The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) apply to many types of equipment that contain steam, compressed gases, or other relevant fluids under pressure. Determining whether your system falls under these regulations can be complex especially if you’re unsure about definitions like pressure vessel or relevant fluid.
To help dutyholders and owners make informed decisions, we’ve created a simple decision tree based on Regulation 2 and supporting guidance from HSE and Legislation: Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000
Use the flowchart below to assess whether PSSR 2000 applies to your pressure system.
You can also download our PSSR Decision Tree as a PDF for offline reference:
Step 1: Is there a relevant fluid in the system?
(Steam, gases under pressure, or fluids at pressures above 0.5 bar – Reg 2 PSSR)
Step 2: Does the system include a pressure vessel
that either contains steam or has a pressure × volume product of 250 bar litres or more?
Step 3: Is the system mobile or subject to a lease/hire agreement?
Step 4: If PSSR applies, you must comply with the following regulations (as relevant):
Regulation 5 – Provision of information and marking
Regulation 7 – Safe operating limits
Regulation 8 – Written Scheme of Examination *
Regulation 9 – Examination in accordance with the Written Scheme *
Regulation 10 – Action in case of imminent danger *
Regulation 11 – Operation
Regulation 12 – Maintenance
Regulation 14 – Keeping of records *
Regulation 15 – Precautions to prevent pressurisation of certain vessels (user only)
This decision tree only applies to type (a) pressure systems as defined in Regulation 2(1) PSSR: one or more pressure vessels of rigid construction, any associated pipework and protective devices.
It does not apply to type (b) pressure systems (pipework with protective devices for transportable receptacles) or type (c) systems (pipelines and their protective devices).
Always refer to the (PSSR) Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (SI 128) and the HSE Approved Code of Practice L122 for full requirements.
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Keep your workplace safe and stay fully compliant with PSSR.
Don’t wait until an incident happens, our expert team at Plant & Safety will ensure your pressure systems are inspected, tested, and certified to the highest standards.
How can we help?
To learn more or if you have any questions, please feel free to call or email us. You can also request a call back using our online form.
T: 0330 113 7920
E: sales@plantandsafety.co.uk
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