Givens Engineering is a trusted Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PSR) service provider for lifting devices, safeguarded machinery and racks. Here are some of the frequently asked questions we receive about PSRs.
What is a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review?
A Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PSR) is an engineering study on a device or process to assess its safety. It applies only in Ontario, Canada and is required by the Ontario Health and Safety Act, Reg 851, Section 7. This law came into effect in October 2000 and was revised in 2022.
A PSR must be completed by an engineer, except in Circumstance 8. It is also important to note that a PSR is applicable only to factories.
What Initiates the Need for a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review?
The following industrial processes require a PSR:
- Flammable liquids are stored or dispensed
- Protective elements signal a machine to stop
- Material is stored on a rack or stacking structure
- A process involves a risk of ignition or explosion
- A dust collector involves a risk of ignition or explosion
- A factory or foundry produces or handles molten metals
- A travelling crane or lifting device supported by a structure
- A process uses or produces a hazardous biological or chemical agent
My crane does not have a sealed drawing, what do I do?
In order to complete the PSR, you must have a sealed drawing of your lifting equipment. The first place to start is to contact the OEM or supplier of your equipment to get a copy from them. If you cannot obtain a new copy of the sealed drawing, or a sealed drawing was never made in the first place, an engineering analysis must be done on the lifting equipment so a sealed drawing can be created. Givens Engineering offers Professional Mechanical Engineering services to help solve these types of situations.
I want to modify my machine; do I need to do another PSR?
Modifying equipment is a common need for manufacturers to improve production quality, cycle times, and safety, or to accommodate new product lines. If safeguarding devices are being changed, removed, or added, it is a good idea to get a new PSR. The PSR originally provided is only valid for how the machine was programmed and configured at that time. Unsure of what to do? Contact us to discuss your situation.
I want to modify my crane; do I need to do another PSR?
Modifying a crane or its support structure will require a new PSR to be performed. The PSR originally provided is only valid for how the lifting device was configured at that time. Unsure of what to do? Contact us to discuss your situation.
I want to move my crane; do I need to do another PSR?
Moving a crane does not require a new PSR unless the structure supporting the crane is different or is being modified. The PSR originally provided is only valid for how the lifting device was configured at that time. You can also obtain a PSR exemption letter, which is sealed by a P.Eng Licensed in Ontario, to ensure the equipment meets the OHSA requirements for PSR documentation. Unsure of what to do? Contact us to discuss your situation.
My machine has an e-stop button, does that require a PSR?
While “protective elements that signal a machine to stop” do require a PSR, most professionals agree that an e stop button does not fall into this category. Contact us to discuss your situation. We also offer PSR exemption letters.
What is a PSR exemption letter?
A PSR exemption letter is a sealed document from a P.Eng licensed in Ontario that exempts your machine, rack, process or lifting device from requiring a PSR. Ontario Health and Safety Act, Reg 851, Section 7 table lists exemptions to the categories of PSR requirements. An exemption letter sealed by a P.Eng helps to show workers, management, and the MOL that you have done the due diligence of ensuring your equipment is in compliance with the OHSA.
Can I write a PSR for my own equipment?
Yes, you can perform a PSR on your own equipment as long as a Professional Engineer Licensed in Ontario seals the PSR report. If you are an Ontario Licensed P.Eng you can seal a PSR report for your own equipment. Another consideration to keep in mind is if the insurance underwriter for your company has coverage for this work to be performed by employees.