What is PSSR & Who Does It Apply To?
What is PSSR?
PSSR stands for the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000. These regulations govern certain pressure systems containing steam or relevant fluids under pressure, with the aim of preventing danger from the uncontrolled release of stored energy.
The regulations establish requirements for safe design and installation, safe operating limits, maintenance, Written Schemes of Examination and periodic examinations by a competent person.
Who does it apply to?
PSSR places duties on users of installed pressure systems and owners of mobile systems, together with other parties responsible for their design, manufacture, supply or installation.
The requirements apply across workplaces where qualifying pressure systems are operated, including manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality and other industrial or commercial environments.
These responsibilities are not necessarily determined by ownership alone. The applicable duties depend on the system, how it is provided and whether it is installed or mobile.
What Does PSSR Apply To?
PSSR applies to qualifying pressure systems containing steam at any pressure, or other relevant fluids generally above 0.5 bar gauge. For non-steam systems, a written scheme of examination is generally required where a pressure vessel reaches 250 bar-litres, subject to applicable exemptions.
Compressed Air
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Air receivers
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Air/oil separators
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Bead seaters
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Sand blast vessels
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Desiccant dryers
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Paint pressure pots
Steam Systems
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Steam boilers
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Blowdown vessels
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Steam generators
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Jacketed pans
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Autoclaves
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Coffee boilers
Refrigeration Systems
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Packaged systems
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Air-conditioning
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Liquid receivers
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Condensers
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Evaporators
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Surge drums
Other fluids
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Expansion vessels
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Accumulators
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Storage vessels
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Calorifiers
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Gas storage tanks
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Gas mixing vessels
Associated Parts
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Safety valves
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Pressure gauges
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Pressure regulators
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Pressure pipework
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Associated mountings
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Protective devices
The examples above are not exhaustive. Not all pressure equipment falls within PSSR, and the requirement for a Written Scheme of Examination depends on the system and applicable regulatory provisions.
What Does PSSR Require?
PSSR places duties on those responsible for pressure systems, requiring safe operating limits, suitable maintenance, protective devices and examinations in accordance with a Written Scheme of Examination.
Design & Information (Regs. 4 - 6)
Pressure systems must be properly designed, constructed and installed to prevent danger. Relevant information, instructions and markings must be provided to support their safe operation and maintenance.
Safe Operating Limits (Reg. 7)
Users and owners must establish safe operating limits before a pressure system is operated, including relevant pressure and temperature limits, and ensure these are communicated where required.
Written Scheme of Examination (Reg. 8)
Qualifying pressure systems must have a Written Scheme of Examination drawn up or certified by a competent person, identifying the parts requiring examination and specifying their nature and frequency.
Examination & Defects (Regs. 9 - 10)
Examinations must follow the Written Scheme of Examination. Imminent danger findings require immediate written notification to the user/owner and reporting to the enforcing authority within 14 days of examination completion. Affected equipment must not operate until remedied.
Operation & Maintenance (Regs. 11 - 12)
Pressure systems must be operated in accordance with suitable instructions, including emergency procedures, and properly maintained in good repair to prevent danger.
Repair & Modification (Regs. 13 - 14)
Repairs and modifications must not give rise to danger, and their effects on the system must be considered. Examination reports, Written Schemes and other prescribed records must be retained.
When is a PSSR Examination Required?
01 - Before first use
Where a Written Scheme of Examination requires an initial examination, the relevant parts of the pressure system must be examined before the system is first operated.
02 – Periodic examination
Pressure systems must undergo examination by a competent person at the intervals specified within their Written Scheme of Examination, before the latest permissible examination date.
03 – Following modifications or repairs
Modifications or repairs affecting pressure system safety may require the Written Scheme to be reviewed and further examination undertaken before the system returns to service.
Common Terms Used in PSSR
A quick guide to key terms used within the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR).
Pressure System
A system comprising one or more rigid pressure vessels, associated pipework and protective devices, or certain pipelines and connected equipment, containing or liable to contain a relevant fluid under pressure. Such systems may present risks from stored pressure energy.
Relevant Fluid
Steam at any pressure, gases above 0.5 bar gauge, and certain liquids capable of producing vapour pressure above this threshold. Examples include air, nitrogen, oxygen, propane, refrigerants, carbon dioxide and high-temperature pressurised water, subject to the conditions specified within PSSR.
Written Scheme of Examination (WSE)
A document drawn up or certified by a competent person, identifying the parts of a pressure system requiring examination, the examination methods, intervals and any necessary preparations.
Safe Operating Limits
The established limits within which a pressure system can be operated safely, including relevant parameters such as pressure and temperature, taking account of the system's design and operating conditions.
