End-effectors are below-the-hook or end-of-arm lifting devices that consist of a hook, gripper or vacuum cups. Because end-effectors are lifting devices and many of them use two hand control, Prestart Health and Safety Review (PSR or PSHSR) in the province of Ontario.
Trigger Points for PSRs in End Effectors
Lifting and Gripping Hazards
Usually end effectors that hang from cranes or manipulators combine the characteristics of a lifting device and a machine. Probably 80% of end effectors incorporate some kind of gripper, making them very hazardous to the worker using them. With a gripper, both of the operator’s hands have to be kept on the handlebars while the jaws close and this is done with 2 pushbuttons which are routed through an anti-tie-down circuit. This circuit causes the gripper to close only if both buttons are pressed simultaneously, and the feature constitutes a protective element that triggers a PSR.
Load Release Concerns
Releasing a load is a point of contention with PSRs for end effectors. Normally a load cannot be released in mid-air simply by pressing the release button; there are usually devices to detect that the load has been set down, on a skid or a table for example. A PSR will seek to determine how effective the load sensing device is at preventing accidental releases. But many end effectors today still have no load-sensing devices and huge loads are allowed to drop if the worker accidentally presses the release button.
Load Sensing: Staying Compliant with End Effector PSRs
At Givens Engineering, we take the stand that all end effectors must have some kind of load-sensing to prevent accidental releases. In fact, we have patented a pneumatic load sense device, the LSDA, that may be the most sensitive on the market.
The starting point for a PSR on an end effector is to determine if there is a drawing, sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in Ontario, that accurately represents the end effector. If no such drawing exists, most engineers will not begin the PSR.
Reporting and Evaluation in End Effector PSRs
The PSR would consist of a site visit to look at the end-effector 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 end-effector 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.
Ensure Compliance and Safety with Givens Engineering PSR Services
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