HSE PSSR 2000: HSE Pressure Systems Rules

Regulatory citation: The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (SI 2000/128)

What Are the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations?

The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) aim to prevent serious injury from the stored energy in pressure systems. They apply to systems containing a relevant fluid, which includes steam, and gases or certain liquids held at more than 0.5 bar above atmospheric pressure. Examples include steam boilers and compressed air systems. Duties fall mainly on the user of an installed system and the owner of a mobile system.

Why Pressure System Safety Matters

When a pressure vessel or pipe fails, it can release energy suddenly. Blast, debris and steam can kill or seriously injure people nearby. Common causes include poor maintenance, faulty protective devices and operating outside safe limits.

Core Obligations

1. Establish Safe Operating Limits (Regulation 7)

A pressure system must not be operated until its safe operating limits have been established. These limits include a margin of safety below the point where failure could occur. Where the owner of a mobile system is not the user, the owner must give the user a written statement of the limits or mark them clearly on the system.

2. Have a Written Scheme of Examination (Regulation 8)

The system must not be operated without a written scheme of examination that is drawn up or certified as suitable by a competent person. The scheme covers all protective devices, plus pressure vessels and pipework where a defect could cause danger. It sets the nature and frequency of examinations and, where appropriate, requires an examination before first use.

3. Carry Out Examinations (Regulation 9)

A competent person must examine the parts listed in the scheme at the required intervals. The examiner must send a signed and dated written report within 28 days of the examination, or sooner if a deadline in the report requires it. The report states any required repairs and the date of the next examination. The system must not run past that date unless an examination has been done or a valid postponement is in place.

4. Act on Imminent Danger (Regulation 10)

If the competent person finds that the system will cause imminent danger unless repairs or changes are made, they must give a written report straight away to the user, or to both the owner and user of a mobile system. Within 14 days of finishing the examination, they must also send a written report to the enforcing authority. The system must not be operated until the repairs or changes are made.

5. Provide Operating Instructions (Regulation 11)

Operators must receive adequate and suitable instructions for safe operation and for what to do in an emergency. The user must ensure the system is only operated in line with these instructions.

6. Maintain, Modify and Repair Safely (Regulations 12 and 13)

The system must be properly maintained in good repair so as to prevent danger. Modifications and repairs must not cause danger.

7. Keep Records (Regulation 14)

The user or owner must keep the latest examination report, along with earlier reports that help show whether the system can be operated, repaired or modified safely. They pass to a new user or owner if the system changes hands.

Common Compliance Approaches

Build a Pressure System Register

List every system with its safe operating limits, protective devices and next examination date.

Use an Independent Competent Person

Many organizations appoint an inspection body or insurer to draw up the scheme and carry out examinations.

Example: PSSR in Practice

A food factory runs a steam boiler and a compressed air system. Its insurer drafts a written scheme covering the boiler, the air receiver and their safety valves. During an examination the engineer finds a seized safety valve on the receiver and issues an imminent danger report. The factory isolates the receiver at once, replaces the valve and keeps the system out of use until the engineer confirms the repair.

Related regulations: HSE PUWER, HSE DSEAR 2002, HSE RIDDOR, OSHA process safety management.

Note: These regulations apply in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Northern Ireland has equivalent regulations, which are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who counts as a competent person under PSSR?

A person or organization with the knowledge, experience and independence needed for the system concerned. The definition excludes an employee acting alone, but a company can act as competent person through its employees.

Does PSSR set examination intervals?

No. The competent person sets the nature and frequency of examinations in the written scheme, based on the system's design, age, condition and use.

Are all pressurized systems covered?

No. The regulations only apply where a relevant fluid is involved, and Schedule 1 lists systems that are excluded.