Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)

If you own or operate a pressure system, regular inspections are crucial to ensure compliance with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR).

PSSR refers to a series of regulations that oversee the safe use of pressure systems in the United Kingdom. Inspections of pressure and steam systems and associated equipment are conducted to verify their safety and compliance with PSSR.

Specialised Inspections Complying with PSSR

One of the stipulations of PSSR inspections is that pressure systems must be examined according to a Written Scheme of Examination, by qualified individuals who are knowledgeable, and capable of making an independent evaluation of the system.

A pressure system comprises any ‘system’ that includes:

  • One or more rigid pressure vessels along with related pipework and safety devices.

  • Pipework connected to a transportable pressure vessel.

  • Pipelines that hold relevant fluids, which can be steam, gases under pressure, or substances that are artificially maintained under pressure and become gases upon release.

Protect your workforce and property with our specialised PSSR Examinations and secure compliance.

How we work with you:

Typically, pressure systems require both an ‘out of service’ and ‘in service’ examination. Our expert team will manage your complete pressure vessel inspection needs, tailoring our services to fit your business requirements. Ensuring safety is our top priority, and we are committed to conducting your inspections both safely and efficiently.

Support from JD Lifting Ltd

JD Lifting are dedicated to helping you maintain safety and compliance through our PSSR examinations. Our team of skilled and certified engineers will perform detailed inspections of your pressure system to identify any possible risks. We will also provide a detailed report of our findings to keep you well-informed and assist in taking any necessary corrective actions.

According to the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR), all pressure systems must undergo regular inspections by a competent, qualified, and impartial person. The frequency of these inspections varies based on several factors, such as the type of pressure system, the associated risks, its location, uses, and more. Systems with higher risks require more frequent inspections.

Do not take risks with the safety of your people and your business.

Our PSSR Inspection Process

As standard, a PSSR inspection is conducted following a written scheme of examination (WSE), which must be prepared by a competent individual, such as the team at JD Lifting Ltd, tailored specifically to the type of pressure system under inspection.

It is crucial that PSSR inspections are performed by a competent individual who possesses the necessary knowledge and experience to accurately evaluate the safety of the pressure system. This is where our expertise is invaluable. We are both competent and impartial, with our team meeting the highest industry standards.

1

Before Your Inspection

Prior to our arrival at your site, you will need to ensure that your plant is adequately prepared for our inspection. This preparation may include draining and de-pressurising the vessel. We will inform you of the specific requirements when we schedule your inspection.

2

Preparation Steps

Upon arriving at your site, the first task for our engineers will be to acquaint themselves with your pressure systems. They will also collect all essential documentation, including the manufacturer’s instructions and previous inspection reports, to verify that everything is in order

3

Visual Inspection

Our expert engineer surveyors will initiate the inspection process by conducting a visual examination of the pressure system. They will look for any apparent defects, such as cracks, dents, or missing components.

4

Functional Checks After completing the visual inspection, we will proceed to test the pressure system to ensure it is operating correctly. This phase may include testing valves, gauges, and other critical components.

5

Measurements

During our inspection, we may take various measurements of the pressure system, such as pressure ratings or wall thickness, to aid in determining the appropriate next steps.

6

Non-destructive Testing

In certain instances, we will employ non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques to identify concealed defects. This could include methods such as ultrasonic testing or X-ray testing.

7

Reporting

We will provide you with a comprehensive report on the condition of your pressure system, outlining our recommendations for any necessary repairs or modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a PSSR inspection?

A PSSR inspection is a thorough examination of pressure systems and equipment to ensure they are safe to operate. It involves checking for leaks, corrosion, mechanical integrity, and compliance with safety regulations to prevent accidents and ensure the system's reliability.

PSSR regulations apply to all employers, self-employed individuals, and anyone responsible for the operation, maintenance, or control of pressure systems. This includes industries such as manufacturing, chemical processing, and any other sector that uses pressure vessels or systems.

PSSR covers a wide range of pressure systems, including boilers, pressure vessels, steam heating systems, compressed air systems, and any associated pipework and protective devices. Essentially, any system containing a relevant fluid under pressure falls under PSSR.

The frequency of PSSR inspections depends on the specific system and its usage. A written scheme of examination, developed by a competent person, will specify the intervals between inspections based on factors like system complexity, operating conditions, and potential risks.

Non-compliance with PSSR regulations can result in significant legal consequences, including fines and prosecution. Additionally, using unsafe pressure systems can lead to serious accidents, injuries, or fatalities, causing financial losses and damage to your business's reputation.For guidance on the equipment you have contact our friendly team.