WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A PSR:
A PSR is required to provide a professional review of high risk equipment, structure or process to insure hazards are removed or controlled before workers are exposed and to provide the employer with documented due diligence.
Section 7, Table 1 refers to clause 45 (b) of OHSA and states that when material, articles or things are stored on a structure that is a rack or stacking structure, the structure will require a PSR or equivalent documentation.
EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITY:
The employer is responsible to provide a safe work place and to insure that a professional has provided a PSR or equivalent documentation, showing compliance with the relevant sections of OHSA Section 7.
WHEN IS A PSR REQUIRED:
A PSR is required whenever a new, used or modified piece of equipment, structure or process is constructed, added or installed into the workplace.
In the case of Steel Pallet Racking, if it is new or if the racking is purchased used or has been disassembled and then reassembled or if the rack structure has been modified by changing the level of the beams, it will require a PSR.
WHO CAN CONDUCT A PSR:
A PSR is to be conducted by a Professional Engineer, who has received a Certificate of Authorization from the Professional Engineers Ontario organization (PEO) and has Personal Liability Insurance as required by the Professional Engineering Act.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PSR REPORT:
A PSR includes the preparation of a written report that is made to the owner, lesseor employer and contains details of the measures to be taken to achieve compliance with the racking code requirements and details of the load bearing capacity of the rack structure (beam or skid load limits).
The report must be dated and signed by the engineer and his or her professional seal/stamp must be affixed to the report.
HOW SHOULD RECORDS BE KEPT:
PSR reports shall be kept readily accessible in the workplace together with any supporting documentation and be provided to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative before the apparatus, structure or process is put in use.
WHO MUST HAVE ACCESS TO THE REPORT:
The PSR report and documentation may be reviewed, on request, a Ministry of Labour inspector or by the company’s joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative.
