use of safety colours or stripes and load signs;

v)

making the trucking aisles and gangways the correct width for the truck being used;

vi)

good aisle markings;

vii) guide rails where and when appropriate;

viii) fixed pallet stops secured to the floor.

Safety colours

In some countries there may be local regulations fixing safety or warning colours that shall be used for safety
reasons, e.g. for upright protection.
NOTE
Consideration should be given to the colour of pallet racking beams. A bright clear colour that makes the
beam easily visible will enable a lift truck driver to see the beams at high levels.

10 Fire safety
The specifier shall state any particular active fire protection, means of escape or other aspect that is to be
provided as part of the design.
NOTE

For racking and shelving passive protection is generally not practical.

31

EN 15629:2008 (E)

11 Storage equipment inspections

The need for regular storage equipment inspections shall be drawn to the attention of the user by the specifier
in order to maintain a safe working environment (see EN 15635).

32

EN 15629:2008 (E)

Annex A
(informative)
Specifiers and users responsibilities

Users of storage equipment have specific responsibilities for ensuring safe conditions of operation for their
workers and the stored goods.
Specifiers and users of storage equipment should have responsibility for:
a)

specification of the maximum weight and gross dimensions of the goods or unit loads to be stored and
any variation in conformity which may occur;

b)

specification of the racking foundation properties to ensure sufficient strength and stiffness to carry the
loads and for specifying any surface layer, floor fixing limitations, surface flatness, etc.;

c)

specification of specific loads applied by the material handling equipment, such as stacker cranes, fork lift
trucks, use of pallet stops, pushing and sliding the goods when in contact with the storage equipment,
etc.;

d)

specification of the site location for the calculation of wind, snow and seismic loads, if applicable;

e)

allowing for the minimum clearances, so that the chance of collision between loads or between load and
storage equipment will be minimized. Relevant data should be provided by the supplier of the mechanical
handling equipment;

f)

specifying the environment, e.g. dry, unpolluted internal or external exposed to wind and weather, in order
to determine the quality and durability of the paint or other steel surface treatment for its protection;

g)

specifying surface levelness and flatness for the floor;

h)

use of the storage system in accordance with the contract specification supplied;

i)

ensuring that the detailed assembly and installation instructions provided by the storage equipment
supplier are correctly implemented when the installation of the equipment is undertaken by the user or a
contractor appointed by the user (installation of equipment by the supplier or manufacturer is the
preferred option);

j)

specifying or providing upright protection where required;

k)

environment including the floor slab is dry, non-chemically aggressive and internal.

l)

regular inspections of the racking or shelving structure during its life to ensure that any damage incurred
is repaired or damaged component replaced with identical new parts from the same manufacturer;

m) provision of personnel, trained in the use of materials-handling equipment and the storage capabilities of
the racking or shelving, to safely operate the storage facility;
n)

providing appropriate heating and lighting over the storage area;

33

EN 15629:2008 (E)

Annex B
(informative)
Suppliers responsibilities

The suppliers' responsibilities may be summarised as follows as a non-exclusive checklist for the specifier to
enable the user to confirm that the system is appropriate to their requirement and safe to operate.
The supplier should:
a)

specify the technical limitations of the system in terms of its safe operating conditions and carrying
capacity considering the specifiers requirements based upon EN 15620, prEN 15629 and EN 15635. This
may be done by the provision of a drawing or drawings detailing dimensions and the position of the
racking with clearances and operating aisle widths shown. This will identify any specific features of the
system such as imposed loads or non standard operating conditions, which have been incorporated into
the design. Any load accessories provided should be identified;

b)

identify what rack protection equipment is provided as a standard with the system and what additional
rack protection equipment is available as a post-installation addition;

c)

identify any truck operating types or criteria of use that have been incorporated into the layout of the
racking or the design of the structure;

d)

carry out the structural design based upon prEN 15512 or when not available by the European industry's
codes of practice;

e)

provide, if required, an installation service by a team of trained and experienced installers working under
qualified supervision. This should include a formal post-installation check of the racking on completion of
installation by a competent person and a formal handover certificate signed by a competent person
presented to the client confirming that the work has been completed to the specified standard;

f)

make available for the purchase of replacement components to allow effective repair and maintenance of
the racking;

g)

provide ongoing technical advice to the user of the racking, particularly relating to the effects of change of
use, change of load, or reconfiguration of the rack geometry to suit new requirements;

h)

provide advice to the user of the racking on the need for regular scheduled inspection routines and a
formal maintenance programme to deal with any accidental damage that may occur (see advice in EN
15635);

i)

supply load notices in approved safety colours providing information on the limitations of the system (see
advice in EN 15635).

34

EN 15629:2008 (E)

Bibliography

Further information to aid the user and the specifier can be found in the following publications:
[1] EN 528, Rail dependent storage and retrieval equipment Safety
[2] EN 1993 (all parts), Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures
[3] European Commission code 92/58/EG Safety colours 1992
[4] European Council Directive 92/59/EEC to standardize safety signs
[5] FEM 10.2.03 Guidelines for static steel racking and shelving
3)

[6] FEM 10.2.05 Safety in working with lift trucks in and around pallet racking
[7] FEM 10.2.06, The design of hand loaded static steel shelving systems
3)

[8] FEM 10.2.07 , The design of drive-in and drive-through pallet racking
[9] FEM 10.2.08, The seismic design of static steel pallet racking
[10] FEM 9.831, Calculation principles of storage and retrieval machines Tolerances, deformations and
clearances in high-bay warehouses
[11] FEM 9.832, Calculation principles of storage and retrieval machines Tolerances, deformations and
clearances for small parts storage (without silo type)
[12] EN 1998 (all parts), Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance

3) These documents are in the course of preparation and will be published in the future. They will be available for
purchase online from Fachverband Foerdertechnik in the VDMA at http://fem.vdma.-verlag.de/

35