Bridge cranes are lifting devices where a hoist can move along the bridge, and the bridge along the runways. Because bridge cranes are lifting devices, they require a Prestart Health and Safety Review (PSR or PSHSR) in the province of Ontario.
Givens Engineering provides PSR services for bridge cranes. A PSR is a Prestart Health and Safety Review which is required by the Ontario Health and Safety Act, Reg 851, Section 7 for “a travelling crane or other lifting device suspended from or supported by a structure”.
What Happens During a Bridge Crane PSR?
The PSR would consist of a site visit to look at the bridge crane and how it is installed, followed up by a report. The report would consist of 3 parts:
Scope of Work
The designated engineer would begin by describing the bridge crane requiring the PSR and delineating what surrounding equipment is not part of the PSR.
Observations and Deficiencies
The engineer would then note their observations and note any deficiencies, which is the bulk of the report. The report would contain written observations, layouts, photographs, etc., and ends with a list of deficiencies, if there are any.
Letter of Compliance
This is what a Ministry of Labour inspector will ask to see as proof that a PSR has been done, and which usually states that the bridge crane is compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Act providing that a number of deficiencies are corrected.
Exemptions for Bridge Crane Prestart Health and Safety Reviews
- Bridge cranes that are mounted to a structure that was originally designed for the crane are exempt from a PSR.
- Moving a bridge crane, without modifying it, are exempt from a PSR.
Our PSR Process
The starting point for a PSR on a bridge crane is to determine if there is a drawing, sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in Ontario, that accurately represents the crane. If no such drawing exists, most engineers will not begin the PSR.
A bridge crane supported by the building in some way, for example by roof trusses, presents a special problem. A PSR must require proof that a structural engineer has assessed the strength of the ceiling. But in practice, such an assessment has not usually been done, or if it has, the documentation has been lost. Also, most industrial buildings are made to support snow and wind loads only, and very little else. An analysis of the strength of the roof must be done, even though it may be costly and may end in a requirement for reinforcing the roof structure.
Maintain Your Health and Safety with a Bridge Crane PSR
Not sure if your crane requires a PSR? Contact Us to get your questions answered or to get a quote for a PSR report.
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