About pressure systems

The main regulations covering pressure equipment and pressure systems are the Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999 (PER) and the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR).

Examples of pressure systems and equipment are:

• boilers and steam heating systems
• pressurised process plant and piping
• compressed air systems (fixed and portable)
• pressure cookers, autoclaves and retorts
• heat exchangers and refrigeration plant
• valves, steam traps and filters
• pipework and hoses
• pressure gauges and level indicators

Principal causes of pressure-related incidents are:

• poor equipment and/or system design
• poor installation
• poor maintenance of equipment
• inadequate repairs or modifications
• an unsafe system of work
• operator error, poor training/supervision

The main hazards from pressure are:

• impact from the blast of an explosion or release of compressed liquid or gas
• impact from parts of equipment that fail or any flying debris
• contact with the released liquid or gas, such as steam
• fire resulting from the escape of flammable liquids or gases