As a key piece of legislation, PSSR is not only relevant to large and complex pressure systems such as steam and liquified gases, but smaller systems including compressed air and gas systems too.

There is also an in-depth article that provides an overview of the Regulations within this guide. 

WHY?

The Regulations have been put into place to:

• Ensure the safe operation of the installed system
• Ensure that system failure can be reasonably foreseen and catered for in respect of the ‘unintended release of stored energy.’

WHO?

Either the ‘owner’ of a mobile, hired, or leased system or the ’user’ of an installed system has the full responsibility under the regulations.  In each circumstance, the owner or user must ensure compliance to the regulations.

This is normally outsourced to a ‘competent person body’ who has the competence and skills required to understand:

WHAT?

The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000:128 covers:

• All gases over 0.5 barg (7.25 psig) where the installation has a pressure vessel
• Steam at any pressure
• Liquefied gases
• High-pressure hot water systems over 110°C
• Refrigeration systems over 25Kw motor size.

A pressure system comprises normally of a pressure vessel, protection devices and pipework. Pipework is defined as everything else that comprises a pressure system other than the pressure vessel and protective devices.