UK Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR)

Background

The EU Pressure Equipment Directive and Simpled Pressure Vessel Directive set the legislative standard for the design and manufacture of pressure equipment throughout Europe. The UK Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) lay down the operational requirements in the UK.

Amongst other requirements, PSSR require pressure systems to:

• Have a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) in place that has been certified as suitable by a Competent Person
• Be subject to inspection by a Competent Person in accordance with the WSE
• It is the responsibility of the user or owner to appoint a body that has the required competence to undertake these functions.

A body that is accredited by UKAS against BS EN 45004 (ISO 17020) has demonstrated that it is a "Competent Body". HPi Verification have this accreditation for all classes of Pressure System.

Pressure Systems.

Pressure systems are systems that contain a ‘Relevant Fluid’

Essentially this is a fluid that contains stored energy, that is a fluid that is a gas or would flash off to a gas at a pressure of 0.5 bar G (steam at any pressure).

Where are Pressure Systems Located

Most industrial premises have at least a compressed air plant. Pressure systems are located in:

• Power stations
• Hydro-carbon process plant
• Hospitals
• Paper processing plant
• Laundries
• Breweries
• Food processing and baking premises

Why HPi Verification Services?

HPi Verification Services is:

• Totally independent of all other functions, including insurance and maintenance.
• Small enough to care, but big enough to provide the service. The service provided can be personalised to suit the requirements of the client (within the framework of the Regulations)
• Experienced in all areas where pressure systems are used, including:
  • Power generation, nuclear as well as fossil fuelled
  • Hydrocarbon processing, refineries and chemical production
  • Food processing
  • Healthcare
  • Paper production
  • General industry

Project Management

HPiVS manages projects as follows:

• A dedicated senior member of staff will be appointed as 'project manager' who will be the focal point between HPi Verification and the customer, thus giving the 'personal touch' to the customer. He will have first hand knowledge of the type of plant and equipment owned by the customer.
• We operate a recall system that records when inspections are due and we notify customers in good time for the required Inspections to be planned.
• For a significant inspection package, a system will be put into place that results in inspection reports being handed over, with a summary sheet, before our personnel leave site. The findings of the inspections will be discussed at this closing meeting.

Inspection Types and Periodicity

HPi Verification have a unique approach to the type and frequency of inspections as specified in the WSE.

With no other baggage, we can be more flexible in the approach to the WSE without affecting the safety of the plant.

Where it is technically possible, Non-invasive inspection techniques can replace the traditional 'eyeballing' approach adopted by most inspection bodies. This can result in significant savings for the operators of pressure systems in the following areas:

• Less down time for the plant, i.e. greater productivity
• Less preparation for examination
• When the plant is shut down, shorter outages or shut-downs are possible
• Cleaning and inspection personnel are not put in danger by entering vessels and equipment

Next Steps

Contact HPi Verification Services