New Pallet Racking Regulation from WorkSafeBC
January 1, 2018.
It’s a date that employers who use any type of steel storage racking need to take note of.
Why is WorkSafeBC implementing new regulation?
No one should be injured in the workplace.
Storage racking is commonplace across a multitude of industries. WorkSafeBC aims to promote worker safety by drafting a regulatory framework for the installation, inspection and maintenance steel storage racks. To reduce worker hazards, it’s crucial that racking solutions are engineered to suit the nature of the product being stored, and that rack is being used in a safe manner.
Who will be affected?
Any business employing steel storage racking 8′ and above, with particular emphasis on pallet racking and cantilever.
Retail shelving and displays – the type hand-loaded by employees – under 8′ are not a focus of the new regulation.
How can rack present a hazard?
The storage of goods on steel racking can become hazardous if they become unstable or liable to collapse. Wear and tear, inappropriate use/load bearing, questionable repairs and improper installation are just a few reasons catastrophic rack failure occurs.
How was the new regulation drafted?
In drafting the new regulation, WorkSafeBC consulted engineers, rack manufacturers and retailers.
We (Kevin Van Neck and Gregory Hubbert) were involved in this consultation process, even meeting one-on-one with WorkSafeBC. We feel that this, when combined with 15 years experience selling engineered racking solutions, uniquely qualifies Pallet Rack Inspection BC to perform your racking inspection.
What actions are required by our business?
Employers must ensure that storage rack inspections are conducted at regular intervals.
How can employers prepare?
WorkSafeBC has created a checklist, found here: http://bit.ly/2AUEyGO
Inventory your racking, identify the manufacturer, age, and any existing damage. Next, create a schedule for performing racking inspections at regular intervals by a qualified person.
Who can perform a rack inspection?
WorkSafeBC regulation states that a “qualified person” should perform rack inspections.
Section 1.1 of the Regulation defines a “qualified person” as being knowledgeable of the work, the hazards involved, and the means to control the hazards, by reason of education, training, experience or a combination thereof.
Note that the regulation holds the employer responsible for ensuring the competency of the “qualified person”.
In our opinion, the people most qualified to inspect racking are those who are responsible for engineering storage solutions from the ground up. Specifically: rack sales representatives with access to engineers. Greg and Kevin are uniquely qualified for several reasons:
- 15 years combined experience selling engineered racking solutions
- The ability to generate formalized rack inspection reports and engineered rack repairs or replacements
- Familiarity and a working relationship with WorkSafeBC
- Both were involved in the consultation process which resulted in the new regulation
What are WorkSafeBC officers looking for during an inspection?
Officers are concerned with conditions that present moderate-to-high risk to workers.
This includes – but may not be limited to:
- Storage racks that are overloaded with signs
of damage or corrosion or in disrepair - Evidence of questionable repairs
- Missing or incompatible parts
- Unsafe loading practices (e.g. overloaded, load
overhang, loads not secured/wrapped properly,
unstable loads)
Read more: What should we expect when a WorkSafeBC officer arrives?
Want to discuss WorksafeBC’s new regulation with us?
Greg Hubbert