Pre Start Health and Safety Review (PSR / PHSR / PSHSR)

Racking systems are made to be adjustable, quick to assemble and easy to re-configure. They offer flexibility and can adapt to your needs as they evolve. However, warehouses located in Ontario must have their systems reviewed by a Professional Engineer after a change occurs, and this should be done before the rack is put to use again.

Damotech engineers evaluating data from a PSR Report

What does PSR stand for?

PSR stands for Pre-start Safety Review. It can also be called a PHSR or Pre-start Health and Safety Review. When it comes to racking systems, a PSR review is completed by an engineer and comes with a stamped report that confirms whether a racking system is safe for use. This in-depth examination of the racks is meant to determine if established safety standards are met. A PSR report must contain recommendations on what to do if they are not.

Pallet rack repaired with a Damo Flex - PSR Review

When is a PSR / PHSR review needed?

A PSR is required by law in Ontario (Canada), under Section 7 of Ontario’s Regulation for Industrial Establishments (Ontario Regulation 851), Clause 45 (b).

You must have a PSR or PHSR certification executed on the racks if:

  • You cannot find documentation from the original manufacturer on the load capacity and safe operation of the rack - sealed engineering report or LARC drawings.
  • The rack has undergone modifications (i.e., change in beam elevations)
  • There are damages to elements of the rack.
  • The rack has been repaired, even if it is an engineered rack repair kit.
  • The rack has been modified since the last PSR review.
Damotech PSR engineer inspecting pallet racks

Pre Start Health and Safety Review Ontario Guidelines

A PSR certification is included after a Damotech rack repair kit is installed anywhere in Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

If you have existing documentation on the load capacity of your racks, Damotech can send one of its rack experts to assess potential hazards and then an engineer will issue a stamped PSR report. 

If the load capacity of the system is not determined, one of our engineers can handle the process of calculating the load capacities and issue a PSR.

We also offer Conformity Inspection Services to ensure that your racks comply with local rack design and safety standards.

Damotech PSR Report - Pre Start Health and Safety Review

Pre Start Health and Safety Review Report

As required by legislation in Ontario (Canada), under Section 7 of Ontario’s Regulation for Industrial Establishments (Ontario Regulation 851), Clause 45 (b), Damotech's PSR / PHSR report will contain the following:

  • The design codes, specifications, and parameters used to evaluate the condition of the racks.
  • Outline of all areas of non-compliance with recommendations on what to do if safety standards are not met.
  • The signature of the inspector(s) and collaborator(s), date of the inspection and the PSR report.
  • Engineer's stamp. 

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DAMOTECH PSR SERVICES ADVANTAGES

PSR Certification Expertise

All our reports are stamped by one of Damotech's Professional Engineers.

Safer Warehouse

A safe warehouse is good for everyone; it reduces stress for managers and employee productivity is likely to increase.

Most Trusted

Top performing companies in Ontario trust Damotech and its Toronto-based professionals for the safety of their rack systems.

PSR / PHSR FAQ

If I have a Pre Start Health and safety Review (PSR / PHSR), do I still need to have my racks inspected?
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Yes, although there is no clear regulation on the frequency of inspections. It often depends on the speed at which rack-related issues accumulate in your warehouse. Although not clearly expressed, most governing bodies like Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Ontario Ministry of Labor (MOL) recommend monthly assessments by warehouse personnel and yearly independent inspections by a third party.
Where and why do I need to keep my Pre Start Health and safety Review (PSR / PHSR) reports?
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PSR reports must be kept on hand and made available for review if requested by Ministry of Labour (MOL) inspectors or a warehouse Health and Safety Committee representative before a rack system is put into use. It has to state that a Professional Engineer signed off on the report and concluded that it was safe to use.

What is not included in a Pre Start Health and safety Review (PSR / PHSR)?
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A PSR does not include follow-up to confirm correction of deficiencies or operating guidelines compliance. The ongoing maintenance of the rack is outside of the scope of the PSR.

Who are your inspectors? What type of certifications do they have?
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All inspectors are certified by Damotech. They undergo a rigorous training program at our facility with an experienced instructor and must then spend a set number of hours visiting warehouse facilities with a certified inspector. Our Engineers all have professional degrees.
Where can I get more information on how to apply PSR or PHSR regulations
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The Ontario Ministry of Labor has an entire section of its website dedicated to it:
Guidelines for Pre-Start Health and Safety Reviews: How to Apply Section 7 of the Industrial Establishments Regulation

You can also get more information about Ontario Regulation 851: R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851: INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS

Why is pricing not listed on your website?
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It’s not that we want to skirt around the subject of pricing. We like to know what things cost, too.
Our rack protection and rack repair products are made-to-measure, and we always tailor our inspection and training services to customers’ specific needs. We inspect facilities large and small, and repair damage anywhere in North America. Consequently, our pricing will factor geographic location, volume, freight, and installation costs.
 
To get more information on pricing; request a free quote or call 1-877-990-3266 and let us demonstrate the value of the products and services we provide.

Does Damotech have an office in Toronto ?
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Damotech has a team of dedicated representatives in Ontario, ready to serve you. Contact us to get in touch with one of our experts.
Damotech Rack Safety Expert in Warehouse

PSR / PHSR Experts

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