As an owner or facility manager of a small to mid-size operation, you may be aking yourself if you need a building permit for a storage system in BC. Many approach the subject with some trepidation because building permits can cause major work and headaches for the uninitiated. Despite the stress, your storage system in BC must meet regional building code requirements to ensure the life safety isssues of your employees, so Yes you will need a building permit for your storage system in B.C.
Here are the reasons why: Without proper building permits in place, you risk more staff injuries and equipment damage. And if the system fails, is your business protected? If it’s not up to code, you’re liable for the design and structural integrity of the system.
Worst-case scenario: Not Worth the Risk!
When structural design criteria are weak or nonexistent, the whole storage system is vulnerable. And when a poorly designed system fails, the probability of injury or death is high. It doesn’t take much: if an overloaded pallet rack with the wrong base plates gets unintentionally bumped by a forklift, the whole structure could tumble down. And in an earthquake situation, a poorly designed system is very likely to fail and your employees may not escape with their lives.
What do you need to consider?
With a valid building permit, the design of your storage system in BC is based on the latest criteria for structural integrity and safety.
Consider a typical warehouse mezzanine. There are many things to take into account and safety is always the priority:
• Mezzanine column base plates must be appropriately sized to specific column loads and floor slab capacity.
• Mezzanines that are publicly accessible must meet specific code requirements for stairways, stair extensions, and spacing of guardrails.
• Workers must be able to safely evacuate in case of fire or earthquake. There are many factors involved: the distance a person must travel to get to an exit, emergency lighting, sprinklers, and hose stations.
Without a permit, many of these elements are not addressed and now become the owner’s responsibility (liability). Do you want the liability to fall on your shoulders?
Building permits are more than just required paperwork. Life Safety issues are the main concern and, as a business owner or facility manager, you don’t want to worry about the potential risks.
