Shelf inspection and storage technology service
Shelving and storage equipment are indispensable tools in production and logistics. At the same time, damaged or overloaded shelving systems pose a considerable accident risk to your employees. The legally required shelving inspection in accordance with DIN EN 15635:2009-08 and DGUV Information 208-061 not only protects your team, but also secures your operational processes and protects you from liability risks.
As a manufacturer-independent service provider, Blumenbecker offers professional inspection, maintenance, and repair of your shelving systems – throughout Germany from 12 service locations. Since 2004, our industrial service specialists have been ensuring that your storage facilities remain safe and operational.
Our services for shelving systems Shelf testing in accordance with DIN EN 15635 and DGUV Information 208-061
Our qualified inspectors carry out the annual expert inspection of your shelving systems. The inspection is carried out in accordance with the current requirements of DIN EN 15635:2009-08 and DGUV Information 208-061 (formerly DGUV Rule 108-007). We check that the shelving is correctly assembled, verify the labeling of the permissible load, and document all damage found with a hazard classification.
The scope of the inspection includes:
- Visual inspection of all shelf components for damage
- Checking stability and floor anchoring
- Checking load capacity labels and load specifications
- Checking protective devices such as collision protection and push-through protection
- Marking damaged components according to damage classes (green/orange/red)
- Preparation of a detailed inspection report with recommendations for action
Maintenance and servicing
Regular maintenance extends the service life of your racking systems and prevents costly downtime. Our service technicians carry out preventive maintenance work and repair minor defects directly on site. In the event of more serious damage, we organize professional repairs or the replacement of damaged components.
Shelf repair
Damaged shelf supports, bent crossbars, or defective safety bolts do not necessarily have to be completely replaced. Our specialists will assess whether repair is possible and economically viable. We can carry out many repairs during normal operation without you having to clear your warehouse.
Which shelves need to be inspected?
According to the Industrial Safety Regulation and DGUV Information 208-061, all commercially used storage facilities are subject to mandatory inspection. We inspect all common types of shelving, regardless of manufacturer:
Pallet racks – the most commonly used heavy-duty racks for palletized goods. Particularly susceptible to collision damage due to daily forklift traffic.
Shelf racks – universally applicable for small parts, cartons, and loose goods. The focus of the inspection is on the correct load distribution and the condition of the shelves.
Heavy-duty racks – designed for particularly heavy loads. Here, the static requirements and thus also the inspection requirements are particularly high.
Cantilever racking – ideal for long goods such as pipes, profiles, or wooden beams. The freely cantilevered arms require special attention during load capacity testing.
High-bay racking and high-bay warehouses – automated storage systems with special requirements for guide rails and storage and retrieval machines.
Flow racks – dynamic storage systems based on the FIFO principle. In addition to the rack structure, we also test roller conveyors and brake elements.
Mobile racks and rolling racks – space-saving solutions with movable elements that require additional test points.
Legal basis for shelf inspections
Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV):
According to § 14 BetrSichV (German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health), work equipment—which also includes shelving—must be inspected at appropriate intervals by a qualified person. The inspection intervals are determined by the risk assessment, with an annual inspection being the minimum requirement.
DIN EN 15635:2009-08:
This European standard regulates the use and maintenance of storage facilities. It distinguishes between weekly visual inspections by the company's own personnel and annual expert inspections by qualified persons.
DGUV information 208-061:
This information sheet from the German Social Accident Insurance replaces the previous DGUV Rule 108-007 as of November 2023. It specifies the requirements for storage facilities and their safe use.
Without proof of the prescribed inspections, companies risk not only fines but also the loss of insurance coverage in the event of damage. The personal liability of management can be considerable in the event of accidents involving untested racking systems.
Your advantage: Digital inspection reports in the customer portal
After each rack inspection, the inspection reports and documentation are immediately available to you in our digital customer portal. You have access to the following at any time:
- Current and historical inspection reports
- Photographic documentation of any damage found
- Overview of all inspection dates and deadlines
- Status of defect rectification
The digital documentation makes it easier for you to provide evidence to authorities and insurance companies and supports your internal quality management.
Frequently asked questions about shelf inspections
How often must a shelf inspection be carried out?
An expert inspection by a qualified person must be carried out at least once a year. This is specified in DIN EN 15635 and DGUV Information 208-061. In addition, your employees should carry out weekly visual inspections. In cases of particularly high stress, such as intensive forklift traffic, shorter inspection intervals may be advisable.
Who is authorized to perform shelf inspections?
The annual expert inspection may only be carried out by a qualified person in accordance with TRBS 1203. This person must have appropriate vocational training, professional experience in handling racking systems, and up-to-date specialist knowledge. Blumenbecker's service technicians meet these requirements and receive regular further training.
What happens if damage is found?
Any damage found is classified according to the traffic light system specified in DIN EN 15635. Green means observation, orange requires prompt repair, and red indicates acute safety risks that require immediate closure of the racking area. You will receive specific recommendations for action for each instance of damage and, if desired, a quote for repairs.
Does the warehouse need to be cleared for the inspection?
In most cases, we can carry out the rack inspection during ongoing operations. We coordinate the work in terms of time and space so that your flow of goods is restricted as little as possible. Only if red damage is detected must the affected rack section be immediately cordoned off and unloaded.
What documentation will I receive after the audit?
You will receive a detailed inspection report listing all inspected shelving units, documented damage including photo documentation, damage classification, and recommended measures. Once the inspection has been successfully completed, we will attach inspection stickers to your shelving units indicating the inspection status and the next inspection date.
Shelving and storage technology from a single source
In addition to inspecting and maintaining your existing racking systems, the Blumenbecker Group can also assist you with the procurement of new storage equipment. Our Industrial-Trade division provides consulting, planning, and delivery services for operating equipment from renowned manufacturers. This means you benefit from a single point of contact for all your storage needs—from initial equipment procurement to regular inspections and modernization.
Our services overview
| Power | Description |
| Shelf check | Annual expert inspection in accordance with DIN EN 15635 and DGUV Information 208-061 |
| Shelf inspection | Visual inspection and damage classification |
| Maintenance | Preventive maintenance of all types of shelving |
| Repair | Professional repair of damaged components |
| Documentation | Digital inspection reports in the customer portal |
| Consulting | Support in selecting new storage facilities |
Ensure the operational safety of your storage facilities
Our experts will be happy to advise you on inspection intervals, scope of services, and individual service contracts. Request your non-binding quote for shelf inspection now.
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