the CP and the user/owner are one and the same and the report of examination is likewise made within 28 days, and any notification to (HSE) of the postponement of an examination is accompanied by a declaration that it will not give rise to danger (r9)
The ACoP lists requirements for the CP for the examination of minor, intermediate and major pressure systems (ranging from an incorporated engineer to a senior chartered engineer, with non-destructive testing facilities.
The written report of the examination shall:
- state which parts of the PS have been examined, their condition and the results of the examination
- specify any repairs or modifications to, or changes in the established safe operating limits of the examined parts, which in the opinion of the CP are necessary to prevent danger (or ensure the effective working of the protective devices) and give the date by which these repairs, modifications or changes must be made
- specify the date (within the limits of the examination scheme) after which the PS may not be operated without a further examination
- state whether in the opinion of the CP the scheme is suitable or should be modified, and if the latter state the reasons.
Imminent danger (r10)*
If a CP carrying out an examination is of the opinion that the system will give rise to imminent danger unless repairs, modifications or operating changes are made, then a written report shall be given to the user/owner immediately and (HSE) notified within 14 days.
Until the repairs, modification or changes are carried out or made, the user/owner shall ensure that the system (or relevant part) is not operated.
Where the CP and the user/owner of the system are one and the same, a report must be made (r9) and (HSE) notified.
Operation (r11)
The user/owner shall provide the operator with instructions on safe operation, and action in an emergency.
The user of a system shall ensure it is operated in accordance with the instructions.
The instructions should contain all the information needed for the safe operation of the system including:
- start-up and shutdown procedures
- precautions for standby operation
- function and effect of controls and protective devices
- likely fluctuations expected in normal operation the requirement to ensure that the system is adequately protected against overpressure at all times, and
- procedures in the event of an emergency.
Maintenance (r12)
The user/owner shall ensure the system is properly maintained.
A suitable maintenance programme should take account of:
- the age of the system
- the operating/process conditions
- the working environment
- the manufacturer’s/suppliers instructions
- any previous maintenance history
- reports of examinations carried out under the written scheme of examination by the CP
- the results of other relevant inspections
- repairs or modifications to the system, and the risks to health and safety from failure or deterioration.
Modification and repair (r13)
Nothing about the way a system is modified or reparied shall give rise to danger, or impair the operation of any protective device or inspection facility.
Records (r14)*
The user/owner shall keep the following documents or copies:
- rport of the last examination (r9)
- reports of previous examinations bearing on safe operation, repairs or modifications
- documents relating to information and marking (r5)
- instructions specified in Annex 1 to the Pressure Equipment Directive (found in schedule 2 of the Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999, which details specific quantitative requirements)
- agreements relating to postponement of examination (r9). The records for an installed system shall be kept at the same premises unless (HSE) agree otherwise; the records for a mobile system shall be kept at the premises from which deployment is controlled.
As change of ownership occurs, all records shall be passed on to the new owner.
It is sufficient compliance to enter a record of examination in a computer if:
- the record is personally authenticated by the CP carrying out the examination
- it can be reproduced upon demand at the premises where the record must be kept
- it is secure from loss or interference
- the information can be provided in writing for any new owner of the system.
Preventing pressurisation (r15)
The user of a vessel not intended to be pressurised, by virtue of having a permanent outlet to atmosphere (e.g. a vent pipe), shall ensure the outlet is open and unobstructed.
Defence (r16)
It shall be a defence to prove:
- the offence was committed by another person (who is not your employee) having given written notice to the prosecutor (not later than 7 days before the hearing) identifying the other person
- all reasonable precautions and due diligence were exercised to avoid committing the offence.
**Competent person (cp)
The level of expertise needed by the CP for drawing up the written scheme of examination and carrying out other functions under the regulations, depends on the size and complexity of the pressure system.
HSE have divided pressure systems into three categories: minor, intermediate and major, to illustrate the level of expertise, knowledge and experience needed in different circumstances (for more detail see the Approved Code of Practice).
Minor systems include those containing steam, pressurised hot water, compressed air, inert gases or fluorocarbon refrigerants which are small and present few engineering problems.
Intermediate systems include the majority of storage systems and process systems which do not fall into either of the other two categories. Pipelines are included unless they fall into the major system category.
Major systems are those which because of their size, complexity or hazardous contents require the highest level of expertise in determining their condition.
The following attributes are required for CPs who draw up or certify schemes of examination relating to minor, intermediate and major systems:
MINOR SYSTEMS
Staff At least one member of staff qualified to incorporated engineer level with adequate relevant experience and knowledge of the law, codes of practice, examination and inspection techniques and understanding of the effects of operation for the system concerned.
Specialist Services Established access to basic design and plant operation advice, materials engineering and non-destructive testing (NDT) facilities.
Organisation Sufficient organisation to ensure a reasonable document storage and retrieval system with ready access to relevant law, technical standards and codes.
INTERMEDIATE SYSTEMS
Staff Depending on the complexity of the system, at least one senior member of staff of chartered engineer or equivalent status in each relevant discipline and supported by technically qualified staff and experienced staff with knowledge of the law, codes of practice, examination and inspection techniques and understanding of the effects of operation for the system concerned.
Specialist services In-house or clearly established access to materials engineering, NDT, design and plant operating advice.
Organisation Clear supervisory arrangements with an adequate degree of formal organisation. Appropriate document storage and retrieval system with ready access to relevant law, technical codes and standards.
MAJOR SYSTEMS
Staff Depending on the complexity of the system, at least one senior member of staff of chartered engineer or equivalent status in each relevant discipline and supported by technically qualified staff and experienced staff with knowledge of the law, codes of practice, examination and inspection techniques and understanding of the effects of operation for the system concerned.
Specialist services In-house or clearly established access to the full range of relevant specialist services in the fields of materials engineering, NDT, design and plant operation.
Organisation Formal structure and clear lines of authority and responsibility set out in a written statement. Formal recruitment and training policies for staff. Effective document storage and retrieval system with ready access to relevant law, technical codes and standards.
Exceptions (sch1)
The regulations do not apply to many listed pressure systems, such as vehicle tyres, most portable fire extinguishers, or parts of hand held tools which are pressure vessels.
*Regulations 5(4) ‘marking,’ 8 to 10 and 14, including the examination requirements, do not apply where the product of the pressure and the volume of its pressure vessels is less than 250 bar litres, unless the system contains steam.
Requirements for the design, manufacture, modification and repair of Transportable Pressure Receptacles (previously described as Transportable Gas Containers) are contained in the Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Classification, Packaging and Labelling) and Use of Transportable Pressure Receptacles Regulations 1996 (SI 96/2092).
Pressure Systems SafetyRegulations 2000 (No 128), The Stationery Office.
Related information: see HSE’s ‘L’ and ‘HS(G)’ series including the following selection of key HSE references, all available from HSE Books.
L 122 Safety of Pressure Systems, Pressure Systems SafetyRegulations 2000, Approved Code of Practice (ISBN 0-7176-1767-X) 2000
HS(G)39 Compressed air safety (ISBN 0 7176 1531 6) 1998
HS(G)93 The assessment of pressure vessels operating at low temperatures (ISBN 0 11 882092 3) 1993
These summary sheets are designed to help users become familiar with the practical requirements of key health and safety law. Please note that only the Courts can authoritatively interpret the law, and users are advised to check the legislation proper and associated codes of practice or guidance where necessary. Consequently, EEF is not responsible for any acts or omissions arising from the use of these sheets.
Throughout the summary sheets series, use of the term ‘shall’ indicate a strict duty, but ‘should’ or ‘could’ indicate a qualified duty such as ‘shall, so far as is reasonably practicable’.
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