sigma-hse-logo
Search
sigma-hse-logo
Search
sigma-hse-logo
sigma-hse-logo-expanded
sigma-hse-logo-expanded

Our Solutions: Consulting

Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR)

Engineer performing a Pre-Startup Safety Review on industrial machinery.

What is Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR)

A Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) is a comprehensive and systematic examination conducted before starting up a new project or restarting an industrial facility after significant shutdown or substantial modification. This review ensures that all safety systems, equipment, and procedures are in place and meet operational standards before production starts. The goal is to identify and address potential risks to workplace safety, and the environment before the unit operation is started up.

Safety professionals perform a thorough evaluation of new equipment, changes in processes, and updated safety measures, providing a comprehensive safety plan to prevent incidents and safeguard operations. The PSSR process plays a key role in high-stakes industries like oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, energy, and pharmaceuticals, where operational risks can have significant consequences.

Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) Regulatory Framework

PSSR requirements are mandated by various regulatory bodies to guarantee that industrial facilities operate safely. These regulations aim to verify that necessary safety measures have been reviewed and confirmed in-place before starting or restarting operations. Some key regulations include:

Compliance with these regulations is necessary for safety, environmental, and legal reasons and helps facilities maintain a safe operating environment.

Objectives of Pre-Startup Safety Review

The purpose of the Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) process is to confirm that:
  • Construction and equipment are in accordance with design specifications
  • Safety, operating, maintenance, and emergency procedures are in place and adequate
  • For new facilities, a Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) has been performed, and recommendations resolved or implemented 
  • Modified facilities meet all requirements
  • Training of each employee involved (including Maintenance) in the process has been completed

Steps to Conduct a Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR)

Conducting a Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) involves a series of well-defined steps to verify everything is in place for a safe and compliant startup.

Below is an overview of the steps involved:

Before the PSSR:

  1. Identify the Review Team: Assemble a team of experts from different areas, including production, maintenance, safety, environmental, and engineering. The team should include individuals familiar with the equipment, processes, and safety systems being reviewed.

  2. Compile Information: Gather all necessary documentation, including process descriptions, flowcharts, chemical safety data, hazard analyses, operating instructions, emergency procedures, and training outlines. This helps confirm that everyone involved knows the system and its associated risks.

  3. Schedule the Review: Set a timeline that allows sufficient time for the review. Scheduling is essential to make sure that the team has enough time to conduct the review thoroughly and perform a field verification.


During the PSSR:

  1. Project Overview: The project manager or their designee provides an overview. This includes details about the design standards, materials involved, the site location, any identified hazards, and the project’s purpose.

  2. Document Review: The team reviews important documents such as operating, emergency, and maintenance procedures. This ensures they are adequate and up to date. Any discrepancies or gaps are flagged for resolution.

  3. Field Verification: A physical inspection of the installation is carried out to verify that all equipment and processes meet design specifications. The team uses checklists to guide their assessment and identify potential issues that may have been overlooked during the construction phase.

  4. Prioritize Findings: After completing the field verification and document review, the team reviews and organizes the findings. These are then categorized based on urgency, risk, and impact, helping the team focus on the most important issues first.


After the PSSR:

  1. Debrief: The team presents the findings to the project team and management, including operators interacting with the new equipment. The debrief helps align everyone on the next steps and affirms all concerns are addressed before startup.

  2. Prepare the Final Report: A detailed report is prepared, summarizing all findings, corrective actions, and timelines for resolution. This report serves as a record of the PSSR and provides clear instructions for resolving any identified issues.

The Sigma-HSE Advantage

At Sigma-HSE, we specialize in Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR) for industrial facilities across different sectors. Our expertise combines technical precision, regulatory knowledge, and practical solutions to minimize risks, protect your workforce, and guarantee every safety measure before starting or restarting operations.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Skilled consultants with engineering and operational backgrounds provide a holistic approach to hazard identification and resolution.

  • Proven Methodology: Streamlined, efficient review processes validated by successful projects in diverse industries.

  • Comprehensive Compliance Expertise: In-depth knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and industry standards ensures your startup meets regulatory requirements.

  • Tailored Risk Mitigation: Customized recommendations to address unique operational risks and confirm safety integrity during startup.

Partner with Sigma-HSE for your PSSR needs and ensure a safe, smooth, and compliant restart of your facility. Contact us today to learn how we can support your next project.

Request a Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) Quote

Sigma-HSE uses the contact information provided to contact you. You may unsubscribe from our communications via a link at the bottom of our emails at any time. Our privacy policy and our commitment to the protection of your privacy is outlined in our Privacy Statement.
We would like to share details of our work, webinars you can attend, insights, case studies and fact sheets with you. To do this, we need to hold some of your personal information, including your full name, job title, organisation name and email address.

Frequently asked questions

A PSSR is essential to ensure that all safety systems, equipment, and processes are in proper working order before restarting operations. It helps identify potential hazards and mitigate risks that compromise safety or operational efficiency.

A PSSR should be conducted whenever a significant shutdown, major equipment modifications, or process changes occur. This could be after maintenance, system upgrades, or restarting a facility after a long downtime.

A PSSR is typically conducted by certified safety professionals, engineers, and other experts knowledgeable in process safety management and the relevant industry regulations.

The time required for a PSSR depends on the complexity of the changes made to the facility and the scope of the review. It typically ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the size and nature of the operation.

The necessary documents include updated designs, process flow diagrams, equipment specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance records. These documents are reviewed during the PSSR to verify everything meets safety and operational standards.

Skipping or delaying a PSSR can lead to undetected hazards that may compromise worker safety and equipment integrity. Beyond the potential for safety incidents, non-compliance with regulatory standards can disrupt operations and impact trust with employees, partners, and regulatory authorities. Ensuring compliance helps maintain a strong safety culture, operational continuity, and a positive reputation.

The PSSR process includes a detailed risk assessment for any new technology or complex equipment. This involves reviewing technical specifications, conducting failure mode analysis, and evaluating how these new systems integrate with existing ones. The process makes certain that any unanticipated risks are addressed and that safety measures are adapted to accommodate technological advancements.

What Our Customers Say

The detail oriented approach of the consultants helped our team in identifying the various risks & hazards involved in different stages of the project and helped us in making design and operational changes at the right time.
Project Engineer
Chemicals Industry
I would like to highlight the prompt and professional response to our enquiry, the quick turnaround time for the tests and report, and the constant communication throughout the process.
Senior Process Development Engineer
Electronics Parts Supplier
I just want to extend my compliments to your technical team for their valuable contributions to the HAZOP. Their feedback was excellent, and the facilitation was outstanding.
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Large Aluminum Manufacturer
Sigma-HSE completed DSEAR assessments for multiple sites around the UK with flawless execution. Considering our flammable chemical inventories, the assessments were crucial in identifying hazardous areas to reduce the risks of explosive atmospheres at our sites.
Site Head of Engineering
Printing Industry
Step-By-Step-Pre-Startup-Safety-Review

Blog

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) Process

Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR)

Blog

The Importance of Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR):
Ensuring Safety Before Startup

Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) webinar

Webinar

Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) – Mitigating Risk During Process Startup

Video

Minimum Ignition Test

 

Identify, Mitigate, and Control Startup Risks with a Comprehensive Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR)

Protect Your Business, Workforce, and Environment by Ensuring Safe Equipment and Compliance with Regulatory Standards Before Startup. Learn how we can assist with your Pre Startup Safety Review (PSSR) today.

Are you visiting Sigma-HSE from outside your region? Visit your regional site for more relevant process safety solutions.