Pallet Racking Regulations – Loading Signs

If your warehouse has pallet racking, it must be clearly marked with a load notice.

UK regulations set clear standards to ensure the safety of your staff and the integrity of your storage system.Load signs (also known as racking load notices) are a legal requirement under UK health and safety laws. They serve as a visual reminder to your team about the safe usage limits of your racking system — helping prevent accidents, damage, and liability.

What UK Regulations Say

In the UK, pallet racking load notices are guided by:

  • HSE (Health & Safety Executive) Regulations

  • BS EN 15635 – Steel static storage systems

According to BS EN 15635, a racking system should display a clearly visible load notice that includes the following:

Required Information:

  1. Safe Working Load (SWL) per shelf level

  2. Total bay load capacity

  3. Maximum number of pallets per level

  4. Height of the first beam level

  5. Manufacturer or supplier details

  6. Designer’s name and date of design (if applicable)

  7. Installation date or reference

  8. Warning notices or special instructions (e.g., “Do not climb”)

load notice

What Happens if You
Don’t Have Load Notices?

Failing to display load notices can lead to:

  • Fines or enforcement action from HSE inspectors

  • Invalidation of insurance claims in the event of collapse

  • Increased risk of injury or product damage

Where Should Load Signs
Be Placed?

  • At eye level

  • At the end of every aisle (minimum)

  • In a highly visible, unobstructed location

  • Weatherproof or protected if exposed to dust/moisture