WorkSafeBC officers will follow their existing risk-based enforcement approach to storage rack inspections. In other words, they have not drawn up a new framework. Corrective orders will be issued based on what officers observe during their visit. Businesses are expected to take corrective action in a timely manner while reducing immediate risk to workers until a repair/replacement can be made.

What exactly is WorkSafeBC looking for?

WorkSafeBC has indicated that these officers will focus on conditions that present a moderate or high risk to workers.

What are examples of moderate-to-high-risk conditions?

• Overloaded storage racks
• Signs of damage, corrosion or disrepair
• Evidence of shoddy or questionable repairs
• Missing or incompatible parts
• Unsafe loading practices
• Unstable loads
• Load overhang
• Loads which have not been secured or wrapped properly

What can I do to ensure our rack passes inspection?

Before a WorkSafeBC officer walks through your door, you can perform a pre-inspection. Use the guidance above as your baseline.

It’s possible though, that you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for. At Pallet Rack Inspection BC, we’ve built warehouse racking solutions from the ground up, so we know exactly what to red flag.

What happens if I identify signs of damage, corrosion, disrepair or questionable repairs?

Damaged rack can be fixed or replaced. Let us help. We have the resources to facilitate the removal of damaged rack, and make repairs to or install new rack –  affordably and in a timely manner. Read more about our racking repairs here

Call us today ensure your racking will be WorkSafeBC ready: 604-754-4723

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

Want to discuss WorksafeBC’s new regulation with us?

Greg Hubbert

Who needs engineered racking?

If your pallet racking measures over 8 ft tall, you are required to procure engineered documentation that demonstrates the system is seismically safe. British Columbia is located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, meaning that geographically, the region has high seismic activity. City bylaws across the Lower Mainland require all 8-foot-plus racking be engineered.

If you are using non-engineered racking over 8 ft, your company could be held liable for the performance of that racking not just during seismic activity but also in the event of an accident. 

How do I engineer my rack?

The process is started with a custom assessment of your storage needs and weights. Clients will need to provide the following:

• Concrete information: thickness of slab, PSI or MPA value
• Geotechnical data: soil class type, FA and FV values

How PRIBC can help engineer your rack

We will meet with you, inspect your space and follow the initial steps outlined above. PRIBC can provide floor plans and documentation to sufficiently demonstrate that the proposed racking/shelving – and the building where it will be installed – will conform to the 2012 B.C. Building Code.

PRIBC can also provide a signed and sealed letter from a structural engineer that confirms soil conditions, seismic restraints and existing slab capacity are capable of supporting loads imposed by your racking/shelving, in accordance with the B.C. Building Code.