Pre-Start Health & Safety Review
In the Province of Ontario, any stacking structure that has been installed or modified after October 7th, 2000 requires that a ‘Pre-Start Health and Safety Review’ (PSR) be performed or that original documentation from the supplier, that certifies compliance to the current applicable standards be available on site should an MOL inspector request to see it. Repairing or replacing damaged components may trigger a requirement for a PSR. Exemption from requiring a PSR may be possible for new structures being installed from the selected vendor.
Why do racks require a PSR?
The regulation was intended to safeguard industrial workplaces where storage systems were purchased with no documented capacity rating for the structure and / or where modifications / alterations were performed. Possible outcomes of a rack failure include:
What a PSR is NOT
Documentation for PSR exemption of rack storage structures usually takes the form of a stamped drawing, sealed and signed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the Province of Ontario. The documentation required for PSR exemption must:
Details of the Guideline by the MOL is available at http://www.gov.on.ca/LAB/ohs
In the Province of Ontario, any stacking structure that has been installed or modified after October 7th, 2000 requires that a ‘Pre-Start Health and Safety Review’ (PSR) be performed or that original documentation from the supplier, that certifies compliance to the current applicable standards be available on site should an MOL inspector request to see it. Repairing or replacing damaged components may trigger a requirement for a PSR. Exemption from requiring a PSR may be possible for new structures being installed from the selected vendor.
Why do racks require a PSR?
The regulation was intended to safeguard industrial workplaces where storage systems were purchased with no documented capacity rating for the structure and / or where modifications / alterations were performed. Possible outcomes of a rack failure include:
- Progressive collapse of adjacent racking;
- Unsalvageable product inventory;
- Permanent damage to the building structure;
- Serious injury or fatality to employees.
What a PSR is NOT
• An inspection of a facility or apparatus limited to damage and unsafe practices;
• Limited to a field review of a new installation to ensure the racks are configured as per the original documentation;
• A comprehensive review of the racks for all life safety issues (i.e. fire safety, egress travel, etc);
• An ongoing process whereby the User and the person performing the PSR reach resolution on all items of concern
PSR ExemptionDocumentation for PSR exemption of rack storage structures usually takes the form of a stamped drawing, sealed and signed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the Province of Ontario. The documentation required for PSR exemption must:
• specify design standards used;
• indicate the requirements for safe use;
• outline the allowable loading conditions;
• detail rack layout, elevations and configuration;
• connection and anchoring details;
• installation details;
• includes seal the signature of a Professional Engineer.
Details of the Guideline by the MOL is available at http://www.gov.on.ca/LAB/ohs
