Machine Safety

Machine Safeguarding...a commitment your company should make?
What is the motivation for making a commitment to safeguard the machines that are used for the production of the parts and components that your company manufactures? We at Can-Technologies believe that the primary and most important motivation for machine safeguarding is to protect the sanctity of human life. Every company should realize that their human resources are their most valuable assets. The protection of your employees is not based on the fact that there are regulatory standards that must be met, but rather the higher standard of the ethical obligation to insure that all of your staff leave work in the same physical condition as when they arrived. The value of seeing that every employee has the opportunity to work in a safe environment far exceeds the economic consequences that are associated with work related injuries.

Pre-Start Health and Safety Reviews
On Oct. 7, 2000, the Ontario government amended the Regulations for Industrial Establishments of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to require Pre-Start Health and Safety Reviews (PSR or PHSR). Before workers can operate machinery, equipment or processes in complex and hazardous situations, an employer must first have a written report prepared, stating what measures need to be taken in order to ensure safety. A professional engineer licensed in the Province of Ontario must conduct the Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (in situations involving toxic substances with Occupational Exposure Limits, an appropriately qualified expert may also conduct the review). Employers, owners or lessees must submit the report to the Joint Health and Safety Committee before first use of the hazardous equipment or process.

The Components of a Diligent PHSR
A complete PHSR reflects a diligent effort to provide a safe working environment. When a PSR is performed the performer:

Step 1 - Examines

> Drawings, P&ID's, Elementaries
> MSDS's, WHMIS requirements
> Equipment Manuals
> Operating, Training, Emergency and Lockout Procedures
> Site Installation

Step 2 - Identifies Hazards

> Review Codes and Standards as they relate to the specific PHSR. Some of these Codes and    Standards may apply to the equipment, Plumbing, Building, and Fire Code, as well as OSHA.
> Establish Risk Category for each hazard.
> Review Electrical Safety circuitry for redundancy and conformance to the required risk category.
> Review safety interlocking components, emergency-stop push buttons and other safety devices.
> Generate a Deficiency List including Risk Analysis
> Review the installation and work with the client to resolve problem areas.
> Sign off the deficiency list as corrections are made.

Step 3 - Issue the Letter of Compliance to the Client

If there was an injury in the facility, The Ministry of Labour will ask about the PHSR. You must have a documentation package that demonstrates due diligence in the generation of the PHSR.

This Documentation should consist of:

> The Scope
> The Letter of Compliance
> Risk Analysis
> A Signed-Off Deficiency List
> A List of References (Procedures, Codes, Equipment Manuals etc.) used in performing the PHSR.

CSA Z432-04 - Safeguarding of machinery
Scope
CSA Z432-04 Standard applies to the protection of persons from the hazards arising from the use of mobile or stationary machinery. It provides the criteria to be observed and the description, selection, and application of guards and safety devices. Where a current CSA Standard exists for a specific type of machinery (e.g., CAN/CSA-B167, CAN/CSA-B354.2, CAN/CSA-M424.1, Z142, Z248, and CAN/CSA-Z434), it is to be used in conjunction with this Standard to provide the most effective protection to the particular situation.

Exclusions
CSA Z432-04 Standard does not apply to portable hand tools.

Purpose
CSA Z432-04 Standard is intended for those who design, build, modify, install, use, operate, or maintain machinery, machinery guarding, or safety devices. Those concerned with information, instruction, and training in safe working practices also use this standard.

Interaction with other standards
Machinery safeguarding is not performed in isolation from other protective measures. Typically, industrial machinery is installed in workplaces where other associated activities take place (e.g., movement of materials, cables, pipes, and hoses supplying power, gases, and liquids, and workers on foot and operating vehicles). Other machinery and work environment standards applicable to any place where this Standard is being implemented should therefore be reviewed.

What we offer:
Can-Technologies offers the turnkey machine safeguarding solutions to its customers. This includes the following:
> Preparing PHSR: We work with an independent company that prepares PHSR. This is to the benefit    of our customers because the individual that reviews the machines is not the one that corrects the    deficiencies.
> Safety circuits design, installation and commissioning: Can-Technologies has the right resources to    design, install and commission the safety solutions. We employ the latest equipment, devices and    technology in our design.
> Validation and sign off: Once the safety system is installed and validated, the company that has    prepared the PHSR will sign off the legal documents.

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