The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) cover the safe design and use of pressure systems. The aim of PSSR is to prevent serious injury from the hazard of stored energy (pressure) as a result of the failure of a pressure system or one of its component parts. PSSR 2000 replaces the Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers Regulations 1989 which has been revoked.
Great Britain has implemented the Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999 (PER 1999) and the Pressure System Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR 2000). PER 1999 is mainly related to the design, manufacture and installation of pressure systems. PSSR2000 is primarily concerned with the risks created by a release of stored energy through system failure. It is not concerned with hazardous nature of the system contents with the exception of the scalding effects of steam.
The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 is concerned with:
Generally, pressure systems and equipment operating in excess of 0.5 bar above atmospheric pressure where the combined pressure times volume exceeds 250 bl where “b” is the pressure in bars (1 bar is approximately 14.5 psi above atmospheric pressure) and “I” is the volume in litres, such as:
They require the whole system to be inspected in accordance with its ‘Written Scheme of Examination’ which must be drawn up by a competent person. A ‘Written Scheme of Examination’ is drawn up following a risk assessment of the Pressure System. It must:
As an employer or self-employed person, you have an obligation to provide a safe workplace and safe work equipment (Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998). The aim of PSSR 2000 is to prevent serious injury from the danger of stored energy as a result of the failure of a pressure system or one of its component parts. You have a duty, therefore, to:
