On March 30, 2017, the WorkSafeBC Board of Directors approved changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) regarding storage racks. These changes took effect on January 1, 2018.
Previously, the OHSR did not specify safety requirements for proper installation, inspection, and maintenance of steel storage racks. With the new requirements in the OHSR, it ensures consistency in applying the requirements from employers and WorkSafeBC officers. It also ensures storage racks are installed and used in a safe manner.
The new racking regulations are in Section 4.43.1, Part 4: General Conditions of the OHSR. It provides requirements for employers to ensure the safety of their workers around storage racks. These new regulations apply to steel storage racks made of steel frames, beams, and associated accessories that are assembled into a structure to support materials and products. It does not apply to shelving and display fixtures used for retail purposes.
For more information on the new storage racking regulations, visit the WorkSafe BC website
