Pressure System Inspection Service

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.

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

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.

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.

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’.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.