As safety requirements change, the major governing bodies in the global warehouse racking system industry update their regulations to accommodate the changes. This guarantees that the equipment and operators are properly protected when around or while utilizing the pallet racks, thus preventing personnel injury or damage to equipment and products.
In this article, we will look into the main regulations manufacturers and warehouse owners should follow regarding pallet racking systems in 2026. Recent updates will also be included, so you’re properly informed about how you can implement them in your warehouse operations.
EN 16681
The EN 16681 dictates the standards for designing steel pallet racking systems for the European region. Used alongside EN 1998 or Eurocode 8, this standard specifies the dynamic load-bearing capacity of these racks in locations with heavy seismic activity.
The focus of the regulation is on how the racks can maintain their load-bearing capabilities and stability, making sure the pallets won’t fall from the shelves during earthquakes. It covers all standard adjustable pallet racking systems, except for mobile, drive-in, drive-through, cantilever, and seismically loaded setups.
Some key aspects of the regulation include:
Two approaches when designing pallet racking systems based on the setup’s structural ductility are the non-dissipative, which focuses on material strength, and the dissipative, which improves energy dissipation.
Verification requirements for three main load configurations, namely full load or 100% occupancy, 2/3 load or only top levels occupied, and variable load that covers 50% to 70% loading.
Recommending the Modal Response Spectrum Analysis (MRSA) and Non-Linear Time History as the method for calculating dynamic loads.
Standard Updates for 2026
Recent updates for this standard introduced specific seismic resistance coefficients for high-rise pallet racking systems. It specifies that the racks must maintain their structural stability even when subjected to high-frequency mechanical vibrations.
ISO 8611
An essential for proper material handling and safety, the ISO 8611 is an international standard used to test the performance and capabilities of new flat pallets. It serves as a guide for pallet designers and manufacturers to measure the static, dynamic, and shelf load limits of pallets, ensuring they can handle diverse storage scenarios. The prescribed standards apply to new and unused pallets with the aim of helping designers meet the right balance between performance and budget.
Key Provisions of the ISO 8611
This standard series is broken into three parts, namely:
- Part 1 (ISO 8611-1:2021): Focusing more on preferred testing methods, this part details the specific tests to use for flat pallets. It also identifies the bar for measuring deflection and ultimate load for the racks.
- Part 2 (ISO 8611-2:2021): This part tackles the acceptable benchmarks for performance criteria when measuring shelf load capabilities. It also provides the list of recommended tests for measuring specific handling environments.
- Part 3: For testing pallets with a maximum working load, this part gives all the information and instructions needed to conduct the required tests.
Standard Updates for 2026
As of 2026, the ISO 8611 improved the provision for Non-Uniform Load testing. It addresses the issues in the pallet’s center of gravity shift, a common occurrence during e-commerce picking.
OSHA 1910.176
The Code of Federal Regulations Title 29 1910.176 is part of the guidelines implemented by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a major governing body in the US. In particular, it indicates the proper handling, storage, and movement of materials in warehouses to make the workspace safe and free from obstructions. It also provides recommendations that personnel and managers should follow on how to minimize fire hazards, blockage of emergency exits, and stock from falling.
Major points in the guidelines include:
- How to store products properly, especially heavy and uniquely-shaped materials
- Proper employee training on safely moving and lifting products
- Taking care of fragile and potentially hazardous materials
- Practicing regular inspection on the aisles, storage racks, and equipment within the warehouse
Key Provisions of 29 CFR 1910.176:
The governing standard is broken into five key parts, with each focusing on certain provisions.
- Section A is directions for aisles and passageways, where these permanent spaces must have clear markings and be kept clean at all times. There should also be no obstructions blocking aisles and passageways, ensuring free and unhindered movement.
- Section B talks about how to manage and secure the main storage areas in the warehouse. All products placed in storage areas must be properly arranged to ensure stability, preventing them from falling, collapsing, or creating potential hazards.
- Section C provides instructions on how to maintain storage areas clean and hazard-free. Any accumulated material that could cause hazards, such as fire or pest hazards, must be removed immediately from the storage area.
- Section D indicates the importance of placing clearance signs on key points of the warehouse, alerting equipment operators where vehicle clearance could be low.
- Section E refers to the adherence to safe and proper mechanical handling equipment operation. This section reinforces that operators must follow manufacturer guidelines when using the machinery, preventing accidents and financial loss.
Standard Updates for 2026
As of 2026, the OSHA 1910.176 includes provisions for “Special Inspection of Automated Warehouses.” According to this provision, Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) racking setups must have physical sensors or visual monitoring equipment that helps prevent collisions between forklifts and automated picking systems.
SEMA & EN 15635
SEMA and EN are two governing bodies that work alongside each other to enforce proper warehouse safety standards in the European region. EN is the standard followed by countries in Europe, while the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) focuses on best practices for warehouses in the UK.
Source: https://sema.org.uk/sema-suppliers/
EN 16535:2008, in particular, provides regional standards for the proper application and maintenance of steel static pallet racking systems, including safety requirements, inspection frequency, and maintenance requirements. The regulation is also famous for instituting the three-color damage grading system that indicates how severe damage is on the racking systems, also known as “Green, Yellow, and Red.”
Key Provisions Under EN 15635
The EN 16535 details key regulations for warehouses and personnel to follow for optimal facility conditions.
- Coverage: the provision applies to most steel storage systems used in the UK and EU, including adjustable pallet racks, Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) racks, drive-in systems, and mobile setups.
- Inspection Frequency: alongside weekly regular visual inspections, warehouses are required to conduct an intensive review of the pallet racks once a year. It also requires warehouses to have designated personnel called the “Person Responsible for Racking Safety” (PRRS) to handle the necessary inspections and maintenance.
- Damage Classification: This standard implements a three-tier damage grading system that uses colors to indicate how severe the structural damage is. Certain actions are required to be performed on the storage system depending on the color (green, yellow, or red).
- Operational Safety: outlines specific mandates for equipment operators to maintain the pallet rack’s structural integrity by following safety guidelines for loading product. It also recommends keeping a record indicating damage history and repairs done on the structure.
Standard Updates for 2026
As of 2026, the EN 16535 has significantly increased the tolerance requirements for beam deflection on steel storage equipment. SEMA has also included more material fatigue factors into its quantitative calculation of deflection to account for the use of high-strength steel.
NFPA 13
The NFPA 13 is a set of standards instituted by the National Fire Protection Association, an international nonprofit organization based in the US. The Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems, or NFPA 13, sets a global benchmark for the design, installation, and maintenance of automated fire sprinkler systems.
As the effectiveness of fire extinguishing systems relies directly on how shelves are stacked in warehouses, this system helps specify crucial factors that facilities should adhere to. It also helps warehouses pass one of the most challenging parts of insurance audits.
Key Provisions for Warehouses Under NFPA 13
Warehouses worldwide have to follow certain recommendations set by the NFPA 13 to maintain a facility conducive to fire prevention and elimination. Part of which is the specified minimum dimensions for the horizontal and vertical “flue space,” typically measured at 6 inches. The allotted space ensures hot air can flow upwards as soon as possible, quickly triggering the spray heads.
Standard Updates for 2026
While the NFPA 13 sees constant updates, the 2026 regulations added stricter regulations on plastic decking. As plastic combustion has an extremely high exothermic reaction rate, new provisions mandate large-scale plastic pallet stacking areas to upgrade their setups to ESFR spray systems. These Early Suppression Fast Response sprinklers discharge more than 100 gallons of water per minute to quickly suppress fire as it happens.
Common Trends in Global Racking Regulations in 2026
With changes in technology and products handled by warehouses worldwide, safety regulations for pallet racking systems must adapt to accommodate the constant changes. Some innovations in global racking safety and prevention as of 2026 include the following:
Digital Auditing
Gone are the day where structural reviews and damage reports for pallet racking systems are written on paper. Acknowledging the adoption of digital technology in warehouses across the globe, documentation has shifted to digital record-keeping as well. Not only does it make consistency and distribution of information faster and more efficient, but it also allows operators to access relevant details and reporting all on one page.
Then there’s the recognition of advanced digital technology to monitor and document changes on pallet racks for safety audits. IoT-based tilt sensors and strain gauge data are now used by inspectors as evidence for annual audits.
Automation Adaptation
From “Humans Adapting to Shelves,” the global warehousing industry’s adoption of innovative technology has transitioned the mindset to “Shelves Adapting to Machines.” The inclusion of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in warehouses requires facilities to include verticality or accuracy tolerance on shelves to ensure proper operation.
Green Compliance
The ISO framework for 2026 indicates the importance of warehouses complying with sustainable and eco-friendly regulations. As the rate of raw material recycling and low-carbon production certifications affects compliance standards with government tenders, it’s recommended for warehouses worldwide to adopt green practices in their facilities.
Warehouse Safety Standardization through Global Safety Regulations
Adopting safety guidelines for pallet racking systems is not only a check marks warehouses must comply with, but it also ensures the facility and personnel are always protected. International and regional regulations for warehouse safety greatly reduce potential loss of life and income within warehouses, leading to better operations and profit returns. Implementing these guidelines depends on where the facility is located, though global standards apply everywhere.
Trust the experts at iWarehousing to design and manufacture inventory management solutions according to regional and international safety standards. Our vast industry expertise and experience keep us constantly updated with regulation changes, so you’re sure to get racking systems that fully comply with safety guidelines. Talk to our team today to start your next project!
