SHE Code 33: Safety of Pressure

and Vacuum Systems

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Group

Managers of staff, visiting scientists; STFC site tenants, and those responsible for contractors on STFC sites who may design, manufacture, build, install, use or maintain:

a) Pressure Systems (excluding hydraulic systems); or

b) Vacuum Systems.

Who should use this presentation & read the code

STFC Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Group

SHE Code 33: “Safety of

Pressure and Vacuum

Systems”

Why a Pressure/Vacuum safety code?

• A large number of Pressure and Vacuum systems are in use on STFC sites. Failures in such systems have the potential, and have caused injury, damage to property and consequent loss of time and money.

• Requirement of the ‘Pressure Systems Safety Regulations’ (PSSR), for pressure systems, and good practice for Vacuum Systems.

Key points• Pressure Systems:

• containing steam; or• fitted with Protective devices (pressure relief

valves); or• with a Pressure*Volume of more than 250 bar

litres• Vacuum systems fitted with Protective devices

(includes simple gas delivery systems because the regulator functions as a protective device)

• Must be registered with your local SHE group as they require regular examination by an independent inspector.

Key points• Designers of Pressure and Vacuum systems

should ensure that the design and consequent assessment of safety is documented for any Pressure/Vacuum system that they design.

• High risk maintenance work on pressure and vacuum systems should be carried out under a permit system.

• Systems bought in from outside should be assessed thoroughly by a competent person to ensure they are safe to use.

It is recognised that Pressure and Vacuum Systems are a specialist area, and only those with the relevant technical experience and knowledge as detailed in Appendix 6 should work with them.

No Code specific training courses are identified.

For help or advice with this code contact your local SHE Group

SHE Training