All Your Safety Queries Addressed!

Engineering Consulting Ontario

  • A new machine has an Emergency Stop. Does that mean a PSR is required?
  • Is an Emergency Stop a safety device?
  • Does a Professional Engineer have to “sign off” on a machine that requires a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PSR)?
  • Are all identified safety concerns of equal merit?
  • What exactly is a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review?
  • Can you explain Hazardous Area Classifications?
  • What encompasses Occupational Health & Safety Consulting?
  • How does Telecommunications Engineering benefit my business?
  • Where can I find more resources for health and safety in Ontario?

No! An Emergency Stop is not one of the items in the PSR Table, regulation 851 Section 7. For a machine to require a PSR it must meet the requirements 1-8 of the Section 7 Table

Yes and No.

Yes!

It is a safety device in the fact that it does stop the machine.

No

As it may not stop the machine in time to prevent a personal injury.

It depends on the definition of “Sign off”

A report does need to be completed by a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) and sealed, however it is up to the customer to complete the deficient items identified in the report.

Having a Professional Engineer complete the PSR is the first step. If there are no items identified no further action by the customer is required.

The engineer is not responsible for the end user implementing any changes as identified in the PSR.

Some clients ask to have a “Clean Report”. This would mean that the engineer would work with the client till all deficient items have been addressed. The report would then indicate that the machine meets the applicable sections of Regulation 851, and that no further improvements are necessary.

When it comes to the PSR, any item that is directly related to the number generating the PSR (For example 2 is any device that signals the machine to stop) This would be interlocked guards, light curtains, area scanners etc.

E-stops, signage, LOTO would be considered as areas of due diligence. It would be recommended by the P.Eng that these items be considered as part of the safety awareness program and done as a matter of due diligence.

A Pre-Start Health & Safety Review (commonly referred to as PSR or PHSR) is a crucial machine safety compliance assessment for equipment or processes about to be put into operation within a manufacturing environment. In Ontario, it's mandatory under certain conditions and demands the insights of a licensed Professional Engineer from Ontario. It's typically conducted at the final manufacturing site, though an initial review before the actual installation can often lead to smoother adjustments and changes.

Hazardous Area Classifications are systems that categorize locations with a risk of explosion or fire due to flammable gases, vapours, or dust. These classifications help decide the type of equipment and preventive measures that should be used in these areas to ensure safety.

Occupational Health & Safety Consulting involves a comprehensive assessment and guidance on workplace health and safety practices. It aims to ensure the well-being of employees, reduce workplace hazards, and ensure compliance with local and national safety standards.

Telecommunications Engineering revolves around designing and overseeing systems that transmit information over distances through phones, the internet, or other communication tools. By leveraging these services, businesses can ensure reliable communication channels, faster data transmission, and overall streamlined operations, directly impacting efficiency and productivity.

Workplace Safety and Prevention Services - Excellent resources provided by the government of Ontario

Ontario Ministry of Labour - The go-to for any official information from the Ontario government on Health & Safety

Professional Engineers Ontario - A full listing of engineers who, like Tom, are qualified to work for you in the province of Ontario.

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RTR Engineering specializes in Workplace Health and Safety assessments for industrial companies in the Greater Toronto Area, Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Hamilton, Kitchener, Guelph, Stratford, London, Kingston, Ottawa, Sarnia, Windsor, Oshawa, and the surrounding Southern Ontario Area. RTR Engineering ensures compliant and secure operations across a variety of industries.