Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PSHSR/PHSR) in Ontario
Certified Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PHSR Ontario) Services by S.A.F.E. Engineering Inc. – Ensure Full Compliance with O. Reg. 851 Before Startup
S.A.F.E. Engineering Inc. provides engineer-certified Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PHSR) services across Ontario to help industrial employers comply with Section 7 of Ontario Regulation 851 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
Our PHSR Ontario assessments help prevent regulatory fines, stop-work orders, and workplace incidents before operations begin.
Unlike general safety consultants, our licensed Professional Engineers (P.Eng.) conduct legally compliant PSR Ontario reviews tailored to manufacturing, food processing, automotive, chemical, and industrial facilities.
What is a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PSR/PHSR)?
A Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PHSR)—also referred to as a PSHSR, pre-startup safety review, or pre-start up safety review—is a legal requirement under Ontario’s Regulation 851 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). This pre-start health and safety process involves an assessment by a licensed Professional Engineer before operating:
- New or modified machinery
- Flammable material storage & dispensing systems
- Lifting devices & racking systems
- Combustible dust collection systems
- Potentially explosive processes
Failure to comply with PSR/PHSR requirements can result in regulatory fines, legal consequences, and workplace hazards.
Ontario PSR/PHSR Regulatory Requirements – What Does the Law Say?
Under Section 7 of Ontario’s Industrial Establishments Regulation (O. Reg 851), businesses must have a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review conducted by a Professional Engineer. The review ensures that:
- Machinery, equipment, and structures meet safety standards
- Workplace hazards are identified and mitigated
- Employers are fully compliant with Ontario safety laws
Our certified safety consultants provide detailed reports with actionable recommendations, ensuring your facility meets all legal and safety obligations.
PSR/PHSR/PSHSR- Ontario-Storage and Dispensing of Flammable Liquids
- Machinery, equipment, and structures meet safety standards
- Workplace hazards are identified and mitigated
- Employers are fully compliant with Ontario safety laws
When is a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PSR/PHSR) Required?
A PHSR or PSHSR is required in various high-risk situations, including:
Storage & Dispensing of Flammable Liquids (Ontario PSR Required)
- If flammable liquids or gases are stored or dispensed within a building, room, or designated area, a PSR/PHSR assessment is mandatory.
Machine Guarding & Safeguarding Devices
Pre-start safety review is required when installing or modifying machine guarding systems, such as:
- Safety light curtains & screens
- Interlocking barrier guards
- Capacitance & radio frequency safety systems
- Safety mat and beam sensor systems
Racks & Industrial Storage Systems
If materials are stored on a racking system or stacking structure, a PSR/PHSR review is required for:
- Industrial pallet racks
- Movable shelving systems
- Stacker racks & drive-in racking
- Cantilever racks
Unstable or improperly installed racks pose a serious safety risk. Ensure compliance with an expert PSR/PHSR.
Potentially Explosive Processes & Hazardous Materials
A PSR/PHSR is mandatory for any industrial process involving:
- Flammable gases or vapors
- Combustible dust particles (wood dust, metal dust, flour, chocolate powder, etc.)
- Processes that may cause ignition or explosion risks
Even minor errors in handling hazardous materials can result in workplace disasters. Our safety experts will ensure your facility is fully compliant.
Dust Collectors & Combustible Dust Systems
Facilities handling combustible dust—such as metal, flour, or wood dust—must complete a pre-startup safety review to prevent fire and explosion risks:
- Fire hazards
- Explosions
- Employee health risks
Molten Metal & Foundries (PSR Ontario Regulations)
- If your facility produces, melts, or handles molten metals, a PSR/PHSR is required to mitigate burn and explosion risks.
Lifting Devices, Hoists & Overhead Cranes
If you are installing, modifying, or adding a lifting device, such as:
- Overhead traveling cranes
- Automobile hoists
- Industrial lifting platforms
These installations must undergo a PSR/PHSR to ensure operator safety and compliance.
Our PHSR Ontario Process
- Trigger Evaluation – Determine if Section 7 applies
- Engineering Design Review
- Hazard & Compliance Assessment
- Gap Identification & Recommendations
- Signed and Sealed PHSR Ontario Report
What You Get With a SAFE Engineering Inc. Pre-Start Safety Review?
- Detailed Compliance Reports – Comprehensive, engineer-certified PSR/PHSR reports with clear recommendations.
- Risk Assessment & Hazard Mitigation – Identify high-risk areas and implement corrective measures.
- Fast Turnaround Times – Avoid costly downtime and ensure regulatory compliance quickly.
- Ontario Safety Expertise – Over 20 years of experience in Ontario industrial safety regulations.
- Cost-Effective Safety Solutions – Prevent fines, legal action, and workplace accidents with proactive compliance.
Don’t wait until an accident happens—protect your business with a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review today!
Why Choose SAFE Engineering Inc. for PSR/PHSR in Ontario?
- Certified Safety Consultants & Engineers
- Industry-Leading Expertise in Safety Compliance
- Tailored PSR/PHSR Assessments for Your Business
- Guaranteed Compliance with Ontario Safety Laws
- Proven Track Record with Manufacturing, Chemical, & Industrial Facilities
- Your business cannot afford non-compliance. Partner with Ontario’s most trusted safety engineering experts.
