In industrial environments, processes involving flammable substances, combustible dust, or volatile chemicals present a serious risk of ignition or explosion. These hazards can lead to catastrophic injuries, operational downtime, legal liability, and severe financial loss—often due to preventable causes.
HITE Engineering provides expert Pre-Start Health and Safety Reviews (PSRs) specifically tailored for operations where ignition or explosion hazards are present. Whether you’re introducing a new process, modifying an existing system, or relocating operations, our licensed engineers deliver thorough risk assessments to help you comply with Ontario’s safety regulations and avoid preventable incidents.
Combustion or explosion can occur when flammable vapors, gases, or dusts meet an ignition source in a poorly controlled environment. Common sources of ignition include:
Industries at risk include chemical processing, paint and coating operations, metal powder handling, spray booths, fuel storage facilities, and more.
Our PSRs for explosion hazard risk are customized to the unique conditions of each facility. Every review follows a structured process that includes:
We assess the risk areas and classify them based on established systems such as:
Proper zone classification determines which types of equipment and installations are permitted in a given area.
We verify that your facility’s electrical and mechanical components meet applicable safety standards:
Static discharge is one of the most overlooked yet common ignition sources. We check:
Proper ventilation minimizes the buildup of explosive atmospheres. Our engineers evaluate:
HITE Engineering ensures your process is compliant with applicable national and provincial codes, including:
We stay up to date with evolving standards to ensure clients meet both legal and insurance compliance requirements.
To begin your PSR for explosion or ignition risk, we ask for:
Detailed explanation of what the system does, including chemicals used, heating or mixing, flammable material handling, etc.
Floor plans showing equipment arrangement, piping, ventilation, and material flow.
Including motor nameplates, classification labels (CSA/UL/ATEX), panel schedules, and lighting types.
For all flammable, volatile, or reactive substances used in the process.
Duct layouts, fan capacities, airflow measurements (if available).
Having this information at the outset allows us to move quickly and cost-effectively through the review process.
Once our review is complete, your team will receive:
We document all identified hazards, non-compliances, and engineering solutions. Recommendations may include:
A signed and sealed Pre-Start Health and Safety Review letter from a licensed Professional Engineer confirming whether the equipment or process complies—or outlining what must be addressed before operation.
We’re available to help implement solutions, review changes, and re-inspect after modifications. We also assist in discussions with the Ministry of Labour, insurance companies, or certifying bodies, as needed.
Our multi-disciplinary engineering team understands how real-world operations must continue safely and legally. We prioritize practical compliance—without compromising safety or delaying your workflow.
You may require a PSR under Ontario Regulation 851 if your process involves:
If you’re unsure, contact our team—we’ll help you determine if a PSR is mandatory.
Explosion hazards are not only dangerous—they’re often predictable and preventable. A thorough engineering review ensures:
Contact HITE Engineering today to schedule your Explosion Hazard PSR and get expert guidance on keeping your facility—and your people—safe.
