Industrial Racking – Ask The Expert

After a recent racking-related fatality in Texas and multiple storage rack violations in two British Columbia Walmart stores, brushing up on your industrial racking knowledge is more important now than ever.  

Each jurisdiction has unique racking compliance requirements, from load capacity to job designation. The below question-and-answer covers Saskatchewan’s specific industrial racking requirements. 

QUESTION 

In Saskatchewan, does industrial racking require load capacity weight on the shelving? 

ANSWER 

Employers, contractors, and managers must ensure that pallets are maintained in a manner that allows for safe lifting of the pallets and their loads by a forklift or other device, and that the racks used for storage of materials or equipment are designed to support any load placed on the racks and erected on a firm foundation.  

EXPLANATION

(130) An employer, contractor, owner or supplier shall ensure that: 

(a) pallets are maintained in a manner that will permit safe lifting of the pallets and the pallets’ loads by a forklift truck or other device; and
(b) racks for the storage of materials or equipment are: 

(i) designed, constructed and maintained to support any load placed on the racks; and
(ii) erected on a firm foundation. 

8ft = 4,000 lbs. 

9ft = 3,000 lbs. 

10ft = 2,700 lbs. 

12ft= 2,500lbs. 

14ft= 2,300lbs. 

You can find out more information here. 

There is nothing regarding specific Saskatchewan legislation that addresses maintaining or designing supports for loads places on racks or what you must have in place to ensure weight capacities are accessible. It is best to go by manufacturer suggestions and call the manufacturer for more information to ensure best safety practices!