The Ontario Building Code | Construction
3.16.1.3. Construction
(1) All structural components of a shelf and rack storage system, including posts, beams, decks, walkways, connections and their supports such as concrete slabs and foundations, shall be designed in accordance with Part 4.
(2) Except as required by Sentence 3.16.3.2.(2), platform and walkway levels shall be of,
(a) solid construction consisting of steel plate or steel roof decking with a top substrate that forms a serviceable floor area, or
(b) open construction consisting of steel grating or open steel floor planking.
(3) Guards and toe-boards shall be provided in accordance with Articles 3.3.1.17. and 3.3.5.8.
(4) Every platform or walkway level shall be provided with fire extinguishers installed in conformance with the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
In Plain Language
All structural components of a shelf and rack storage system, including posts, beams, decks, and their supports, must be designed in accordance with Part 4's structural requirements, and platform and walkway levels have specific construction standards.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.