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Refrigeration Equipment Inspection
Need your Refrigeration Systems inspected in line with PSSR2000 regulations? Get a quote today to ensure you remain compliant.
Refrigeration Equipment, Chiller Unit And Reverse Heat Pumps Thorough Examination
Chiller Units & Refrigeration Systems Within Industry
Chiller units and industrial refrigeration systems are used to remove heat from processes, equipment, or environments and maintain controlled temperatures. Chillers typically operate by circulating a refrigerant or chilled fluid, such as water or glycol, which absorbs heat and transfers it away from the system. Industrial refrigeration systems are often larger and more complex, designed for continuous operation and precise temperature control in demanding industrial environments.
These systems are essential in manufacturing and processing industries where temperature control is critical to product quality and equipment performance. In food and beverage production, industrial refrigeration is used for chilling, freezing, and cold storage to preserve freshness, extend shelf life, and meet food safety standards. Breweries, dairies, meat processing plants, and cold storage warehouses rely heavily on large-scale refrigeration systems to maintain consistent temperatures throughout production and storage.
Chiller units are also widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. In these sectors, they provide cooling for chemical reactions, fermentation processes, laboratory equipment, and pharmaceutical production lines. Precise temperature control is vital to maintain product stability, ensure safety, and meet strict regulatory requirements. Chillers also support cooling for imaging equipment, clean rooms, and research facilities in healthcare and laboratory environments.
Other key industries that use chiller units and industrial refrigeration systems include data centres, power generation, plastics manufacturing, and HVAC applications in large commercial buildings. In data centres, chillers prevent overheating of servers and electronic equipment, ensuring reliable operation. In power stations and heavy industry, refrigeration systems help cool machinery and processes. Overall, chiller units and industrial refrigeration systems play a crucial role across many industries by maintaining safe operating temperatures, improving efficiency, and protecting both products and equipment.
What’s Covered During Your SEIS Thorough & In Service Examination.
A PSSR (Pressure System Safety Regulations 2000) Thorough and In Service Examination of an refrigeration system is a legally required examination to ensure the vessel(s) are suitable for further service, and safe to used as part of the pressure system. If the vessel has a pressure x volume product greater than 250 bar/litres, a relevant fluid is present within the system, the system is has an overall power rating of above 20KW or the vessel holds steam at any pressure, a written scheme of examination must be drawn up and certified. The competent person must carry out the examination in line with the written scheme of examination. Below is a details description of what is typically covered during a Thorough and In Service Examination;
 General Examination
Verification that the vessel complies with it’s manufacturers specifications and current legislation. Check all relevant documentation such as;
- CE/ UKCA conformity documents.
- Maintenance records.
- Previous hydro-static test pressure certificates.
- Previous reports of thorough examination.
- The written scheme of examination.
- Confirmation of all vessel markings (serial number, safe operating limit, design code, vessel volume etc).
- What refrigeration is used at time of use e.g R134a etc.
 Structural Integrity
- Base of the vessel check supporting feet and ensure vessel is securely affixed.
- Vibration dampening mountings ensure suitability and that they’re not damaged or perished.
- Vessel shell check for no mechanical damage, erosion or excessive corrosion.
- Guarding check the integrity of any guarding covering any moving parts.
- Mounting of system protective devices check for correct fitment and security.
 Auxiliary Components
- Pipework check pipework associated with the vessels.
- Isolation valve(s)Â check suitability, security and correct fitment.
- Compressor unit and guarding (if fitted) check suitability, security, drive belts and correct fitment.
 Electrical System
- Electrical isolator switch check suitability and functionality.
- Pressure switch or pressure cut out check functionality during working examination.
- Flow switch check function during working examination.
 System Protective Devices
- Pressure gauge check for any damage and calibration dates.
- Safety valve ensure they’ve been replaced at intervals outlined within the WSE, and that the WSE is accurate in line with pressure system guidance PSG17.
 In Service Examination And Functional Testing
- Allow system pressure to build and ensure the pressure cut out functions correctly (HP & LP).
- Pressure gauge reads correct and gives a smooth and accurate reading throughout its range.
- Verify flow switch is working correctly.
 Supplementary Tests
The competent person may use any, or all of the following supplementary tests to supplement their examination.
- Hydro-static pressure test.
- Ultrasonic thickness readings.
- non-destructive testing (NDT) by means of ultrasonic flaw detection, radiographic, magnetic particle or dye penetrant.
Common Defects:
- Manufacturers name plate illegible or missing.
- Pressure gauge out of calibration.
- Safety valve out of calibration.
 Documentation and Reporting
After the inspection, the competent person will issue a PSSR Thorough Examination Report. This must include:
- Date of the examination
- Details of the equipment inspected
- Findings, including any defects
- Recommendations or required actions
- Date of next examination due
- Statement on whether the equipment is safe to continue using
If any serious defects are found that pose immediate danger, they must be reported to the duty holder and the enforcing authority (e.g., HSE) immediately.
 Summary
An PSSR inspection of refrigeration systems ensures that your pressure systems are safe, compliant, and fit for use. It helps prevent accidents caused by damaged vessels, poor equipment practices and ineffective system protective devices. While it does not replace regular maintenance, PUWER and PSSR inspections are a crucial legal requirement for keeping pressure safe and avoiding costly breakdowns or incidents.
Why Refrigeration Equipment Thorough Examinations Matter For You & Your Business.Â
Why PSSR2000 Thorough & In Service Examinations Matter
PSSR2000 thorough & in service examinations are a legal requirement in the UK for all pressure systems used at work and must be carried out in line with their written scheme of examination, and for good reason. These inspections ensure that pressure systems and their equipment, such as air receivers, pressure vessels, steam boilers, and other vessels containing a relevant fluid are safe to use, and fit for purpose. The nature of pressure systems and their associated vessels means that equipment failure can lead to catastrophic consequences, including serious injury, fatalities, and significant damage to property. By carrying out regular, scheduled thorough and in service examinations by a competent person, businesses can identify failure mechanisms, structural damage, or faulty system protective devices before they result in an incident.
Pros of Getting a Thorough and Working Examination in line with PSSR2000
Legal Compliance and Risk Reduction: The most obvious advantage is staying compliant with health and safety law. Compliance avoids potential legal action, fines, or even prosecution. More importantly, it drastically reduces the risk of workplace accidents caused by lifting equipment failure.
Improved Safety Culture: Regular inspections foster a proactive safety culture within the organisation. Employees are more likely to trust equipment and feel safe in their work environment when they know thorough checks are in place.
 Extended Equipment Lifespan: Regularly maintained and inspected equipment typically lasts longer. Examinations can identify early signs of damage or fatigue, allowing for preventative maintenance that avoids costly replacements or repairs.
 Insurance and Liability Protection: Insurers may require evidence of PSSR compliance in the event of an incident. Without valid inspection records, insurance claims could be denied or reduced, leaving the business liable for damages.
 Operational Efficiency: Detecting potential issues before they lead to equipment failure helps prevent unscheduled downtime. This keeps operations running smoothly and avoids the knock-on effects of delayed projects or interrupted workflows.
Cons of Failing to Carry Out PSSR Thorough and Working Examinations
 Legal and Financial Consequences: Failing to comply with PSSR can result in enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), including improvement notices, prohibition notices, fines, or even prosecution. Legal battles and associated costs can be financially crippling.
 Increased Risk of Accidents: Equipment that hasn’t been thoroughly examined is far more likely to fail. Such failures can lead to injuries or fatalities, particularly in high-risk environments like construction or manufacturing. Beyond the human cost, the reputational damage to a business can be severe and long-lasting.
 Higher Repair and Replacement Costs: Neglecting inspections can allow minor issues to develop into major faults. These may require costly emergency repairs or complete equipment replacement, expenses that could have been avoided through routine examinations.
 Loss of Business and Clients: Clients often expect their contractors or suppliers to uphold strict safety standards. A failure to meet legal obligations like PSSR can result in lost contracts or blacklisting from future work, especially in regulated industries.
 Increased Insurance Premiums or Invalidated Coverage: As mentioned, insurers may increase premiums or deny coverage entirely if a business can't provide evidence of up-to-date PSSR compliance, placing a heavier financial burden on operations.
PSSR thorough and in service examinations aren’t just a box-ticking exercise - they are an essential component of a responsible, safety-first approach to using pressure systems. The benefits of compliance are wide-ranging, from protecting human life to reducing costs and maintaining operational integrity. Conversely, the risks of neglecting these inspections can be devastating on multiple levels.
Key Points;
 Examinations must be carried out by a competent person - A competent person is someone with the right practical and theoretical knowledge and experience to conduct thorough examinations of pressure systems and their vessels and system protective devices.
Regulation 9 - Examinations in line with the written scheme
Key Points;
- Examinations of pressure systems which has a pressure x volume product of over 250 bar/litre, must have a written scheme of examination drawn up.
- The competent person must carry out the examination of the pressure system, in line with the written scheme of examination, using pressure system guidance and documentation to supplement their examination.
Key points;
 Examination Periods
- Examinations must be carried at set intervals noted in the written scheme of examination.
- SAFed guidance PSG 01 lays out guidance for the competent person as to when certain types of vessels should be examined. The vessel inspection periods can be determined by their process vessel category classification.
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Key points;
A report of thorough examination must contain the following
- The date the examination was undertaken, where the examination was undertaken and when the next examination is to take place.
- Means of identifying the pressure system (Safe operating limit, serial number, plant number, vessel volume, vessel location etc).
- Any findings, comments, defects and repairs noted by the competent person.
- Defects and repairs highlighting imminent danger must be reported to the relevant authority (HSE) within 28 days.
Great experience working with Oliver on the PSSR for our compressors! The team was very professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. They made the entire process smooth and stress-free. We would definitely use them again.
We’ve been using Statutory Equipment Inspection Solutions Ltd for our inspection needs, and their service is unmatched by any competitor we’ve worked with. They are extremely professional, always quick to respond to messages, and consistently provide prompt, detailed reports to help us stay compliant with regulations. Highly reliable and a pleasure to work with — we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
SEIS have delivered LOLER and PSSR Thorough Examinations for us across Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire with the utmost professionalism and the highest standards. With brilliant communication and a friendly, knowledgeable approach, we highly recommend their services.
Oliver at SEIS turned up on short notice to help us out after our current inspections provider let us down. He had our overhead cranes and fork trucks examined, and reports sent to us on the same day. Fantastic service.
The engineer surveyor SEIS sent was personable, and knowledgable. They was happy to work around our operational needs and examined our tailboard lifts with minimal disruption.
Thanks again!
Craig
Thanks again!
Craig