Indoff Canada

  • Canadian Supplier of Pallet Racking, Industrial Storage & Material Handling Equipment
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Ontario Reg 851 · Rack Certification

Pre-Start Health and Safety Reviews (PSR)

In Ontario, new or substantially modified storage racking must pass a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review — performed by a licensed Professional Engineer — before it goes into service. Indoff Canada helps warehouses and distribution centres across the GTA stay compliant with engineer-sealed PSR reports for pallet racking and industrial storage systems.

Request a PSR Quote Call 905-730-9212
  • O. Reg. 851, Section 7
  • CSA A344-aligned
  • Engineer-sealed reports
  • Order to Comply help
Overview

What a PSR is — and why Ontario requires one

A Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PSR) is an Ontario Ministry of Labour requirement. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Section 7 of Ontario Regulation 851 for Industrial Establishments, the owner, lessee or employer must have a PSR completed by a Professional Engineer before new or substantially modified storage equipment is put into service.

The review confirms that a racking system is structurally sound, correctly installed and rated for the loads it will carry. The result is a stamped, documented report you can hand directly to a Ministry of Labour inspector — your proof that the system meets provincial health and safety standards.

Received an “Order to Comply”? A PSR is typically what resolves it. Send us your details and we’ll move quickly to get your system reviewed and documented.
Get a PSR quote →
When it’s required

Do you legally need a PSR?

You need a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review whenever a storage system is new or has been changed. Any existing review is voided once the system is altered. A PSR is required when you:

  • Install new racking
  • Reassemble used or relocated racking
  • Change beam heights or rack configuration
  • Add to or extend an existing system
  • Repair or replace uprights, frames or structural components
  • Make any change that affects load capacity

In short: if the structure was built, moved, modified or repaired, it needs a fresh PSR before it goes back into service.

Scope

What the review covers

Reviews follow CSA A344 — Canada’s national standard for the design, use and inspection of steel storage racking — and result in an engineer-sealed report.

On-site assessment

Every aisle, upright, beam connection, base plate, anchor and floor condition is inspected. Steel gauges and component dimensions are measured, and load capacities are checked against your actual pallet weights.

Engineering review & calculations

A Professional Engineer reviews the structure and components, confirms the maximum safe capacity of the system, and identifies any deficiencies.

Engineer-sealed report

You receive a fully documented report with maximum capacity ratings, photo documentation of any deficiencies, and recommendations for added protection and proper use — stamped by a P.Eng. This is the document a Ministry of Labour inspector wants to see.

Prioritized action plan

Deficiencies are classified by severity — take out of service now, correct within a set window, or monitor at next inspection — so you know exactly what to address and in what order.

One source

Review, supply and corrections from one partner

Because Indoff Canada also supplies storage systems, we don’t just hand you a list of problems. If the review turns up damaged uprights, missing safety accessories or capacity shortfalls, we can quote the replacement components and corrective work to get your system back to full compliance — one point of contact, start to finish.

Talk to us →
How it works

From request to sealed report

  1. Send specs

    Share an itemized list, a layout drawing and a few photos of your system.

  2. Quote

    We confirm scope and turn around a PSR quote — fast.

  3. On-site review

    A Professional Engineer inspects and measures the system on site.

  4. Sealed report

    You receive the stamped report with capacity ratings and any actions.

Who needs it

Industries we serve

A PSR applies to virtually any facility that stores material on racking — including:

  • 3PL & fulfillment
  • Warehousing & distribution
  • Retail distribution
  • Cold storage
  • Food & beverage
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Automotive (OEM & Tier 1)
  • E-commerce
  • Manufacturing
  • Cannabis
Questions

Pre-Start Health and Safety Review FAQ

Do I legally need a PSR in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario Regulation 851, Section 7 requires a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review before new or substantially modified racking goes into service. This includes new installations, reassembled racking, repaired uprights and beam-height changes.
Who is qualified to perform a PSR?
Only a licensed Professional Engineer working under a firm that holds a Certificate of Authorization from Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) can perform a PSR in an official capacity. The reports we deliver are sealed by a P.Eng.
Do I need a PSR if I buy used racking?
Yes. Used racking that has been taken apart and reassembled is treated as a new installation and requires a PSR before it goes back into service — whether you bought it from us or sourced it elsewhere.
When does my existing PSR become void?
If you alter the system after the original review — adding frame repair kits, changing elevations, relocating, extending or otherwise modifying it — the existing PSR no longer applies and a new one is required.
What is a PSR for pallet racking, exactly?
A Professional Engineer inspects the installed or existing system, confirms all components are correct and properly installed, checks for damage, measures components and steel gauges, and runs the calculations to confirm the system’s maximum safe capacity. The result is an official stamped report with capacity ratings, any deficiencies and recommendations.
How long does it take?
Most warehouse reviews take a few hours on site depending on the size of the system, with the sealed report delivered shortly after the visit.
What happens if deficiencies are found?
Every deficiency is classified by severity and tied to a recommended action. Because Indoff Canada also supplies racking, we can quote replacement components and corrective work to get you compliant faster.
How much does a PSR cost?
Pricing is quoted case by case based on the size and layout of your system. Send an itemized list of what needs to be assessed, a layout drawing and a few photos, and we’ll come back with a quote.

Get your PSR quote

Send us your system specs, a layout and a few photos and we’ll come back with a PSR quote. Already have an Order to Comply? We can help you resolve it.

Request a PSR Quote Call 905-730-9212
Where we serve

Serving the Greater Toronto Area & Ontario

  • Toronto
  • Mississauga
  • Brampton
  • Vaughan
  • Oakville
  • Hamilton
  • Burlington
  • Kitchener
  • Guelph
  • Barrie
  • Ottawa