The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 require a written scheme of examination for pressurised systems including calorifiers and pressurised hot water plant common in care home plant rooms. Operating without a written scheme is an immediate breach, regardless of how recently the system was serviced.
Why this matters
A pressure system failure can cause serious injury or death. The written scheme, periodic examination and maintenance requirements under PSSR 2000 are legally binding. HSE has the power to prohibit the operation of any pressure system where these requirements are not met.
What to do
- 1Identify every pressure system in your plant room calorifiers, pressurised vessels, any steam plant and check whether a written scheme of examination exists for each.
- 2If no written scheme exists, commission one from a competent person (typically a specialist engineering inspector or insurance engineer) before the system is next operated.
- 3Check the written scheme for the examination interval typically every 14 months for calorifiers and confirm the last examination was within that period.
- 4Ensure the examination is carried out by a competent person distinct from your routine maintenance contractor. Insurance-backed engineering inspection bodies typically provide this service.
- 5Retain examination reports, written scheme documents and maintenance records together in your plant room folder.
Primary source
HSE PSSR 2000 Approved Code of Practice
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