Does Your Facility Meet New PHSR Requirements?

As of October, 2000, the Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) has required a Pre-start Health and Safety Review (PHSR) on new installations or modifications of an “apparatus, structure, protective element or process”. This broad description may leave you wondering exactly where and when a PHSR is required. You are not alone: many companies have not adopted the practice of performing PHSR's, in part because the requirements are not very well understood. 

However, the Ministry of Labour is sending inspectors to industrial facilities regularly, without notice, to perform inspections to ensure compliance, so understanding your responsibilities as an employer is essential. Here are some key questions to help you make sense of PHSR requirements, and understand what steps must be taken to ensure your facilities meet them:

What is A PHSR?

A Pre-start Health and Safety Review, or PHSR, is an audit that assesses the safety of a process or piece of equipment. The audit must be performed by a professional engineer that is registered in the Province of Ontario.

When is a PHSR Required?

A PHSR must be performed on any new or existing process or piece of equipment which has been moved, installed or modified, and involves any of the following:

• Safeguard devices and interlocks
• Flammable liquids or explosive dusts
• Lifting or hoisting equipment
• Racking or stacking structures
• Production of aluminum or steel, or handling of molten metal

As an Employer, What are Your Responsibilities?

Under the OHSA, Section 7 of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments requires owners or employers to conduct a PHSR prior to start-up of hazardous equipment or processes that have been moved, installed or modified. If the PHSR reveals deficiencies in violation of the OHSA, an action plan must be established by management and the Joint Health and Safety Committee to bring any violations up to standard.

Maintaining documentation demonstrating that a PHSR was conducted, and that all identified issues were properly addressed is vital. This documentation must be maintained and made available to Ministry of Labour Inspectors on request.

What Happens if a PHSR isn't Performed?

Failing to comply with a required PHSR can have very serious consequences including personal fines or imprisonment if a serious injury occurs.  In fact, sections 66(1) and 66(2) of the OHSA states an individual can be fined up to $25,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months and a corporation fined up to $500,000, if convicted under the Act.

Dial One Wolfedale Electric can give you the power to understand the PHSR process and your responsibilities as an employer. For more information on PHSRs and other safety related questions, please contact your Dial One Wolfedale Electric service representative today.

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Dial One Wolfedale Electric is proud to be working with Priva to help our customers complete their power control and sustainable development projects. Contact us today for more information on becoming more energy efficient by taking advantage of Priva technology and design in your current building, or for pre-build advice!