PSSR 2000 · Pressure systems

Refrigeration plant examination under PSSR

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

Refrigeration plant drives a refrigerant round a sealed circuit, and on the high side it holds that refrigerant under real pressure, with the added hazard that a leak can be flammable or toxic. The receiver, the protective devices and the pipework that contain it are examined to a written scheme under PSSR.

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  • Independent and impartial
  • Competent engineer surveyors
  • Reports issued promptly
The high sideThe pressurised part of the refrigerant circuit
Written schemeExamined to a certified written scheme of examination
Relief and discsRelief valves and bursting discs that protect the plant
Certified reportA written report of examination, within 28 days
Pressure equipment we examine

Why your refrigeration system needs PSSR examination

A refrigeration system moves heat by compressing a refrigerant, condensing it to a liquid, and letting it evaporate to absorb heat, around a sealed circuit of compressor, condenser, liquid receiver and evaporator. The high side, and the liquid receiver in particular, holds the refrigerant under pressure, and where that refrigerant is ammonia or a flammable gas a release is dangerous as well as costly.

Where the system holds a relevant fluid above the threshold it is a pressure system under PSSR, and Regulation 8 requires a written scheme of examination before it is used. The examination covers the receiver and other vessels, the relief valves and bursting discs that protect them, the pressure cut-outs and the pipework, then reports on condition. We examine it independently of whoever maintains the plant.

Liquid receiver
Other vessels
Relief valves
Bursting discs
Pressure cut-outs
Pressure gauges
Pipework and joints
Nameplate and SWP
How it works

How we examine your refrigeration system

A competent engineer surveyor examines the receiver and the other vessels inside and out where the scheme allows, for corrosion and cracking, and checks the protective arrangement that a refrigeration system depends on: the relief valves and bursting discs, the high and low pressure cut-outs, and the pipework and joints where refrigerant can leak. The safe working pressure is confirmed against the plant.

  • 1

    Get in touch

    Tell us the plant, the refrigerant and pressures, and whether a written scheme is in place.

  • 2

    On-site examination

    A competent engineer surveyor examines the vessels and protective devices and checks the circuit, 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 plant, we do not supply or service it
  • Competent engineer surveyors used to refrigeration plant and PSSR
  • The vessels and the protective devices examined, not just a gas check
  • Certified reports issued promptly, the next examination date flagged
What we examine

Refrigeration system: what a thorough examination covers

Liquid receiver

The high-pressure receiver examined inside and out for corrosion and cracking, the vessel that holds the charge of liquid refrigerant and the most energy on the plant.

Relief valves

The relief valves checked and tested so they lift at the set pressure, the protection that has to vent a vessel safely before it is over-pressured.

Bursting discs

The bursting discs and their indicators checked, because a failed disc can leave the relief valve as the only barrier, and a ruptured one is a route straight to atmosphere.

Pressure cut-outs

The high and low pressure cut-outs checked so the plant shuts down on a fault rather than running on into danger.

Pipework and joints

The pipework and joints checked for corrosion and leaks, the long, jointed runs where refrigerant escapes and a hazard builds quietly.

Nameplate and safe working pressure

The marked safe working pressure confirmed, so the plant is run within the limits the scheme and the examination are built around, on a plant where pressure and hazard travel together.

Scheme and certification

How it works, and what you receive

Where a refrigeration system holds a relevant fluid above the threshold it 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. It is examined to the intervals the scheme sets, on the duty, the refrigerant and the condition of the plant. After each examination you receive a written report on the condition of the vessels and their protective 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

Refrigeration system 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

Refrigeration system examination: common questions

Does refrigeration plant need a PSSR examination?
It does where the refrigerant circuit holds a relevant fluid above the threshold. The high side of a system, and the liquid receiver especially, is a pressure system, and 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 plant is used, and the examination produces a certified written report. Our guide to PSSR explains the scheme and what it must contain.
Does it matter which refrigerant the plant uses?
It affects the hazard. Ammonia and flammable refrigerants make a leak dangerous as well as costly, so the protective devices and the pipework are examined with that in mind. The pressure duty itself depends on whether the circuit is above the threshold, whatever the refrigerant.
What does the examination cover?
The liquid receiver and other vessels inside and out where the scheme allows, the relief valves and bursting discs, the high and low pressure cut-outs, the pressure gauges, the pipework and joints, and the nameplate and safe working pressure.
How often should refrigeration plant be examined?
To the intervals the written scheme sets, on the duty, the refrigerant and the condition. The competent person sets and reviews those intervals, taking account of how the plant is run and the hazard the refrigerant presents.
Is it covered by PSSR or PUWER?
PSSR, where the circuit is above the threshold. The plant is still work equipment to be maintained under PUWER, but a PUWER inspection does not replace the PSSR examination of the pressure side.
Who is competent to examine it?
A competent person with the training, skills, experience and knowledge for refrigeration plant, independent of its operation. Our engineer surveyors examine refrigeration systems and report to the written scheme.
Do you examine refrigeration plant across the UK?
Yes. Our engineer surveyors travel to cold stores, food and process plants and industrial sites nationwide. Call 0330 043 8191 to arrange a visit around your operation.

Is your refrigeration system 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