What is a Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR)?

Prepared and arranged by: Dr. Amin Padash, HSEQ Coach, President of the Iranian Scientific Association of Health, Safety and Environmental Management and Engineering (HSEME)

A PSSR is a systematic process performed before the startup of any new, modified, or repaired facility, equipment, or system to ensure operational safety and compliance. It acts as a final verification step, confirming that all elements—both physical (hardware) and procedural (training, documentation, safety systems)—are in place and functioning properly to prevent incidents.

PSSR is often mandated by industry standards, such as:

• OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard (29 CFR 1910.119)
• API RP 75 for offshore drilling and production.
• ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety management.