Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000

Full title: The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000
Statutory Instrument: SI 2000/128
Made: 2000
Came into force: 21 February 2000

PSSR applies to qualifying pressure systems used at work.

The regulations are intended to prevent serious injury arising from the hazards associated with stored energy and the failure of pressure systems or their components.

A pressure system can include:

  • Pressure vessels
  • Associated pipework
  • Protective devices
  • Certain pipelines
  • Transportable pressure receptacles and associated systems

The regulations define the types of pressure systems and relevant fluids to which they apply.

Where is the Written Scheme requirement?

The principal statutory requirement is:

PSSR Regulation 8 – Written Scheme of Examination

Regulation 8 requires the user of an installed system, or owner of a mobile system, to have a Written Scheme of Examination for qualifying pressure systems where the specified conditions apply.

The Written Scheme must be suitable for preventing danger from the relevant parts of the pressure system.

It must specify matters including:

  • The parts of the pressure system to be examined
  • The nature of the examination
  • The frequency of examination
  • Measures necessary to safely prepare the system for examination
  • Any examination required before first use where appropriate

HSE confirms that a Written Scheme of Examination is a legal requirement under Regulation 8 for relevant pressure systems.

Where is the actual examination requirement?

PSSR Regulation 9 – Examination in accordance with the Written Scheme

Regulation 9 requires the relevant parts of the pressure system covered by the Written Scheme to be examined by a competent person within the intervals specified by the scheme.

The competent person must carry out the examination in accordance with the Written Scheme.

Following the examination, a written report must be produced.

The report must state:

  • Which parts of the pressure system were examined
  • Their condition
  • The results of the examination
  • Repairs or modifications considered necessary
  • Any changes required to safe operating limits
  • The date after which the system must not be operated without further examination
  • Whether the Written Scheme remains suitable or requires modification

These requirements are contained within Regulation 9.

PSSR & Written Schemes

Why the Written Scheme Is Important

Unlike LOLER and PUWER, PSSR examination intervals are generally not simply prescribed as a universal six-monthly or twelve-monthly period.

The examination regime is established through the Written Scheme of Examination.

The Written Scheme should reflect the actual pressure system, its components, operating conditions and foreseeable deterioration mechanisms.

The competent person responsible for the examination should also consider whether the Written Scheme remains suitable.

If the system, operating conditions or relevant risks change, the Written Scheme may need to be reviewed and amended.

HSE's L122 – Safety of pressure systems provides the principal Approved Code of Practice and guidance supporting PSSR. HSE confirms that L122 covers the responsibilities of users, owners and competent persons and provides guidance on Written Schemes and examinations.