PSSR Inspections

Why choose us for PSSR Inspections?

We undertake PSSR inspections on all types of pressure systems, vessels, receivers, and boilers throughout the UK. Furthermore, where required, we will produce a minor WSE at the time of inspection free of charge.

All our engineer surveyors are competent to act as your Competent Person. They undertake all inspections following our in-house procedures, Risk Assessment and Method Statements (RAMS).

Highly Trained Engineers

Professional, Impartial Advice

Quick Response

Competitive Pricing

What is PSSR?

PSSR stands for the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000. Their main objective is to stop accidents caused by a pressure system’s or one of its component sections failing. The Regulations apply to owners and users of systems containing relevant fluids. These are steam, gases under pressure, and any other fluids that are artificially maintained under pressure and turn into gases when released into the atmosphere.

What are PSSR inspections?

The PSSR regulations stipulate when a pressure system requires a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE). If it requires a WSE, then it also requires a Thorough Examination in accordance with the WSE. PSSR Inspections or Pressure Inspections are two terms that are frequently used to describe a thorough examination.

PSSR Air Receiver
Air Receiver

What is the purpose of the inspections?

The objective of the inspections are:

  • To detect real and potential defects in the pressure system
  • To judge the significance of the defects – if the system is still fit for purpose
  • To report the results of the examination, as well as to specify any remedial action and/or recommendations for repair
  • To comment on the suitability of the examination and any necessary changes to inspection methods/the WSE/safe operating limits.
PSSR Inspections provided by Enspection Ltd
Pressure Equipment

What does a Written Scheme of Examination include?

A WSE specifies the items within a pressure system that require an inspection by a competent person. It should list all the protective devices, and every pressure vessel and pipeline in which a defect may cause danger. It should also specify the nature and frequency of the inspections. Additionally, it should specify any additional measures required to prepare the system for safe inspection that the user or owner may not be reasonably expected to take without professional guidance.

Can I get a Written Scheme for free?

Yes, we will produce a minor WSE during the inspection using our own template. For a WSE we create in this way, we will not charge you anything. The inspection must follow the WSE in accordance with the PSSR regulations and cannot continue without one. Producing a WSE at the time of the inspection enables the inspection to continue. Therefore, producing one without charge is more cost-effective than rescheduling the inspection, which increases expenditure.

Due to the time required for its production, you should be prepared to pay for an intermediate or major WSE.  However, some inspection companies also charge for minor WSEs.

What equipment does PSSR cover?

  • Pressure systems, vessels and receivers that contain steam at any pressure.
  • Pressure vessels and receivers with a capacity of 250 bar / litres and above. To establish the bar / litres of a pressure vessel, multiply the vessel operating pressure in bar by the vessel capacity in litres i.e. 10 bar x 50 Litres = 500 bar / litres.
  • Hot water boilers that operate above boiling point at atmospheric pressure (100c).
  • Refrigeration and air conditioning plants with compressor motors which exceed 25kW, or where the total installed power exceeds 25kW.
PSSR Inspections of Pressure Equipment – Enspection Ltd
Pressure Vessels
PSSR Coffee Machine
Coffee Machine

Who is the Competent Person?

The person undertaking the thorough examination does so acting as the Competent Person. To act as the Competent Person, they should have such appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the equipment they are examining to enable them to detect defects or weaknesses and to assess their importance in relation to the safety and continued use of the equipment.

The competent person must be sufficiently independent and impartial to allow objective decisions to be made and necessary recommendations arising from the thorough examination are made without fear or favour.

Is there further guidance?

The HSE has produced an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance for the safe use of lifting equipment. It clarifies what equipment is subject to the provisions of the PSSR regulations and details the role of the Competent Person. You can download a free copy of the ACOP from the HSE website by clicking here.