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