Preface 

This is the second edition of CSA A344, User guide for steel storage racks. It replaces the previous edition published in 2017 and CSA A344.1 published under the same title in 2005. This Guide has been designed as a stand-alone document, following the withdrawal of CSA A344.2 in 2016 and its subsequent incorporation into CSA S16, Annex N. CSA S16, Annex N has been replaced by CSA S345. No technical changes have been made to the content originating from CSA S16, Annex N. This Guide, used in conjunction with CSA B335, establishes the requirements for a safe environment where steel storage racks and lift trucks are the primary equipment of the workplace. The typical workplaces affected by these documents are warehouses and distribution centres. Changes to this edition include a) addition of titles to each clause for clarity; b) replacement of references to CSA S16, Annex N with CSA S345; c) addition of references to CSA S345, Clause 8.6.1, for information related to the design and construction of steel storage racks; d) addition of automated storage and retrieval systems to the Scope and special applications clause (see Clauses 1.1 and 4.2.3); e) expansion of the clause on special considerations when specifying pallet rack requirements and purchasing pallet racks (see Clause 5.2.6); f) an update to the clause on documentation for component capacities (see Clause 5.5.7); and g) an update to figures with clearer and more accurate images that depict current standards. This Guide was developed by CSA Group with funding support provided by the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Law — Occupational Safety and Health (CAALL-OSH), including provincial and territorial governments, as well as the Government of Canada. CSA Group is solely responsible for the content of this Standard, and CSA Group and the funding bodies disclaim any liability in connection with the use of the information contained herein. This Guide was prepared by the Subcommittee on Use of Steel Storage Racks, under the jurisdiction of the Technical Committee on Industrial Lift Trucks and the Strategic Steering Committee on Occupational Health and Safety, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. This Guide has been 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. 

Scope 

1.1 General 

This Guide applies primarily to selective pallet racks, although the principles set out in this Guide may be used when purchasing and using other types of racks, such as double-deep, push-back, drive-in and drive-through racks, cantilever racks, portable racks, rack-supported buildings, and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS). 

1.2 Applications 

This Guide is limited to pallet racks made of steel that are typically constructed from cold-formed members and/or hot rolled structural sections. 

1.3 Use 

This Guide is intended for persons who create specifications for, purchase, and use steel storage racks. In referencing this Guide, the users of steel storage racks will become aware of the considerations required to ensure that their rack installation meets the conditions of the work environment and user expectations. 

1.4 Exclusions 

This Guide does not apply to shelving. 

1.5 Terminology 

This Guide is written in non-mandatory language. In this Guide, "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required, and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Guide.