Statutory Inspections

Pressure System Inspection Service

If you own or operate a Pressure System, it is important to have it inspected regularly to ensure that it’s compliant with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR).

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What is a PSSR Inspection?

A PSSR Inspection, or “Pressure System Safety Regulations”, is an essential safety check. It’s performed before starting any new or changed process in a factory or plant. During a PSSR Inspection, we check the safety, health, and environment of your pressure systems. This includes the designs, safety systems, procedures, training, and documents.

The main aim of a Pressure System Inspection is to find and fix any potential dangers or risks that could harm people, equipment, or the environment. These checks can prevent accidents and costly fines, helping you to mitigate risk more effectively across your assets. Plus, it’ll ensure you follow regulations, helping to keep your colleagues safer at work. Not only are these regulations a legal obligation, but they also ensure your pressure systems are running safely and efficiently.

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Key benefits of Pressure System Inspections

Increased safety

Pressure System Inspections can help to identify and correct potential hazards, reducing the risk of accidents.

Reduced downtime

By identifying and correcting potential problems before they cause a failure, PSSR Inspections can help to reduce downtime.

Increased productivity

By ensuring that pressure systems are operating safely and efficiently, PSSR Inspections can help to increase productivity.

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Reduced liability

By complying with PSSR, businesses can reduce their liability in the event of an accident.

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The industry requires competence to be demonstrated, typically through UKAS accreditation, which is a prerequisite for many major clients. BES is type A accredited, which is preferred, they can provide highly objective opinions.

Customer

Senior Project Manager

The BES inspectors are way more technically competent and diligent compared to other providers. BES definitely stands out due to their strong technical competence and strong back office support.

Customer

Project Operations Manager

BES is a really disruptive force in the market, they are able to provide a variety of necessary services to their customers and none of the other big players are able to provide that breadth of services.

Industry competitor

We have been with BES for the past 5 years and don’t plan on switching providers. They are very flexible with their services and are able to bring the best inspectors who can deal with on the ground challenges and build real relationships with clients.

Customer

Global Technical Services Manager

How we'll work with you to conduct a PSSR inspection

For most Pressure Systems, an ‘out of service’ and ‘in service’ examination is usually required. Our team of experts will carry out your end-to-end Pressure Vessel Inspection requirements and we’ll do it around the requirements of your business, too. Safety is our number one focus, and we’ll do everything we need to complete your inspections both safely and efficiently.

BES Group can help you to stay safe and compliant with our PSSR Examinations.
We abide by all safety rules to the highest possible standards, ensuring inspections are carried out frequently to maintain compliance of your assets. Upon completion of our inspection, we will provide you with a comprehensive report on our findings, so you’re equipped with the right information on where you’ll need to take corrective action.

Experienced PSSR Engineers

We have a team of experienced, highly qualified and accredited engineers with expertise spanning a range of sectors, so you can rest assured that your inspections are carried out to the highest standards.

Expert inspections in line with PSSR regulation

The rules for PSSR Inspections state that pressure systems must be checked by a Written Scheme of Examination. The Written Scheme of Examination outlines how often and what needs to be checked for each pressure system. These checks must be done by a “competent person”. A competent person is defined as someone who has the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to carry out the inspections safely and effectively. A pressure system includes any ‘system’ made up of:

Pipelines that contain relevant fluids.
These fluids include steam, gases under pressure, or those that are artificially kept under pressure and become gases when they’re released.

One or more rigid pressure vessels with pipework and protective devices.

Pipework with a transportable pressure vessel.

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We carry out your end-to-end Pressure Vessel Inspection requirements and we’ll do it around the requirements of your business, too. Our PSSR inspection process includes:

Equipment inspection

We inspect your machinery and equipment to ensure it’s safe and working efficiently.

Review procedures

We check the steps and rules in place to ensure they follow safety rules and best practices.

Assess training

We look at the training given to workers to ensure they know how to stay safe and what to do in emergencies.

Review documents

We review all paperwork, such as designs and permits, to ensure risks remain low.

Evaluate safety systems

We check systems like alarms and emergency shutdowns to ensure they’re in place and working correctly.

Non-destructive testing

In some cases, we’ll utilise non-destructive testing (NDT) to detect hidden defects, using methods like ultrasonic testing or X-ray testing.

Transparent reporting

We’ll give you our in-depth report of the condition of your pressure system, detailing our recommendations for repairs or modifications.

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Why choose BES Group?

800+ expert engineers

Our team of skilled engineers possesses a wealth of expertise.

A legacy of 160+ years of experience

We’re always evolving our approach to future proof our services.

35,000 satisfied customers

A strong reputation for providing exceptional service.

An end-to-end solution

Servicing the full life cycle, from concept through to decommission.

Accredited assurance

Confidence assured with all relevant certifications and accreditations.

800+ expert engineers

Our team of skilled engineers possesses a wealth of expertise.

A legacy of 160+ years of experience

We’re always evolving our approach to future proof our services.

35,000 satisfied customers

A strong reputation for providing exceptional service.

An end-to-end solution

Servicing the full life cycle, from concept through to decommission.

Accredited assurance

Confidence assured with all relevant certifications and accreditations.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements for PSSR Inspections?

The requirements for PSSR Inspections vary depending on the type and size of the pressure system. However, all pressure systems must be inspected in accordance with a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE). The WSE should be drawn up by a competent person and should identify the frequency and scope of the inspections.

How often should pressure systems be inspected?

The frequency of inspections depends on the type and size of the Pressure System. However, most pressure systems should be inspected at least every 12 months

Who can carry out PSSR inspections?

Only competent persons can carry out PSSR Inspections. A competent person is someone who has the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to carry out the inspections safely and effectively.

What are the consequences of not complying with PSSR?

The consequences of not complying with PSSR can be serious. If a pressure system fails, it could cause serious injury or death. In addition, businesses that fail to comply with PSSR could be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or be fined under HSE’s Fee For Intervention charging scheme.

What is a Written Scheme of Examination?

According to the HSE, a written scheme of examination is a document that contains all the relevant information about plant items or equipment that:

Form a pressure system
Operate under pressure
Or contain a ‘relevant fluid’.

Is a coffee machine included in a PSSR Inspection?

Industrial coffee machines are considered pressure systems and are subject to PSSR Inspections. PSSR applies to any equipment that contains liquids at any pressure such as boilers, pressure vessels, compressed air systems and even coffee machines used in industrial settings.

What’s the difference between an installed system and a mobile system?

An installed system refers to equipment permanently fixed or installed in a specific location, such as boilers in a factory. On the other hand, a mobile system is equipment designed to be movable, such as portable pressure washers or mobile air compressors.

What is a competent person in a PSSR Inspection?

A competent person, as defined by the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR), is someone who possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to carry out inspections and maintenance on pressure systems safely and effectively. They should be qualified and impartial.

What are the exceptions to PSSR?

Most pressure systems in factories need PSSR, but there are exceptions. These might include systems used at home, certain heating or cooling systems, and equipment regulated differently, like transportable pressure gear. Check the regulations and ask an expert to be sure if there’s an exception for your situation.

What is the importance of a PSSR Inspection?

Without a PSSR inspection, there’s a greater risk of your pressure systems causing harmful accidents, stress, and even a costly penalty. Plus, businesses that fail to comply with PSSR could be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or be fined under HSE’s Fee for Intervention charging scheme.

What does pressure systems equipment include?

Pressure systems can be found in a wide range of machinery. Typically, a pressure system is considered any system that is made up of one or more rigid vessels that contains steam at any pressure. Some examples of pressure systems include:

Boilers: Usually those operating at more than 100c, although it is recommended that all boilers are inspected.
Steam heating systems: This encompasses gas, oil and electric burners used to heat compounds to boiling point.
Air conditioning systems and refrigeration plants: With combined compressor motors exceeding 25kW.

These machines operate using steam, air, or coolants, so it’s important to check them closely to ensure they’re safe and compliant.