PSSR 2000 · Pressure systems

Autoclave examination under PSSR

Independent examination of your autoclave under a Written Scheme of Examination, by a competent person under PSSR.

An autoclave holds steam under pressure to sterilise or cure, and the one thing that must never happen is the door opening while that pressure is still inside. The interlock that prevents it, and the vessel that contains the steam, are why PSSR puts an autoclave on a written scheme and a competent examination.

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  • Independent and impartial
  • Competent engineer surveyors
  • Reports issued promptly
The doorThe interlock that must hold while pressure is inside
Written schemeExamined to a certified written scheme of examination
Certified reportA written report of examination, within 28 days
Steam under pressureA pressure vessel for sterilising and curing
Pressure equipment we examine

Why your autoclave needs PSSR examination

An autoclave is a pressure vessel that uses steam under pressure to sterilise instruments and loads or to cure and process materials, raising the temperature well above the boiling point of water. The defining hazard is the door: a closure opened with pressure still inside releases that energy violently, and fatalities have happened where door interlocks or safety devices were defeated.

Because it holds steam under pressure the autoclave is a pressure system under PSSR, and Regulation 8 requires a written scheme of examination before it is used. The examination covers the shell and door inside and out, the interlock and seal, the safety valve and the pressure and temperature controls, then reports on condition. We examine it independently of whoever supplies or services the machine.

Shell and chamber
Door and closure
Door interlock
Door seal
Safety valve
Pressure and temperature controls
Drain and pipework
Nameplate and SWP
How it works

How we examine your autoclave

A competent engineer surveyor examines the shell and chamber inside and out for corrosion and cracking, and the door, its interlock and seal, the features that keep the chamber closed while it is under pressure. The safety valve is tested so it lifts at the set pressure, the pressure and temperature controls are checked, and the safe working pressure is confirmed.

  • 1

    Get in touch

    Tell us the autoclave, its size and duty, and whether a written scheme is already in place.

  • 2

    On-site examination

    A competent engineer surveyor examines the vessel, the door and interlock and tests the safety valve, to the scheme.

  • 3

    Your report

    You receive a written report of examination, any defects and timescales set out, within the statutory window.

Why businesses choose SEIS

  • Independent and impartial: we examine the autoclave, we do not supply or service it
  • Competent engineer surveyors used to steam sterilising and curing plant and PSSR
  • The door, interlock and chamber examined, not just a function test
  • Certified reports issued promptly, the next examination date flagged
What we examine

Autoclave: what a thorough examination covers

Door and interlock

The door, its locking and the safety interlock examined for wear and correct operation, the system that must keep the chamber shut while pressure is inside, the failure behind autoclave fatalities, never assumed to work but checked at every examination.

Door seal

The seal or gasket checked for condition, so the chamber holds pressure cleanly, since a worn seal both leaks pressure and stops the door closing as it should.

Shell and chamber

The shell and chamber examined inside and out for corrosion, pitting and cracking, the pressure boundary that contains the steam, examined directly rather than inferred from a working cycle that looks normal.

Safety valve

The safety valve tested so it lifts at the set pressure, the protection against over-pressure when a control fails.

Pressure and temperature controls

The controls and cut-outs checked so the autoclave holds its cycle and shuts down safely on a fault.

Drain and safe working pressure

The drain and pipework checked for condition, and the marked safe working pressure confirmed so the autoclave is run within its limits.

Scheme and certification

How it works, and what you receive

An autoclave is a pressure system under PSSR, so under Regulation 8 it must have a written scheme of examination, drawn up or certified by a competent person, before it is used. Autoclaves are commonly examined around every twenty-four to twenty-six months in line with industry guidance such as SAFed PSG 01, though the scheme sets the interval on the duty and condition. After each examination you receive a written report on the condition of the vessel, its door interlock and its safety devices, with any actions and timescales, issued within twenty-eight days.

Step oneA Written Scheme of Examination, certified before use
To schemeExamined to the intervals the scheme sets
28 daysA written report, issued within the statutory window
IndependentWe examine it, we do not supply it

You receive a report on the condition of the system and its safety devices, with any actions and timescales set out clearly.

Full statutory cover

Part of our full PSSR inspection service

Autoclave is one of the many kinds of equipment we cover. We inspect the full range, across every sector, as an independent provider, one item or a whole site, anywhere in the UK.

See our full PSSR inspection service
Other services

Other statutory inspections we carry out

Many sites run more than one regime. We can examine all of it, under one independent provider.

LOLER inspectionThorough examination and certification of lifting equipment and accessories. PUWER inspectionInspection of work equipment against the five PUWER duties, with a written record. LEV testingLEV thorough examination and test of your extraction systems.
PSSR FAQs

Autoclave examination: common questions

Does an autoclave need a PSSR examination?
Yes. An autoclave holds steam under pressure and is a pressure system under PSSR, so it must not be used without a written scheme of examination. You can read the duty in the HSE guidance on the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations.
Do I need a written scheme of examination, or a certificate?
A written scheme. Regulation 8 requires a written scheme of examination, drawn up or certified by a competent person, before the autoclave is used, and the examination produces a certified written report. Our guide to PSSR explains the scheme and what it must contain.
Why is the door so important in the examination?
Because a door opened with pressure still inside is the autoclave's worst failure, and people have been killed where interlocks or safety devices were defeated. The examination checks the door, its locking and the interlock that holds the chamber shut until the pressure inside has been released and it is safe to open.
How often should an autoclave be examined?
To the intervals the written scheme sets. Autoclaves are commonly examined around every twenty-four to twenty-six months under industry guidance, but the competent person sets and reviews the interval on the duty and condition.
What does the examination cover?
The shell and chamber inside and out, the door, interlock and seal, the safety valve tested to confirm it lifts, the pressure and temperature controls, the drain and pipework, and the nameplate and safe working pressure.
Is it covered by PSSR or PUWER?
PSSR, because the autoclave is a steam pressure vessel. It is still work equipment to be maintained under PUWER, but a PUWER inspection does not replace the PSSR examination of the autoclave.
Who is competent to examine an autoclave?
A competent person with the training, skills, experience and knowledge for steam pressure vessels, independent of the autoclave's operation. Our engineer surveyors examine autoclaves in healthcare, laboratories and industry and report to the written scheme.
Do you examine autoclaves across the UK?
Yes. Our engineer surveyors travel to hospitals, dental and veterinary practices, laboratories and industrial sites nationwide. Call 0330 043 8191 to arrange a visit around your schedule.

Is your autoclave due an examination?

Talk to an engineer surveyor, get a quote and book your inspection anywhere in the UK.

0330 043 8191 Request a quote