Pre-Start Health and Safety Review for Lifting Devices and Material Handling Equipment

Lifting Device Inspection Services

Lifting and hoisting equipment is vital to industrial, manufacturing, warehousing, and construction operations in Ontario. From overhead cranes and jib hoists to gantries and winches, these systems must comply with strict safety regulations — particularly OHSA Regulation 851 and CSA B167.

A Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PSR) is legally required for new or significantly modified lifting devices prior to use. HITE Engineering offers professional, engineer-stamped PSRs across Ontario to help you achieve compliance and ensure worker safety.

Risks in Lifting and Hoisting Operations

Poorly installed or inadequately maintained lifting systems pose serious risks:

  • Dropped loads due to mechanical failure or overload
  • Structural collapse from unsupported or improperly anchored systems
  • Malfunctioning safety systems, such as limit switches or brakes
  • Entrapment or struck-by injuries due to missing guards or improper layout
  • Unclear or obstructed operator paths, lack of E-stop, or poor signage

These hazards are commonly found in:

  • Manufacturing facilities
  • Warehouses and distribution centers
  • Construction sites
  • Maintenance and service garages
  • Ports, terminals, and heavy industrial environments

A PSR helps eliminate these risks before the equipment is used, protecting workers and ensuring legal compliance.

Our PSR Engineering Scope

HITE Engineering’s licensed professional engineers perform detailed technical evaluations for both new and existing lifting systems. Our reviews include:

  • Load rating verification (based on equipment capacity and intended use)
  • Support structure assessment (anchors, columns, mounting beams)
  • Inspection of limit switches, brake systems, and E-stops
  • Guarding of moving/rotating components (per CSA Z432)
  • Control panel review (lockout/tagout, emergency shutdowns)
  • Verification of operator access and egress
  • Check for physical obstructions, overhead clearance, signage, and training requirements

We not only check for code compliance but also flag practical safety gaps that could impact future operations, audits, or insurance liability.

Standards and Codes Followed

Our PSR process strictly follows the following Canadian and Ontario safety regulations:

  • CSA B167 – Overhead Traveling Cranes, Gantries, Monorails, Hoists & Trolleys
  • CSA Z432 – Safeguarding of Machinery
  • OHSA Regulation 851 – Industrial Establishments – Section 7 (PSR)
  • Professional Engineers Act – Legal duty of care in Ontario
  • Manufacturer specifications – Installation, ratings, and certifications

Our team stays current with updates to all relevant standards and provides code-based justifications in every report.

What You Need to Provide

To conduct a compliant and efficient PSR, we ask clients to submit the following documentation:

  • Load data (rated capacity, type of materials handled)
  • Structural drawings (for supports, anchors, or crane rails)
  • Hoist/crane manuals and prior certifications
  • Control system schematics (if available)
  • Photos of the equipment and installation site
  • Existing inspection reports or engineering assessments (if applicable)

Don’t have everything ready? No problem — our team will help gather or recreate any missing documentation during the site walk-through.

What You’ll Receive

Upon completion of the review, we provide the following deliverables:

  • Engineer-Sealed PSR Report – Signed by a licensed professional engineer in Ontario
  • Risk Identification and Recommendations – If any safety gaps or non-compliances are found
  • Summary of Codes and Standards Used – Including clause references for inspectors
  • Ongoing Support – We assist with corrective actions, retrofits, and re-inspections as needed
  • Clear, Actionable Documentation – Designed to satisfy inspectors, safety managers, and internal stakeholders

Our goal is to help you achieve compliance with confidence, not just submit a report.

Additional Engineering Services for Lifting Equipment

Beyond PSRs, HITE Engineering offers broader support for lifting systems, including:

  • Periodic structural inspections and engineering verification
  • Fitment checks during equipment relocation or upgrades
  • Support structure assessments during facility expansion
  • Post-incident evaluations or insurance claims documentation
  • Retrofit design and corrective action planning

These proactive services help you maintain system integrity and reduce long-term liability.

Industries We Support

Our lifting device PSR and engineering services are trusted across a wide range of sectors:

  • Manufacturing and fabrication
  • Construction and development
  • Maintenance shops and service centers
  • Logistics, warehousing, and distribution
  • Ports, mining, and heavy industrial
  • Food and beverage processing
  • Pharmaceuticals and cleanroom environments
  • Municipal, infrastructure, and utilities
  • Automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding

Frequently Asked Questions

A PSR is required for any new or significantly modified lifting device, unless a certified exemption exists. Relocated or reconfigured equipment usually requires a new review.

Most PSRs are completed within 5–10 business days, depending on site readiness and documentation quality.

Yes. We frequently assess existing systems, especially if previous documentation is missing or questionable.

Our engineers will outline necessary corrections and, if required, can assist with retrofit designs or re-inspection.

Why Choose HITE Engineering?

  • Experienced Professionals – Over 20 years of PSR expertise across Ontario
  • Multidisciplinary Team Structural, mechanical, and safety engineers in-house
  • CSA and OHSA Compliance – All reviews based on current legal and engineering standards
  • Responsive Turnaround – Timely reports for tight construction or commissioning deadlines
  • Clear Documentation – Reports crafted to satisfy both field and legal requirements
  • Client-Focused – Ongoing support during and after the review

Book Your PSR for Lifting Devices Today

Avoid costly delays, non-compliance penalties, or safety risks. Whether you're installing a new crane or reviewing an existing hoist system, HITE Engineering is Ontario’s trusted partner for crane system compliance, hoist safety reviews, and CSA B167 PSRs.

Call us at +1 (289) 633-1535 Or contact us online to request your quote today.

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