Machine Guarding PSR in Ontario: P.Eng. Certified Safety Compliance for New and Modified Machinery
HITE Engineering is a licensed Ontario engineering firm (PEO Certificate of Authorization) with over 30 years of experience in machine safeguarding compliance. Our Ontario-licensed Professional Engineers provide complete PSRs for machine guarding under Section 7 of Ontario Regulation 851 – Industrial Establishments. We review and certify machine safeguards including fixed guards, interlocks, light curtains, scanners, fencing, and two-hand control systems used in industrial workplaces across all of Ontario.
Machine Guarding PSR in Ontario: P.Eng. Certification for New and Modified Machinery
Whenever machinery is installed or modified in a factory or industrial workplace, Ontario law requires that workers are protected from exposure to hazards such as pinch points, rotating parts, in-running nip hazards, ejected materials, and other risks. In many cases, this triggers the requirement for a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PSR) before the machine can operate.
Machine guarding is one of the most common PSR triggers because safeguarding systems must be designed and verified to Ontario safety standards before workers are exposed to hazards.
When Is a PSR Required for Machine Guarding?
A PSR is required when:
- New machinery is installed in a factory
- Existing machinery is modified, relocated, or upgraded
- Safeguarding devices are newly installed or altered
- Safety controls are changed (interlocks, light curtains, emergency stops, etc.)
These scenarios fall under Table Item 2 of Section 7 of O. Reg. 851.
Standards Applied in Machine Guarding PSRs
HITE Engineering reviews safeguarding compliance against applicable standards, including:
- CSA Z432 – Safeguarding of Machinery
- CSA Z434 – Industrial Robots and Robot Systems (where automation is involved)
- ISO 13849 / IEC 62061 for safety control system performance levels
We ensure guarding design meets safe distance requirements, reliability levels, safety control integration, access needs, and production considerations.
What’s Included in a Machine Guarding PSR?
Your PSR will include:
- Hazard identification and risk evaluation
- Safe distance measurements and compliance calculations
- Verification of interlock function and reliability
- Documentation of any non-compliance
- Required corrective actions before operation
- Ontario P.Eng.-sealed certification report
Learn more about our PSR expertise:
👉 HITE Engineering – PSR Services
Why Choose HITE Engineering?
- 30+ years of machine safety expertise
- Ontario P.Eng. sealing all PSR reports
- Independent and unbiased compliance verification
- Fast turnaround to avoid startup delays
- We work with integrators, automation teams & manufacturers
- Complete coverage across Ontario
FAQ: Machine Guarding PSR Requirements in Ontario
Who can approve a machine guarding PSR?
A PSR can only be completed and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Ontario.
Can I operate the machine before the PSR?
No — workers must be protected before exposure. The PSR must be complete before commissioning.
What if guarding is found non-compliant?
Corrections must be made and verified before the machine can operate. We help confirm compliance after fixes.
Do robot cells require a PSR?
Yes — most robot systems require a PSR due to automation hazards and safeguarding complexity.
Need a PSR for Machine Guarding in Ontario?
HITE Engineering delivers fast, compliant, P.Eng.-certified PSRs for machinery safeguarding anywhere in Ontario.
Contact us today to review your machinery and stay compliant before startup.
