PSSR Inspection & Compliance in Scotland
More often than not, we find that our customers in Scotland are legally obliged to comply with the Pressure System Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR).
PSSR imposes duties on users of installed compressed air and nitrogen systems relating to their use at work.
If you are unsure if you have legal duties under PSSR, or if you need a Written Scheme of Examination put in place and an engineering inspection carried out, Design Air can help. We are an inspection company based in Scotland, and our team of Competent Persons can provide inspection services to ensure your equipment is safe and compliant.
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 FAQs
What are the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000?
The aim of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 is to prevent serious injury resulting from the failure of a pressure system or one of its component parts. This legislation is vital for ensuring the safety of pressure systems.
The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 imposes duties upon owners and users of installed pressure systems such as compressed air and nitrogen generation systems.
It is a legal responsibility to meet any duties placed upon you under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000.
Do I Have Duties Under PSSR Regulations?
If your pressure system has any of the following, PSSR regulations will likely apply:
- A pressure vessel or pipework
- A relevant fluid, which includes Compressed Air or Nitrogen Gas
- A pressure at 0.5 bar above atmospheric pressure
If so, as a user of the system you have a legal responsibility to ensure that you are meeting the duties outlined in the regulations.
Crucially, the most stringent duties, including the need for a PSSR inspection, apply to systems where the pressure-volume product is 250 bar-litres or more. This calculation (safe operating pressure in bar multiplied by the internal volume in litres) covers many standard air compressor receivers, steam boilers, and other pressure equipment.
How do I Comply with PSSR?
The PSSR states “The user of an installed system and owner of a mobile system shall not operate the system or allow it to be operated unless he has established the safe operating limits of that system.”
It is also a requirement of the PSSR that the user of an installed system cannot operate it until they have a valid Written Scheme of Examination in place. Once the WSE is in place, you must then arrange for a statutory inspection, known as a thorough examination, to be completed by a “Competent Person”.
If you don’t currently have a Written Scheme of Examination in place, we can produce this for you and help you comply with your duties under the PSSR. We also provide the PSSR inspection services required to certify your system for operation.
Contact us for a quote to produce a Written Scheme of Examination for your system
What is a PSSR Inspection?
A Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) is the plan, but the PSSR Inspection (or Examination) is the action. It is the formal, statutory inspection that must be carried out by a Competent Person to verify that the pressure system is safe to operate.
The WSE defines what needs to be inspected, how it will be inspected, and the maximum time allowed between inspections (e.g., every 12 months). The inspection itself is a meticulous "thorough examination" of your pressure equipment. There are typically two types of PSSR inspection:
1. Thorough Examination (Out-of-Service)
This is a detailed inspection where the system is shut down, depressurised, and prepared for a safe examination. This allows the surveyor to inspect the vessel (like an air receiver) both internally and externally for any defects, corrosion, or wear. This mechanical inspection checks all critical parts, including associated pipework and protective devices.
2. Working Examination (In-Service)
This inspection is carried out while the system is under normal operating pressure. The Competent Person will check protective devices, such as pressure gauges and safety valves, to ensure they are functioning correctly and will prevent the system from exceeding its safe operating limits.
After the PSSR inspection, the Competent Person will provide a written inspection report detailing their findings. If a serious defect is found, they will immediately inform you of the necessary actions to make it safe.
The Role of the 'Competent Person'
The term “Competent Person” is a legal definition under PSSR. It refers to an individual or organisation with the necessary practical and theoretical knowledge, experience, and crucially independence to carry out the examination and make objective judgements about the safety of pressure systems.
An in-house engineer, for example, may not meet the strict legal requirement for independence. This is why many companies in Scotland engage an external, independent inspection company like Design Air.
Our engineers have the experience and knowledge to act as your designated Competent Person, helping you meet all regulatory requirements for your PSSR inspection. We provide a truly independent inspection to ensure your system is safe and compliant.
PSSR - Why Should I Be Concerned About My Duties Under The Regulations?
As an owner or operator of a pressure system, you should be aware that these systems can contain a significant amount of stored energy. This stored energy can pose a serious hazard. This hazard of stored energy is precisely what PSSR aims to control.
Failure of a pressure system or one of its components could give rise to release of this stored energy in an uncontrolled manner. This in turn has the potential to cause serious damage or harm to anything or anyone in the vicinity. This could lead to a serious injury from the hazard.
The duties placed upon you as the owner / operator of a pressure system under the PSSR are a legal requirement and this is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If the regulations are not adhered to, unlimited fines or prosecution by the HSE are both possible. Beyond corporate penalties, directors and managers can be held personally liable for non-compliance, facing prosecution for neglect.
By fulfilling the duties placed upon you under PSSR, you are helping to ensure that your pressure system is safe to operate and use and also keeping yourself legally compliant with all relevant safety standards.
Our PSSR Inspection and Compliance Services in Scotland
Design Air is your local partner for managing all aspects of PSSR compliance. As an experienced inspection company based in Scotland, we provide inspection services for compressed air systems, steam boilers, and other pressure equipment across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the whole of the central belt.
Our services include:
- PSSR Consultation: Expert advice to determine your exact legal duties.
- Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) Production: We will create a detailed, compliant WSE for your new or existing pressure equipment.
- PSSR Inspection Services: Our team of Competent Persons will conduct the required statutory inspections (both thorough and working examinations) for your air compressor, receiver, pipework, and boiler systems.
- Compliance Management: We can manage your entire WSE and inspection schedule, providing you with clear inspection reports and notifying you when your next examination is due, ensuring you remain safe and compliant.
- Repairs and Modifications: If our inspection identifies a defect, our skilled engineers can carry out any necessary repairs to your compressor or pressure system, ensuring a fast return to service.
Related Engineering & Statutory Inspections
Beyond PSSR, we understand that your machinery and work equipment may fall under other regulations. Our engineering inspection team can also provide consultation on related statutory inspections, including:
- PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998): Ensuring all work equipment is safe to use.
- Steam Boilers & Steam Systems: These high-energy systems have specific inspection requirements.
- Pressurised Hot Water Systems: We can inspect pressurised hot water boilers and systems.
- Refrigeration Systems: Certain refrigeration plants also fall under pressure regulations.
We can work alongside your team or insurers who may be specialising in LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) to provide a more comprehensive compliance partnership.
Contact Design Air For Advice on PSSR and Your Responsibilities
Misusing compressed air or nitrogen can be extremely dangerous and have serious consequences. As such it is vital to ensure that your pressure system is safe to use for you and any operators. If you ignore your obligations under PSSR, you could be exposing users of the system to significant risk.
By arranging a consultation with one of our experts, you will receive the correct and relevant advice on what your next steps should be to help ensure PSSR compliance and help ensure that your system is safe to use.
If you do have duties under PSSR, and you don’t currently have a Written Scheme of Examination, we can produce this for you to help you ensure that your equipment is safe to use and to establish safe operating limits. If you already have a WSE but need a statutory PSSR inspection, contact us today to book an examination with one of our certified Competent Persons.