Blog Posts
September 25, 2025
HOW WE HELP WITH PSSR 2000 INSPECTIONS
Plant & Safety provide expert PSSR inspections and testing services to help you comply with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR). Our inspections are carried out by competent persons, ensuring the safe operation of pressure systems across all industries.
Engineering Testing & Certification Services
We carry out PSSR inspections, testing, and certification to keep your pressure systems safe and compliant. Our competent engineers assess, test, and certify equipment in line with statutory requirements
Inspection Scheduling & Compliance Tracking
We work with you to plan inspections, keep accurate records, and ensure that your systems meet legal compliance without disruption to operations.
UNDERSTANDING PRESSURE SYSTEM SAFETY
(Defined under Regulation 2 of PSSR 2000)
A pressure system includes any equipment containing a relevant fluid under pressure. This can range from industrial boilers and air receivers to steam-generating coffee machines.
• Relevant fluid: steam, gases under pressure >0.5 bar, or liquids under vacuum
• Maximum allowable pressure: the highest pressure the system can safely withstand
• Minimum allowable pressure: the lowest safe operating pressure
• Safe operating limits: the boundaries within which the system must operate to avoid risk
Many businesses don’t realise their workshop compressor may fall under PSSR. If it stores compressed air above 0.5 bar gauge pressure, it is classified as a regulated pressure system.
Explore how PSSR 2000 sits within wider UK health & safety law →
DEFINING RELEVANT FLUIDS FOR PRESSURE VESSEL TESTING
The Regulations only apply where a relevant fluid is present. These are substances that can release stored energy violently if containment fails. Under PSSR 2000, relevant fluids include:
• Steam at any pressure
• Compressed or liquefied gas above 0.5 bar gauge (includes compressed air)
• Pressurised hot water above 110 °C
• Gas dissolved under pressure in a solvent (e.g. acetylene)
By contrast, hydraulic oils and liquids without energy storage are generally excluded from PSSR 2000.
PSSR 2000 Testing & Inspection Services
Under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR), owners and users of pressure systems have a legal duty to ensure their equipment is inspected, tested, and certified by a competent person. Our service helps you stay compliant while keeping your workforce safe.
› Initial assessment of your system and legal requirements
› Inspection & testing carried out by a competent person
› Certification & reporting in line with Regulation 9
› Ongoing compliance support to manage repeat inspections
MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT PSSR 2000
Frequently Asked Questions About PSSR 2000
What is PSSR (Pressure Systems Safety Regulations) 2000?
The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) 2000 are a set of UK legal requirements designed to ensure the safe design, operation, and maintenance of pressure systems. These regulations apply to anyone who owns, operates, or is responsible for pressure equipment.
Under PSSR 2000, duty holders must:
Ensure systems are inspected regularly
Have a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) in place
Keep detailed records of PSSR inspections
How often should air receivers be inspected?
Typically, air receivers require inspection every 12 months, but this can vary based on the Written Scheme of Examination (WSE).
Who can carry out a PSSR inspection?
Only a competent person, as defined by the regulations, can carry out and certify PSSR inspections.
What happens if I don’t comply with PSSR?
Non-compliance with PSSR can result in HSE enforcement, prosecution, and serious safety incidents.
What is a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE)?
A Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) is a legal document required by PSSR 2000. It outlines:
Which pressure vessels and components need inspecting
The frequency of inspections
The competent person responsible for examinations
WSEs are crucial for air compressor inspections, air receiver testing, and other pressure system equipment.
Why Pressure System Inspections Are Important
A failing pressure system can be catastrophic. Pressure equipment failures can cause:
Explosions
Fires
Serious injuries or fatalities
By law, you must ensure your systems are inspected by a competent person and kept in safe working order. Our team helps businesses stay compliant through trusted, professional PSSR inspections across the UK.
Air Receiver and Compressor Inspection Services
Our engineers provide thorough inspections for:
Air compressors
Air receivers
Steam boilers
Other industrial pressure systems
These inspections meet the requirements of PSSR 2000, ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.
We offer:
Visual and non-destructive testing (NDT)
Certification and reporting
On-site or off-site pressure vessel inspections
Book your air receiver testing today and ensure your system is fully compliant.
What is maximum and minimum pressure in a pressure system?
Maximum pressure refers to the highest pressure a system can safely operate under normal conditions, often called the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP). Minimum pressure is the lowest pressure at which the system can function effectively, which may be atmospheric or even a vacuum. These limits are critical for designing, inspecting, and operating pressure systems in compliance with PSSR regulations.
PSSR 2000 INSPECTION AND TESTING COMPLIANCE
Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) (Regulation 8)
Before using any qualifying pressure equipment (new or otherwise), a Written scheme of examination (WSE) must be in place, and an examination undertaken (Regulation 8). A Written scheme of examination (WSE) sets out the below;
› Which parts of the system must be examined
› The nature and scope of the examination
› Examination intervals (e.g. annual, biennial)
› Any special safety measures
› Who the competent person is
Without a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE), you cannot legally operate your system, but what is a Written Scheme of Examination and why you need one? →
Our engineers perform detailed air receiver inspections in accordance with your Written Scheme of Examination, ensuring compliance with Regulation 8 and 9 of PSSR 2000.
PSSR REGULATIONS - DUTY OF OWNER AND USERS
PSSR 2000 - Who has obligations under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations?
Under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) framework, having a system in place is not enough, owners and users carry ongoing responsibilities. Regulations 8 and Regulations 9 lie at the heart of those duties.
You must ensure that:
› The owner/ user shall not
operate the system or allow it to be operated unless he has a written scheme for the periodic examination.
› Written scheme of examination should be created by a competent person
You must ensure that:
› A Written Scheme of Examination exists before use
› Examinations are carried out by a competent person
› Reports & certification are completed and retained
….
Why is it important?
Compliance Reminder
Failure to comply with Regulations 8 and 9 of PSSR can lead to enforcement action, fines, prosecution, and significant safety risks.
Every pressure system must have a current Written Scheme of Examination and be inspected by a competent person at the required intervals.
PRESSURE SYSTEM INSPECTION AND TESTING SERVICES
Pressure System Inspection and Testing Services
At Plant & Safety, we provide comprehensive support to help businesses meet their legal obligations under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR).
Our qualified engineers deliver both Regulation 8 services (drafting and certifying Written Schemes of Examination) and Regulation 9 services, including scheduled inspections, pressure system testing, and compliance reporting.
Whether you’re commissioning a new system or maintaining ongoing compliance, we ensure your pressure equipment is safe, certified, and fully documented.
INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION UNDER PSSR 2000
Written Scheme of Examination & Inspection Services (Regulations 8 & 9)
We offer a full suite of inspection and certification services to support your compliance with PSSR 2000:
› Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) drafting by a competent person
› PSSR inspections and pressure system testing in line with HSE requirements
› Certification and reports to demonstrate compliance
› Ongoing support for repeat examinations and record-keeping
AIR COMPRESSOR & AIR RECEIVER INSPECTIONS
Why Choose Plant & Safety for PSSR Inspections?
National Provider
UK-wide coverage and flexible booking
Experience
Highly Qualified, Experienced, and Competent Engineers
Trust
A secure inspection database with automated re-test reminders
Online Reporting
Fast turnaround of reports and clear compliance guidance
USEFUL LINKS & DOWNLOADS FOR PRESSURE SYSTEM COMPLIANCE
Helpful Resources for Pressure System Compliance
Find everything you need to stay compliant from HSE Guides, to expert blogposts and practical downloads.
› Guide to Safety of Pressure Systems
› Does PSSR 2000 apply to my pressure system?
LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES
Pressure System - News and Insights
Company News
September 12, 2025
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Book a PSSR Inspection and testing now
We offer nationwide PSSR testing services to help duty holders meet their legal obligations under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000.
*We may contact you occasionally with exclusive offers, promotional discounts, and company updates that may be of interest to you. By ticking the box above, you consent to Plant and Safety LTD storing and processing your personal data. To learn more about how to unsubscribe and how we protect and respect your privacy, please see our updated Privacy Notice.
TRUSTED EXPERTS
Accreditations and Memberships
Northern Region
Phone: 0330 113 7920
Email: sales@plantandsafety.co.uk
Address: Strathleven House, Levenside Road, Dumbarton, G82 3PD
Central and Southern Region (Head Office)
Phone: 0330 113 7920
Email: sales@plantandsafety.co.uk
Address: Unit 2 Swaffield Park, Hysopp Close, Cannock, WS11 7FU
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
Useful Links