Are you a user of pressure systems?

A pressure system is one that contains or is likely to contain a relevant fluid over 0.5 bar.

The main legislation covering the duties of a user of pressure equipment is the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR).

HSE has produced a number of freely downloadable publications that provide general advice on the duties of the user of pressure equipment. See leaflet INDG261 Pressure systems: A brief guide to safety for more detail but, in general terms, the user must:

• Provide safe and suitable equipment
  eg are the right materials being used in the manufacturing process and are modifications/repairs being carried out properly?

• Know the operating conditions
  including the characteristics of the relevant fluid in the system and the safe operating limits of the equipment.

• Fit suitable protective devices and ensure they function properly
  eg devices such as safety valves, bursting discs and electronic appliances, and ensure they are adjusted to their correct settings and in good working order at all times.

• Carry out suitable maintenance
  including a whole-system maintenance programme that considers factors such as age, uses and the environment in which it is operated.

• Make provision for appropriate training
  so that anybody who operates, installs, maintains, repairs, inspects or tests pressure equipment has the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their job safely. Refresher training should be included.

• Have the equipment examined
  as required under PSSR, including production of a written scheme of examination (WSE), to be used by a competent person to carry out the examination – details in the PSSR Approved Code of Practice (L122).

• Choose a competent person
  ensuring they have the necessary knowledge, skills and, importantly, independence to undertake their role and responsibilities effectively.