PRE-START HEALTH AND SAFETY REVIEWS (PHSRs)

Sonad Corporation assists customers to enhance their work environment safety by providing Pre-start Health and Safety Reviews (PHSRs), equipment commissioning, structural and mechanical inspections as well as annual inspections of automotive, street cars, subway and train car hoists typical to transit companies, city garages, construction and auto repair companies.

 

Through this process we help our customers:

• Understand the PHSR and/or equipment commissioning process;

• Identify the need to complete a PHSR or commissioning;

• Explain the benefits of the PHSR process;

• Explain how a PHSR can be obtained.

 

Sonad Corporation is also providing PHSRs to customers in manufacturing environments for newly installed, modified or relocated equipment and machinery as well as custom material handling equipment, overhead cranes, jib cranes and assembly
line custom lifting equipment.

 

What is a PHSR?

A PHSR is an engineering safety assessment completed by a professional engineer. PHSR’s are required under the applicable provisions of the Industrial Regulations with the addition, modification or relocation of manufacturing equipment.
The objective of a PHSR is to provide an in-depth examination of an apparatus, structure or process to identify any potential instances of non-compliance with the applicable provisions of the Industrial Establishments Regulation. A PHSR serves the purpose of ensuring that any hazards are removed or controlled before the item under review is used. A health and safety assessment can be conducted prior to first use or in support of an effort to bring used/modified equipment up to present day standards.

The health and safety assessment report details the measures (steps, actions or engineering controls) necessary to bring the construction, addition, installation or modification into compliance with applicable provision of the Industrial Regulation as
listed in the Table at Section 7 of the Industrial Regulation.

Per section 7(14) of Ontario Regulation 851 of OH&S Act, a copy of this report must be readily accessible in the workplace and a copy given to the Joint Health and Safety Committee. Additionally, the OH&S Act requires the employer to implement all of the
measures required for safety compliance prior to putting the machine into production. While Professional Engineers who undertake PHSR’s are responsible for identifying and addressing issues of compliance with the applicable sections of the Industrial Regulation, they (the Professional Engineers) do not bear responsibility for implementing the report recommendations. The employer remains responsible for ensuring that all requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations are complied with in the workplace. Even where a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review is not required or an exemption from the requirements of Section 7 of the Industrial Regulation applies, the employer must ensure that workers are protected before operating any apparatus, structure, protective element or process in the workplace. A PHSR does not include follow-up to confirm correction of deficiencies or operating compliance with the sections of Regulation 851. Although it may be part of the scope of work requested by the owner/lessee/employer, it is not part of the PHSR.

A revised PHSR (or Limited-Scope PHSR) is needed when any changes, electrical or mechanical, are made to an equipment post production. This is a review of only the changes and is amended to the original, full-scope PHSR.
 

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What does a PHSR consist of?

 

1.  Data Collection
Collection of documentation and information relevant to the equipment/process under review. (e.g. Specifications, operation manuals, schematics, health and safety risk assessments, etc.)

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2. Review of Information

Assessment of the collected data in preparation for evaluation. Identification of any instances of non-compliance with referenced standards.
 
3) Site Visit
On-site inspection of the apparatus or process (if required) to confirm and identify all instances of non-compliance if any exist.
 
4) Evaluation & Report
Development of a Report of Findings outlining any items of non-compliance discovered and recommendations for remediation. The report is signed and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer who has a Certificate of Authorization issued by the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario.

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When is a PHSR Required?

In October’ 2000 Ontario made having a Pre-start Health and Safety Review mandatory for any equipment in a factory prior to production that satisfies one of the following situations:
 

1. When a building, room or area is used to store or dispense flammable liquids;
2. When the following protective elements are used in connection with an apparatus:

• light curtains and screens;

• area scanning systems;

• radio frequency systems and capacitance systems;

• safety mat systems;

• two hand controls;

• barrier guards using interlocked electrical or mechanical safeguards;

3. When racking or stacking structures are used to store material;
4. Where processes that involve a risk of ignition or explosion are installed or modified;
5. When a dust collector is used that involves a risk of ignition or explosion;
6. When a factory produces aluminum or steel, or a factory that is a foundry;
7. When a lifting device, traveling crane or automobile hoist is installed or modified;
8. When a process uses or produces a substance (i.e. chemical) that may result in the overexposure of a worker to limits prescribed by Ontario regulations.

 

Why choose Sonad Corporation to provide your PHSR
 

1. Our reports identify specific issues and specific measures to achieve compliance. Competitors often provide generic reports that only detail the legislation without giving specific, practical solutions to the problems.
2. Our reports are rich with illustrations and pictures to enhance comprehension.
3. Our engineers have performed industrial safety reviews since 2008.
4. Our resources allow us to respond quickly and our reports are delivered on a timely manner.
5. Our engineers are highly experienced in machinery and lifting equipment allowing them to quickly understand the issues and cite multiple options that are practiced in the client’s specific industry.
6. Our reviews are carried out by the professional engineer from start to finish.
7. Automotive hoists repairs and annual inspections are performed by Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) certified inspectors.
8. Our rates are very competitive and below the Professional Engineers of Ontario guideline for consulting fees.
9. Our proposals are delivered quickly.

10. We take the time to educate our clients on the requirements of a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review. Where applicable, we are able to demonstrate that a review is not necessary under the legislation.
11. In a nutshell, Sonad delivers an outstandingly high quality product and service priced very competitively.