Pressure Systems Safety Regulations
PSSR, or the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations of 2000, are legislative requirements which apply to businesses and organisations which operate pressure systems, or machinery which functions using a relevant fluid. The definition of a ‘relevant fluid’ includes steam and compressed air, as well as gasses and mixtures of gasses, and liquid that would convert into gas upon system malfunction.
Steam-pressurised systems carry a large amount of risk if not properly maintained. This is particularly due to the amount of stored energy that they hold. Malfunctioning pressure systems can cause damage to a business premises and cause harm to employees. Hazards include pressurised explosions, burns from contact with liquids or steam, and fires from escaped flammables. PSSR examinations are necessary to keep pressurised systems in safe working order. A properly conducted written scheme of examination is required for a pressure system to be legally operated.
Some of the pressure systems that are subject to PSSR regulations include:
- Boilers over 100°C.
- Pipework subject to the various size and pressure spec’s laid down in the regulation
- Large pressure cookers.
- Steam sterilisers.
- Pressurisation units
- Compressed air systems (fixed and mobile)
- Compressed Air Systems (fixed and mobile)
- Gas storage vessels
Choose a competent person
A properly carried out PSSR examination will determine the level of risk associated with your business’s pressure system or systems. PSSR looks at a number of factors to determine this. These can include the amount of pressure in a system, the age of the system and the types of liquid or gas contained within it.
PSSR states that a ‘competent person’ must be appointed to carry out your PSSR examination. We are competent to offer our services on steam, compressed air and gas storage systems and are able to prepare and issue Written Scheme of Examinations accordingly.