PSSR Regulations: UK Pressure Systems Safety Rules

The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) exist to ensure that pressure systems used in the workplace are safe and properly maintained. These systems, if not correctly managed, can pose serious risks including explosions, equipment failure, and injury to workers or the public.

This guide explains everything you need to know about PSSR. Whether you operate a small boiler or a complex compressed air network, understanding these rules is essential.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of who the regulations apply to, what is required for compliance, and what the risks are if they are ignored. SEIS Engineering provides expert inspection, documentation, and compliance services to help businesses meet PSSR requirements.

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What is PSSR and Why Was It Introduced?

What Does PSSR Stand For?

PSSR stands for Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000. These regulations apply to systems containing a relevant fluid under pressure, including steam, gases under pressure, and liquids kept under pressure above atmospheric levels.

The Purpose of PSSR

The primary aim of PSSR is to prevent serious accidents due to failure of pressure systems. These regulations are designed to:

• Ensure safe design, installation, and operation

• Prevent injury to employees or the public

• Promote regular inspections and written schemes of examination

Who Enforces PSSR?

PSSR is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which can investigate non-compliance, issue penalties, or prosecute where required.

SEIS Engineering stays up to date with all HSE standards and can help you prepare for or respond to inspections.

Where PSSR Applies

Common Industries Affected

PSSR applies in a wide range of settings, including:

• Manufacturing: Boilers, compressed air systems, pressure vessels

• Healthcare: Sterilisation units, autoclaves

• Food & Beverage: Steam kettles, carbonation systems

• Automotive & Engineering: Hydraulic presses, air compressors

Real-World Examples

Industry	Example System	Risk if Not Compliant
Healthcare	Autoclave for sterilisation	Explosions, scalding
Food Production	Steam pressure cooker	Burn injury, contamination
Factory Workshop	Air compressor tank	Explosion due to overpressure

What Counts as a Pressure System?

A pressure system includes:

• A pressure vessel (e.g. air receiver, boiler)

• Pipework and fittings linked to the vessel

• Any protective devices such as safety valves

SEIS Engineering works across all of these industries to ensure full PSSR compliance with practical, cost-effective services.

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Key Requirements Under PSSR

1. Written Scheme of Examination (WSE)

Every relevant pressure system must have a Written Scheme of Examination:

• Must be completed before the system is used

• Prepared by a competent person

• Includes inspection frequency, methods, and key components

2. Regular Examinations

Inspections must:

• Be done at intervals specified in the WSE

• Focus on areas critical to safety

• Include checks for corrosion, wear, or fatigue

3. Safe Operating Limits

You must:

• Clearly define maximum allowable pressure

• Mark these limits on the system

• Install pressure relief devices where necessary

SEIS Engineering can help draft or review your Written Scheme, carry out examinations, and verify operating limits through robust testing and certification.

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Responsibilities Under PSSR

Who is the Duty Holder?

The duty holder is typically:

• The employer or owner of the pressure system

• The user of a hired system

• Anyone in control of the system

Competent Person Role

A competent person is someone who:

• Has practical and theoretical knowledge of pressure systems

• Is qualified and experienced in inspection

• Is independent from day-to-day operations of the system

Equipment Designer and Installer

• Systems must be designed according to relevant standards (e.g. BS EN standards)

• Installers must ensure systems are fit for purpose and tested after installation

SEIS Engineering can act as your competent person or work alongside your team to provide independent examination and assurance.

Compliance Steps to Follow

Develop a Written Scheme

• Identify which parts of the system must be examined

• Use a competent person to write the scheme

• Review and update the scheme as needed

Conduct Examinations

• Ensure inspections happen on schedule

• Keep reports signed and dated

• Address defects immediately or restrict use

Maintain Records

Record Type	Retention Period
Written Scheme	Life of system
Inspection Reports	2 years or until next inspection
Modifications	As long as system is in use

SEIS Engineering provides complete support with documentation, inspection reports, and recordkeeping to reduce risk and administrative burden.

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Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance

What Happens if You Ignore PSSR?

Non-compliance can lead to:

• Fines up to £20,000 per offence in Magistrates’ Court

• Unlimited fines in Crown Court

• Imprisonment for up to 2 years for serious offences

Real-World Case Study

A manufacturing company was fined £75,000 after a pressure vessel ruptured due to internal corrosion. It had not been inspected in line with the WSE. The director was personally prosecuted for neglecting safety obligations.

HSE Enforcement Tools

• Improvement notices: Set deadlines for compliance

• Prohibition notices: Immediate stop to unsafe systems

• Prosecution: Where negligence or repeated failures occur

SEIS Engineering helps businesses avoid enforcement action through proactive audits and compliance assessments.

Top Tips for Staying Compliant

Work With a Competent Inspection Provider

• Choose someone with relevant qualifications and independence

• Ensure they understand your industry-specific risks

• HSE guidance on competent persons

Train Your Team

• Make sure staff understand pressure system risks

• Use toolbox talks to reinforce responsibilities

• Maintain clear reporting procedures for faults

Keep Clear Documentation

• Store all WSEs, reports, and certificates safely

• Have easy access for audits or HSE inspections

• Digital solutions can simplify tracking and scheduling

SEIS Engineering offers tailored training, onsite audits, and digital documentation systems to help businesses build a culture of safety and compliance.

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PSSR vs Other Safety Regulations

Regulation	Focus	Applies To
PSSR	Pressure vessels, boilers, steam and compressed gases	Boilers, autoclaves, air receivers
LOLER	Lifting operations and equipment	Cranes, hoists, forklifts
PUWER	General equipment safety	Machinery, tools, conveyors

Many systems fall under multiple regulations. For instance, a hydraulic press may need to comply with PUWER and PSSR simultaneously.

Summary: What You Need to Know

• PSSR protects workers from the risks of pressurised systems

• Applies to anyone using steam, compressed air, or gas under pressure

• Requires a Written Scheme of Examination and regular inspections

• Non-compliance can lead to serious injury, fines, or imprisonment

• Clear documentation and competent inspectors are key to compliance

Need support with PSSR compliance? SEIS Engineering offers professional inspections, Written Schemes of Examination, and expert guidance tailored to your industry. Use the button below to Get in Touch.

Frequently Asked Questions About PSSR