What Gets Standardized Gets Safer
In Indian warehouses, rack inspections are often reactive and inconsistent. They are usually limited to visual walk around conducted without documentation or a proper understanding of structural behavior.
Modern warehouse operations demand a more systematic approach. This is where EN 15635 plays an important role. It is a globally recognize standard that brings structure, accountability and traceability to rack safety.
With increasing safety expectations from global clients and insurers, EN 15635 is becoming a benchmark for serious warehouse operators in India.
What Is EN 15635?
EN 15635 is a European standard titled “Application and Maintenance of Storage Equipment.” It provides comprehensive guidelines for:
- Safe operation of industrial racking systems
- Scheduled inspections
- Damage classification
- Repair protocols
- Documentation and record keeping
This standard is advisory in Europe, but it has become the de facto global global best practice for rack maintenance. It is adopted by 3PL, FMCG and e-commerce companies worldwide.
Note
Most OEMs design racking systems using EN standards such as EN 15512 for structural design and EN 15620 for dimensional tolerances. EN 15635 ensures that these systems are operated and maintained safely after installation.
Key Principles of EN 15635 Explained
1. Appoint a PRSES, Person Responsible for Storage Equipment Safety
Every facility must formally assign a PRSES who is:
- Accountable for inspections and documentation
- Responsible for initiating and tracking repair actions
- The point of contact during safety audits or incidents
2. Implement a Structured Inspection Frequency
EN 15635 specifies three types of inspections, each with a specific role.
| Inspection Type | Frequency | Conducted By |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Checks | Daily or weekly | Operators or supervisors |
| Formal Visual Inspections | Monthly | Trained PRSES or safety officer |
| Expert Inspections | Annually | External competent person, such as an OEM or third-party auditor |
RAMS allows the scheduling and automatic tracking of each inspection type by location, role and due date.
3. Classify Rack Damage by Severity
EN 15635 provides a three-tier classification system for damage severity.
| Tag | Description | Action |
| 🟢 Green | Minor damage, such as upright dents below 3 mm | Monitor and recheck during the next inspection |
| 🟡 Amber | Moderate damage, such as twisting or bent braces | Unload the rack and repair it within four weeks |
| 🔴 Red | Severe damage, such as missing bolts or significant deformation | Unload immediately and do not use until repaired |
RAMS automates this classification using predefined tolerances and inspection logic based on EN 15635.
4. Maintain Structured Inspection Records
The standard emphasizes documenting everything because what is not recorded cannot be proven during insurance or compliance reviews.
Essential elements of every inspection record include:
- Rack location, including bay, aisle and level
- Date of inspection
- Inspector’s identity
- Nature and classification of damage
- Photographic evidence
- Corrective action status
5. Restrict Improper Repairs
EN 15635 warns against:
- Welding, straightening or modifying structural elements
- Using non-OEM or unverified replacement parts
- Skipping engineering validation for repairs
Instead:
- Repairs must meet the original specifications
- Replacement parts must be verified
- Follow-up inspections must validate the quality of repairs
RAMS generates a Repair Bill of Materials, or BoM, automatically mapped to the rack location, severity and cost. This makes authorized repairs easier to manage and trace.
Who Is Responsible in Case of Rack Failure?
EN 15635 makes responsibility clear.
Warehouse Operator or User
“The user of the racking system is responsible for the ongoing safety, regular inspection and maintenance of the storage equipment.”
That means:
- After installation, the responsibility for safe operation lies with the operator
- Failure to inspect or act on identified damage shifts legal accountability to the user
- Assigning a PRSES and maintaining inspection records form part of this responsibility
Rack OEMs
OEMs are responsible for:
- Supplying racks that meet EN structural design standards
- Providing design drawings, capacity ratings and installation guides
- Recommending safe usage parameters
After installation and handover, the OEM is no longer responsible for misuse, impact damage or neglect by the user.
Third-Party Inspectors, External Competent Persons
As per EN 15635:
- The third-party inspector is responsible for providing accurate findings during the annual expert inspection
- The inspector must conduct a thorough inspection, classify damage correctly and report findings honestly
However, if the warehouse fails to act on red or amber damage after it is reported, the responsibility does not shift to the inspector.
Inspectors may be held responsible if they:
- Miss clear signs of damage
- Fail to conduct the inspection diligently
- Misrepresent findings in the inspection report
In simple terms, inspectors are responsible for the quality of their inspections, while the user remains responsible for acting on the findings.
The Real Meaning of a “Stability Certificate”
In India, it is common for third-party inspectors or OEMs to issue a Stability Certificate after an inspection.
This certificate is often used for:
- Handover to clients
- Insurance requirements
- Compliance documentation
But what does this certificate really imply?
What It Confirms
- The racks were visually inspected on a specific date
- No red-level damage was found at the time of inspection
- The racks were found to be plumb, anchored and apparently undamaged under normal operating conditions
- The installation appeared to comply with OEM drawings and general best practices, where such references were available
What It Does Not Do
- It does not guarantee future safety or act as a structural warranty
- It does not shift responsibility to the inspector after handover
- It does not eliminate the user’s responsibility to follow EN 15635 through ongoing inspection and maintenance
If a Collapse Happens After a Certificate Is Issued
| Scenario | Who Is Responsible? |
| New damage occurs after the inspection | User, for failing to report the damage or arrange a re inspection |
| Inspector misses visible damage | Inspector, for negligence |
| Rack is overloaded beyond its rated capacity | User, for misuse |
| Certificate is issued based on incomplete data | Inspector |
| Rack is modified after certification | User or contractor |
Stability Certificates are snapshots, not shields. Their legal value depends on how well the inspection process was documented and whether the user continued to operate the racks responsibly after the inspection.
Best Practice
Always treat the Stability Certificate as part of a wider rack safety management program, not as the closure of the safety process.
- Use RAMS to attach inspection records, photographs, classification tags and BoMs
- Include a disclaimer stating:
“This certificate is valid as of the date of inspection. Any post-inspection modification, damage, overloading or misalignment shall void this declaration.”
Why EN 15635 Is Crucial for India
India lacks a mandatory national standard dedicated specifically to rack safety. This often leads to:
- Visual-only audits without structural logic
- No maintenance tracking
- Inconsistent practices across different facilities
At the same time, warehouse operators face growing pressure from:
- Global clients demanding documented safety procedures
- Insurance providers assessing risk based on preventive measures
- Investors and boards reviewing ESG performance
EN 15635 fills a critical gap and raises the standard of rack safety management.
What Happens When You Don’t Follow EN 15635?
Ignoring structured inspections and documentation can expose an organisation to:
- Rack collapses caused by unresolved damage
- Injuries or fatalities that may trigger legal action under applicable factory and criminal laws
- Rejection of insurance claims due to a lack of documented inspection evidence
- Client contract violations, especially within global supply chains
- Reputation damage, particularly when incidents become public
How RAMS Digitally Delivers EN 15635 Compliance
| EN 15635 Requirement | RAMS Capability |
| Assign a PRSES | Assign user roles and track inspections |
| Set inspection frequency | Automatically schedule daily, monthly and annual audits |
| Classify damage | Automatically tag observations as Green, Amber or Red |
| Record inspection data | Capture QR-based inputs with actual locations in the Digital Twin, photographs and inspection history |
| Track repairs | Generate a Repair BoM with cost, status and vendor records |
| Support multi-site audits | Provide a central dashboard across facilities with compliance scores |
Final Thoughts: A Framework to Lead With
EN 15635 is not just a safety guideline. It is a shared accountability model.
- OEMs build according to the required specifications
- Inspectors identify and report risks
- Users are expected to act on findings and maintain the racking system
RAMS does not replace EN 15635. It activates it.
We help you digitize the entire rack safety life cycle, from inspections and reporting to repair tracking and compliance management, with audit-grade transparency and real-time insights.
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