Workshop on the Implementation of the Pressure

Equipment Directive

In-Service InspectionOverview of UK Legislation

Martin YatesSafety Assessment Federation

History

• Factories Acts– Steam Boilers– Steam Receivers– Air Receivers

• Pressure Systems Safety Regulations– All Pressure Systems– All Places of Work

Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000

Responsibilities for:– Designers– Manufacturers– Installers– Owners and Users– Repairers– Competent Persons

Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000

Applicable to:– Rigid Pressure Vessels, Pipework, Protective

Devices– Pipework and Protective Devices with Gas

Cylinders– Pipelines and Protective Devices

Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000

Relevant Fluid– Steam – Gas > 0.5 bar– Liquid with vapour pressure > 0.5 bar

Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000

Exemptions– Ships or aircraft – Braking systems on vehicles– Road tankers subject to ADR– Research experiments– Refrigeration systems < 25 kW

Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000

Partial Exemptions– Each pressure vessel < 250 bar litres (Not steam)

Exempt from in-service inspection

– Equipment supplied under PED

Exempt from new construction requirements

In-Service Inspection Requirements

• Regulation 8 – Written Scheme of Examination

• Regulation 9 – Examination in Accordance with the Written Scheme

• Regulation 10 – Action in case of Imminent Danger

Regulation 8 – Written Scheme of Examination

• Owner/User must have a written scheme– Pressure vessels– Protective devices– Pipework

• Certified by Competent Person

• Reviewed periodically

Content of Written Scheme

• Parts to be Examined

• Nature of Examinations

• Preparations Required

• Intervals between Examinations

• Competent Person

• Date of Certification

Regulation 9 - Examination in Accordance with Written Scheme

• Carried out by Due Date

• Preparations and Safety Requirements

• Suitable Examinations

• Reports

Regulation 10 - Action in Case of Imminent Danger

• Site Defect Report

• Report to Enforcing Authority

• System not to be Operated

Categories of System

• Minor

• Intermediate

• Major

Attributes of Competent Person

• Staff

• Specialist Services

• Organisation

• UKAS

Conclusions

• Goal Setting Legislation

• Flexibility of In-Service Inspection

• Practicality of Written Schemes

• Can Reduce Costs with Increased Inspection Periods

• Can Reduce Downtime with Alternative Inspection Techniques

Examination Frequency

• Records for System/Similar Plant

• Current Condition

• Operating Conditions/Contents

• Levels of Maintenance

• Industry Guidance

• Risk Based Inspection