BITO is your reliable partner for statutory shelving and racking inspections
Businesses with onsite racking are required to have their systems inspected at least once every twelve months by a qualified person.
In addition, regular visual inspections are required, especially for shelving and racking in areas with busy forklift traffic. Storage installations that are exposed to particular risks, such as pallet racking and cantilever racking, must be protected against impact damage.
BITO rack inspections comply with HSE guidelines,. By opting for shelving and racking inspection service from BITO, you make sure that your storage facilities comply with all relevant safety standards.
Statutory Obligations for Shelving and Racking Operators in the UAE/GCC
In the United Arab Emirates, the operation and maintenance of industrial shelving and racking systems fall under the jurisdiction of various federal and emirate-level authorities concerned with workplace safety, structural integrity, and fire prevention. Operators of storage systems are legally and operationally responsible for ensuring that their racking installations remain safe, structurally sound, and fit for purpose throughout their lifecycle.
Key statutory and practical obligations include:
- Regular Visual Inspections: Operators must conduct routine visual checks (weekly or based on risk assessments) to identify signs of damage, misalignment, overloading, or unsafe use of racking systems.
- Annual Expert Inspections: It is strongly recommended (and often required by landlords or freezone authorities) to perform a comprehensive inspection by a qualified racking expert at least once every 12 months. This ensures the system complies with safety standards and continues to meet structural and loading requirements.
- Reference to EN 15635: While not a federal law, DIN EN 15635 is the industry-accepted guideline in the UAE for the “Application and maintenance of storage equipment.” It is widely used as the basis for inspection protocols, including visual and annual inspections.
- Occupational Safety & MoHRE Compliance: According to UAE Labour Law and Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE) regulations, employers must ensure safe working environments. This includes the safe operation and maintenance of shelving/racking, proper staff training, load signage, and the use of appropriate PPE during loading/unloading operations.
- Civil Defence and Freezone Authority Requirements: In areas such as JAFZA, KIZAD, or DAFZA, racking inspections and certifications may be required during audits or licensing renewals, especially in high-bay or hazardous material storage facilities.
- Documentation & Training: Operators must maintain records of all inspections, repairs, and modifications. Additionally, employees responsible for storage operations should be trained in safe loading practices, rack damage identification, and emergency procedures.
At BITO Storage Systems Middle East, we offer comprehensive rack inspection services in line with UAE safety expectations and international best practices, including:
✅ Visual and Structural Inspections
✅ Load Capacity Validation
✅ Written Inspection Reports & Action Plans
✅ Repair/Replacement Offers for Damaged Racking
✅ Compliance with EN 15635 & UAE OHS Guidelines
Shelving and racking inspections are extremely important for operational continuity and staff safety
In addition to legal requirements, there are many other reasons why these inspections are essential. One key reason is to maintain a high service level to secure a company's ability to deliver. This requires keeping sufficient stocks to meet demand. Properly functioning storage systems are crucial to ensuring that deliveries can be made at all times. Damage or breakdowns can have a significant impact on operational processes. Not only is the ability to deliver at stake, but also the life and health of employees. Collision damage to shelving and racking can lead to serious injuries or even fatal accidents. For this reason, legislation stipulates that load-bearing uprights of static shelving and racking serviced by non-guided vehicles must be protected against collision damage to protect the staff and ensure operational continuity.
Benefits of BITO shelving & racking inspections
Expertise and experience
BITO Shelving & racking inspections are carried out in accordance with DIN EN 15635 standards as well as DGUV Information 208-043 and TRBS 1203 guidelines and regulations.<o:p></o:p>
Avoiding accidents and damage and maintaining required service levels
Annual shelving and racking inspections are mandatory to prevent accidents, personal injury and damage. Shelving and racking collapses can cause serious injuries and even force a business to close. Damage to storage systems also affects the service level, i.e. the availability of sufficient stock to meet customer demand. BITO Inspections prevent these risks and ensure a high service level in your organisation.
Spare parts and a broad range of accessories
BITO not only provides expert shelving and racking inspections, but also supplies spare parts and accessories.
Reliable appointment coordination
After inspecting your shelving or racking system, we will agree on the date for the next inspection service.
Reliable inspections of shelving and racking systems according to schedule
You can count on us. Timeliness, reliability and clear communication when making appointments are just as important to us as is the trust of our customers.
Detailed documentation
After your storage system has been inspected by our experts, you will receive a detailed status report. If our experts identify risks or damage to the structure of your system, these are clearly categorised and described in the report.
Inspections help to avoid costs
BITO provides customised impact protection and safety equipment for your shelving or racking system. Not only will protective barriers help to minimise future costs, they will also protect your storage system from collision damage and ensure the safety of staff and goods.
