Why Every Warehouse in the GCC Should Inspect Its Racking Every 6 Months

Why is regular racking inspection critical in GCC warehouses?

Warehouses across the GCC — from Dubai’s logistics hubs to Saudi Arabia’s mega distribution centres — operate under high loads, extreme temperatures, and tight turnaround times. Pallet racking systems carry tonnes of weight daily, and even a minor impact from a forklift can compromise their structural integrity.
A six-monthly inspection ensures potential damage is detected early before it leads to costly collapses, inventory loss, or serious injury.

Is racking inspection legally required in the GCC?

While not always explicitly mandated by law, most HSE authorities and insurance providers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar follow international safety standards such as EN 15635 (European standard for racking safety).
These standards recommend inspections at least twice a year by a competent person. Many local free zones — including JAFZA, KIZAD, and DIC — now require valid inspection reports for compliance audits and insurance renewals.

What risks arise if racking is not inspected?

Ignoring racking inspection can lead to:

• Structural failure or collapse due to undetected damage.
• Inventory loss and extended downtime during repair.
• Injury or fatal accidents, resulting in liability and fines.
• Insurance claim rejections, as providers often ask for inspection certificates.
• Reduced load capacity, even if the system looks stable.

In short, the cost of skipping inspection is far greater than the cost of scheduling one.

Why every 6 months — not yearly?

Racking systems in GCC climates experience faster wear and tear due to:

• Extreme heat affecting metal fatigue.
• Condensation and humidity in cold-storage and coastal environments.
• High forklift activity in fast-moving consumer goods and 3PL operations.
• Frequent reconfiguration of racks as product mix changes.

A six-month interval allows warehouses to catch damage trends early, plan preventive maintenance, and maintain certification continuity.

Who should perform racking inspections?

According to EN 15635 and global best practices:

• Internal weekly checks should be done by trained warehouse staff.
• Formal inspections every 6 months must be conducted by a competent racking inspector — ideally certified and independent.

Companies such as BITO Storage Systems Middle East provide certified inspection services across the GCC, ensuring compliance with European standards and local HSE expectations.

What does a professional inspection include?

A proper inspection covers:

1. Visual checks for bends, cracks, corrosion, and missing components.
2. Load capacity verification against current usage.
3. Upright plumbness and beam deflection measurement.
4. Damage classification (green, amber, red risk levels).
5. Detailed report with photos, recommendations, and a repair plan.

This process ensures transparency and provides documentation for insurance and audits.

What are the business benefits of regular inspections?

• Extended rack lifespan through preventive maintenance.
• Improved employee safety and confidence in the workplace.
• Reduced downtime by catching issues early.
• Lower insurance premiums and faster claims approval.

Compliance with international clients’ safety requirements.

Warehouses that maintain inspection discipline also project professionalism and reliability to partners and auditors.

How can GCC warehouses schedule a compliant inspection?

Start by choosing a certified racking inspection provider experienced in GCC environments.
Confirm they follow EN 15635 or FEM 10.2.09 standards and provide a full risk-grading report.
Once the inspection is complete, schedule the next one within six months, and train your in-house team for interim checks.

Final Takeaway

Regular racking inspections are not just about ticking compliance boxes — they’re about protecting people, products, and profits.
In the GCC’s fast-paced logistics world, every 6-month inspection is an investment in safety, efficiency, and business continuity.