Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) is performed when?

• A. During routine annual safety review.
• B. A post-startup audit to confirm performance.
• C. A PSSR verifies that safety-critical issues are resolved before starting up a modified or new facility or process.
• D. When a process is shut down for maintenance.

Answer: (C)

Pre-Startup Safety Review focuses on readiness before any new or significantly modified facility or process is started. It verifies that safety-critical issues identified during design, modification, and risk assessment have been resolved and that the facility or process is safe to operate. A cross-functional team uses checklists and supporting documentation to confirm that design intent is met, modifications are installed correctly, safety systems and interlocks function, operating procedures and training are in place, permits and controls (like lockout/tagout) are ready, and emergency response plans are prepared. The goal is to reduce residual risk to an acceptable level before the first startup. This distinguishes it from an annual safety review (routine compliance), a post-startup audit (after startup to confirm performance), or maintenance shutdown decisions (which relate to maintenance activities rather than startup readiness).