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Pressure Systems Inspections
PSSR INSPECTION & REGULATION
✓ Achieve and maintain compliance with PSSR regulations
✓ Ensure safe operation of pressure systems across your sites
independent PSSR inspections, PSSR testing and Written Scheme of Examination services
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THE PRESSURE SYSTEMS SAFETY REGULATIONS (PSSR) 2000
PSSR regulations are designed to prevent injury from the hazards associated with stored energy in pressure systems. They apply to any business that owns or operates equipment containing a relevant fluid, including steam, gases under pressure, and liquified gases.
To comply with PSSR, duty holders must:
- Ensure each pressure system has a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE)
- Arrange regular PSSR inspections by a competent person
- Identify defects, safety concerns or deterioration early
- Maintain records to demonstrate ongoing compliance
If you operate pressure systems of any size or complexity, you must ensure they are inspected in accordance with their WSE by a competent, independent PSSR inspection provider.
PSSR INSPECTION & REGULATION
Pressure systems play a vital role across many industries, but failures can have serious safety consequences. To protect people and ensure compliance, all pressure equipment must meet the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) 2000 (2004 in Northern Ireland).
Whether you operate compressed air systems, steam boilers, refrigeration plants or industrial process vessels, you are legally required to ensure that your pressure systems are inspected, tested and maintained in line with PSSR.
Bureau Veritas provides independent PSSR inspections, PSSR testing and Written Scheme of Examination services, delivered by experienced and competent engineers across the UK.
THE PRESSURE SYSTEMS SAFETY REGULATIONS (PSSR) 2000
PSSR regulations are designed to prevent injury from the hazards associated with stored energy in pressure systems. They apply to any business that owns or operates equipment containing a relevant fluid, including steam, gases under pressure, and liquified gases.
To comply with PSSR, duty holders must:
- Ensure each pressure system has a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE)
- Arrange regular PSSR inspections by a competent person
- Identify defects, safety concerns or deterioration early
- Maintain records to demonstrate ongoing compliance
If you operate pressure systems of any size or complexity, you must ensure they are inspected in accordance with their WSE by a competent, independent PSSR inspection provider.
MEETING YOUR PSSR OBLIGATIONS
PSSR applies to a wide range of pressure equipment, including:
- Industrial process vessels
- Boilers and steam systems
- Compressed air systems
- HVAC and refrigeration plant
- Hydraulic systems
- Heating systems
- Power generation equipment
The frequency of PSSR inspections depends on several factors, including system design, age, risk level, operating conditions and location. Most systems require inspection every 12 months, but some require more frequent examination.
Systems not containing a relevant fluid are still subject to other legal frameworks, such as PUWER, and our technical team can advise on the most appropriate inspection approach for your equipment.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PSSR INSPECTIONS?
PSSR inspections provide essential assurance that your pressure systems are safe, compliant and operating as they should:
- Achieve and maintain compliance with PSSR regulations
- Ensure safe operation of pressure systems across your sites
- Identify faults or deterioration early
- Reduce the risk of system failure, downtime or injury
- Support insurance and audit requirements
- Gain assurance from an independent, UK-wide inspection provider
WHY CHOOSE BUREAU VERITAS FOR PSSR INSPECTIONS?
Choosing the right inspection partner is essential to meet your legal responsibilities and maintain safe, compliant pressure systems. Bureau Veritas combines technical expertise, independence and digital efficiency to support businesses nationwide.
Global expertise: Multi-disciplinary inspection engineers, supported by a central planning team for enhanced efficiency and reduced downtime.
Online tools: Innovative digital reporting platforms, including SWIFT, providing 24/7 access to inspection reports and compliance data.
MAIA & SWIFT – ENHANCED REPORTING AND 24/7 ACCESS
Our Swift platform is free for mechanical inspection clients, giving access to live, accurate and reliable data for all inspection reports.
Developed in-house by our own team of experts, SWIFT is a web-based portal which gives safe, secure, 24/7 access to your inspection records, visit reports and equipment lists.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
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What is a PSSR inspection?
A PSSR inspection is a legally required examination of a pressure system carried out by a competent person to ensure it is safe to operate. It follows a Written Scheme of Examination and assesses the condition, integrity and safety of the system.
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How often do pressure vessels need to be inspected in the UK?
Most pressure vessels require inspection at least every 12 months, but frequency depends on risk, system design, usage and the requirements set out in the WSE.
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WHAT IS A COMPETENT PERSON?
A competent person is someone who has the knowledge, skills and experience to undertake PSSR inspections safely and effectively.
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WHAT IS A WRITTEN SCHEME OF EXAMINATION?
A written scheme of examination (WSE) is a legal document required by PSSR that details which parts of the pressure system need to be subject to examination, what types of examination are necessary and the frequency of examination for those parts.
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What are the PSSR regulations?
The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) set out the legal duties for anyone who owns or operates pressure systems. They require a WSE, regular inspections, competent persons, proper maintenance and detailed record-keeping.
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When should a PUWER inspection be carried out?
PUWER inspections should be carried out when equipment is first installed, after significant changes, and at suitable intervals to ensure it remains safe for use. Systems not covered by PSSR may still require PUWER inspection.
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Pressure systems are defined as:
- A system comprising one or more pressure vessels of rigid construction, any associated pipework and protective devices
- The pipework with its protective devices to which a transportable pressure receptacle is, or is intended to be, connected
- A pipeline and its protective devices
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A relevant fluid is:
- Steam at any pressure
- A gas above 0.5 bar above atmospheric pressure or a liquid which would have a vapour pressure above 0.5 bar above atmospheric pressure; pressurised hot water above 110 °C
- A gas dissolved under pressure in a solvent (acetylene)
