Canadian OHS Regulations

CSA A344:24 | User guide for steel storage racks

• CSA A344:24 | Codes & Standards | Product | CSA Group (Requires purchase)
  • CSA standards are technical guidelines developed by the CSA Group to ensure safety, quality, and performance across a wide range of industries in Canada. This specific standard for steel storage racks was developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

National Building Code of Canada 2020 (second printing)

• National Building Code of Canada 2020 (second printing)
  • The National Building Code of Canada is a model code that sets out technical requirements for the design and construction of new buildings, as well as the alteration, change of use, and demolition of existing buildings. This also applies to industrial structures such as storage racking. It is not a guideline on building design or construction but rather a minimum acceptable requirement to achieve the objectives of safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection, and environmental protection.The National Building Code of Canada is a key document for ensuring that industrial racking systems are built to the highest safety and efficiency standards, which is crucial for the operation and safety of industrial settings.

Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI)

• Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI)
• Guideline for the Assessment and Repair or Replacement of Damaged Rack-2023
  • The primary U.S. standards body for rack manufacturers. Their ANSI MH16.1 standard is the core engineering document. For inspections, their “Guideline for the Assessment and Repair or Replacement of Damaged Rack” is a key document that outlines assessment procedures.

Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA)

• Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA)
  • The leading UK authority. Their codes of practice are the origin of the Red/Amber/Green “traffic light” system that is now a global best practice.

Fédération Européenne de la Manutention (FEM)

• Fédération Européenne de la Manutention (FEM)
  • The European Materials Handling Federation. Their standard, EN 15635, is the key European document for the operation and maintenance of racking. It also uses the “traffic light” system and provides specific, millimetre-based damage limits that align almost perfectly with the RMI rules.

Damotech

• Damotech
  • This is a company specializing in rack repair. Their public guides are excellent, practical examples of how these standards are applied. They are well-known for their simple “1-2-3 Rule” (1/8″, 2/8″, 3/8″), which is based on the RMI and FEM limits.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)

• CCOHS: Health and Wellness