About pressure systems

The main regulations covering pressure equipment, systems and vessels are the:

• Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (PE(S)R)
• Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)
• Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 2016 (SPV(S)R)

Examples of pressure systems and equipment

Examples 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
• steam coffee machine

Principal causes of pressure-related incidents

The principal causes 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

The main hazards 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