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Why PSSR Inspections Matter for Businesses in Hartlepool

Hartlepool is a coastal town in County Durham, North East England, located on the North Sea coast. Its position by the sea and its natural harbour helped it develop into an important port from medieval times. Originally known as Hartlepool Headland, the town grew through fishing, trade, and maritime activity, before expanding rapidly during the Industrial Revolution.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, shipbuilding became the most important industry in Hartlepool. Large shipyards, such as William Gray & Company, built merchant ships and naval vessels that were exported around the world. These shipyards employed thousands of workers and supported related industries including engineering, metalworking, and transport. Hartlepool also developed a strong fishing industry, with a busy harbour and fish market.

Hartlepool’s port played a major role in industrial trade. Coal from nearby mining areas was exported through the docks, while raw materials and manufactured goods were imported and distributed across the region. This made Hartlepool a key part of the North East’s industrial network and helped the town grow in population and economic importance.

In the late 20th century, the decline of shipbuilding, fishing, and heavy industry led to economic challenges, including job losses and industrial decline. In response, Hartlepool has worked to diversify its economy. The port remains active and now supports logistics, shipping, and energy-related industries, including links to offshore wind and renewable energy.

Today, Hartlepool has a mixed economy. Manufacturing, engineering, food processing, and port services continue to provide employment, alongside a growing service sector. Retail, healthcare, education, and public services are now major employers. Tourism has also become more important, with attractions such as the Hartlepool Maritime Experience highlighting the town’s maritime heritage and supporting the local economy.

For these businesses, staying compliant with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) is not just a legal requirement—it’s also about safeguarding your employees, protecting your business reputation, and ensuring your equipment remains safe and reliable.

Legal Requirements Under PSSR 2000

PSSR regulations place strict duties on business owners and equipment operators. Any business in Hartlepool that owns or operates pressure systems and pressure equipment must ensure that:

• Pressure systems and pressure equipment is safe to use.

• A written scheme of examination (WSE) is produced prior to their pressure system being put into service.
• A WSE is required when the pressure volume of the vessel exceeds 250 bar/litre (Pressure x Volume), and a relevant fluid is present, or if there is steam stored in the vessel at any pressure.

• Examinations are carried out in line with their written scheme of examination (WSE) and at regular, legally required intervals.

• Inspections are conducted by a competent and impartial person.

Failure to comply can lead to heavy fines, prosecution, and serious safety risks.

Protecting Your Workforce and Your Business

At SEIS, we know that every business in Hartlepool – whether in heavy industry, healthcare, education, catering or automotive—depends on reliable, safe equipment. Regular PSSR inspections & PSSR testing reduces the risk of accidents, protects your workforce, and ensures smooth day-to-day operations. Compliance not only keeps you legal, but also demonstrates a strong commitment to employee safety.

What is a Thorough Examination and In Service Examination under PSSR?

A thorough examination & in service examination under PSSR is a detailed and legally required inspection of your pressure system, and the vessels & system protective devices within it. Unlike simple checks or maintenance tasks, a PSSR examination must be performed by an impartial, competent person and results in an official Report of Thorough Examination.

Frequency of Examinations

How often your pressure system in Hartlepool needs to be inspected & tested depends on its drafted written scheme of examination by the competent person, it’s relevant fluid and the system conditions:

• Every 12 to 14 months – Steam and hot water boilers operating under variable service conditions, and pressure vessels where rapid deterioration can be expected, as outlined in SAFed PSG 01.

• Every 24 to 26 months – Steam and hot water boilers operating under steady conditions, and pressure vessels potentially subject to rapid deterioration, as outlined in SAFed PSG 01 (e.g., Air receivers not regularly drained, shot blast vessels, Autoclaves & Steam jacketed pans).

• Every 26 to 48 months – Watertube steam boilers operating under the highest level of supervision, Pressure vessels not expected to deteriorate to danger within the examination frequency, as outlined in SAFed PSG 01 (e.g., Welded or solid drawn air receivers which are well maintained and regularly drained, Steam receivers associated with boilers on the same examination interval).
• Every 48 to 72 months – Pressure vessels not susceptible to significant deterioration, as outlined in SAFed PSG 01 (e.g., Air/oil receivers, Carbon dioxide storage vessels, Ammonia vessels abscent from stress corrosion cracking).
• Every 120 to 144 months – Examination intervals of 120-144 months would be appropriate for pressure vessels where there is extensive,
  documented experience of satisfactory operation for extended periods without deterioration, as outlined in SAFed PSG 01 (e.g., Stainless steel brewing vessels, class C compressed liquefileable gas and process vessel).

• After significant changes or repairs – Equipment must be inspected immediately if it has been modified, damaged, repaired or relocated.

• It should be noted that consideration should be given to an interim in-service examination under normal operating conditions at the mid-point of any examination period that exceeds 12-14 months.

Competent Persons and Impartial Reporting

PSSR requires inspections to be carried out by a competent and independent person—not by the equipment supplier or operator. At SEIS, we meet these exact criteria. Our inspections are impartial, unbiased, and always in line with UK regulations.

Types of Pressure Systems & Equipment Covered by SEIS in Hartlepool

Businesses in Hartlepool use a vast range of pressure equipment, and at SEIS we provide PSSR inspections across them all.

Day to day business

• Air receivers

• Air/oil receiver

• Nitrogen receivers

• Carbon Dioxide receivers

Medical & Catering

• Autoclaves

• Air receivers/ mobile compressors

• Heat exchangers

• Steam generators

• Cafe/ coffee steam boilers

Manufacturing & Production

• Steam boilers

• Ecomomisers

• Blow down vesels

• Steam receivers

• Steam heated rollers

• Compressed air systems

• Refrigeration systems

No matter the type of equipment on your site, SEIS ensures every examination is completed thoroughly, with full reports for your compliance records.

SEIS: Your Local Independent Inspection & Testing Company

SEIS is proud to support Hartlepool businesses with impartial, expert inspections. We understand the local industries, from the port to food production, and we tailor our service to meet your needs.

Independent, Impartial & Compliant

As an independent inspection provider, we do not sell or repair pressure equipment. This means you can trust our assessments to be impartial, unbiased, and fully in line with PSSR regulations.

Experienced Engineer Surveyors

Our team of qualified surveyors have years of hands-on experience across multiple industries. They know exactly what to look for and how to ensure your business remains compliant without unnecessary disruption.

Minimising Disruption to Your Operations

We understand that downtime costs money. That’s why we work around your production schedule, conducting inspections efficiently and professionally so your operations continue smoothly.

Our Inspection Process in Hartlepool

We make PSSR inspections & testing straightforward and hassle-free for local businesses.

Booking and Scheduling

Simply get in touch with our team, and we’ll arrange a time that works for you.

On-Site Examination

Our engineer surveyors visit your site and carry out thorough & in-service examinations with minimal disruption.

Report of Thorough & In-Service Examination

After each inspection, you’ll receive a clear, detailed report highlighting any defects and recommended actions.

Ongoing Compliance Management

We’ll manage your inspection schedule, reminding you before your next due date. Plus, you’ll have access to our online reporting portal, so your certificates are always at your fingertips.

Why Choose SEIS for PSSR Inspections in Hartlepool?

Choosing the right inspection provider makes all the difference. Here’s why Hartlepool businesses trust SEIS:

Local Knowledge of Hartlepool Industry

From the engineering firms and food manufacturing to farms, schools, and garages, we understand the unique challenges businesses here face.

Trusted by Multiple Sectors

We provide inspections for:

• Heavy industry

• Education

• Healthcare

• Automotive

Client-Centric Approach

We pride ourselves on safety, compliance, and customer service—always putting your needs first.

Hartlepool Facts

1. Hartlepool is a coastal town in County Durham, North East England.

2. It is located on the North Sea coast.

3. Hartlepool developed historically as an important port and harbour.

4. Shipbuilding was once the town’s main industry.

5. Major shipyards such as William Gray & Company employed thousands of workers.

6. Hartlepool also had a significant fishing industry.

7. Coal from nearby mining areas was exported through Hartlepool’s docks.

8. Traditional heavy industries declined in the late 20th century.

9. Today, the port remains active, supporting shipping, logistics, and energy industries.

10. Hartlepool now has a mixed economy, including manufacturing, services, and tourism.

Book PSSR Inspection & Examination in Hartlepool

Booking with SEIS is quick and easy:

✅ Call our friendly team

✅ Fill in our online booking form

✅ Get your inspection arranged around your schedule

We’ll handle the rest, ensuring your equipment is inspected thoroughly, your compliance is up to date, and your workforce is kept safe.

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