Pressure Systems

The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)

PSSR require pressure systems to be inspected in accordance with a Written Scheme of Examination*.

The regulations apply to owners and users of relevant fluids including steam, gases under pressure and any fluid kept artificially under pressure and which becomes a gas when released to the atmosphere. Any pressure vessel containing compressed gas over 250 bar / litres capacity requires inspection.

To establish whether a vessel requires inspections multiply the vessel operating pressure (in bar units) by the vessel capacity (in Litres) i.e. 10 bar x 150 Litres = 1500 bar / litres capacity. Therefore it is above the 250 bar / litre threshold and requires an inspection with a written scheme of examination.

Criterion Inspection Services can provide written schemes of examination along with the required statutory inspections of the equipment.

Plant typically requiring a written scheme and subsequent examination to comply with PSSR:

Air Receiver	Air/Oil Receiver	Vertical /Horizontal Air Receiver
Vacuum Vessel	Jacketed Vessel	Steam Generator
Steam Boiler	Cafe boilers	Hot Water Boiler
Autoclave or Steriliser	Clarifier

*A Written Scheme of Examination is a document that details items within a pressure system that necessitate examination by a competent examiner / person. These items cover a wide range of products and pressure equipment that are installed into a pressure system. The following equipment may be considered for inclusions and are:

Pressure Equipment:	Protective devices:
• air receivers	• pressure gauges
• boilers	• safety valves
• autoclaves	• pipework
• gas cylinders	• level indicators
• pressure cookers	• pressure & temperature switches

The written scheme of examination specifies items for examination, a frequency for examination (eg. 6, 12, 24 months) and contain detail as to how the equipment is to be examined. If any special measures are required to prepare the system for safe examination then these would be included.

• You must have a written scheme of examination before you can legally operate any pressure system.

On-site inspection carried out by ourselves would, in most cases include the opening of the appropriate vessel for internal / thorough examination.

Inspection reports detail:-

• information from the identification plate or test certificate

• ultrasonic scan of the vessel wall thickness

• internal visual examination of internal wall condition and welds

• inspection of protective devices including pressure gauges, relief / safety valves

• check the safe operating limits

• and any additional safety issues relating to the vessel and its peripherals