PSSR 2000 and your air compressor: what every site needs to know

ByJack Braisher

If your site runs a compressed air system, it almost certainly falls under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000, usually shortened to PSSR. They are one of the most commonly overlooked pieces of workplace legislation, and yet a compressor, receiver and pipework holding air at pressure stores a surprising amount of energy. When something fails, it fails fast.

Here is a plain English guide to what the regulations mean for you.

Does PSSR apply to my compressor?

PSSR applies to systems containing a relevant fluid at a pressure above 0.5 bar gauge. Compressed air counts as a relevant fluid, and practically every workshop or industrial compressor runs well above that threshold. If you have a compressor, an air receiver and pipework feeding tools or machinery, you have a pressure system.

Who is responsible?

The regulations place duties on the user of an installed system, which is normally the business operating it, or the owner of a mobile system. In practice, if the compressor sits in your building, the responsibility sits with you, even if someone else supplied or services the equipment.

What is a Written Scheme of Examination?

At the heart of PSSR is the Written Scheme of Examination, or WSE. This is a document drawn up or certified by a competent person that sets out:

  • which parts of the system need examining, such as the air receiver, safety valves and critical pipework
  • what each examination involves
  • how often each examination must take place

Smaller vessels where the pressure multiplied by the volume comes to less than 250 bar litres are generally excluded from needing a WSE, although they must still be properly maintained. Most industrial air receivers are well above that figure.

How often are inspections needed?

There is no single fixed interval in the regulations. The frequency is set by the WSE, based on the age, condition and operating conditions of your equipment. The key point is that once your scheme sets a date, examinations must happen by that date. An overdue examination is a breach of the regulations in its own right.

What happens during an examination?

A competent person inspects the parts of the system listed in the WSE. For a typical compressed air installation, that usually means an external and, where required, internal examination of the air receiver, a check that safety valves are correctly rated and working, and a look at the condition of fittings and pipework. You receive a written report, which you should keep on file.

Maintenance still matters between examinations

PSSR also requires you to keep the system properly maintained. Regular servicing is not just good practice for reliability and energy efficiency: it is part of meeting your legal duty. Drain your receivers, keep safety devices in working order, and make sure anyone operating the system has adequate instructions.

The risks of getting it wrong

Beyond the obvious safety risk, a missing WSE or lapsed examination can put you on the wrong side of an HSE inspection and may cause problems with your insurer after an incident. Getting your paperwork in order is far cheaper than dealing with the consequences.

How J&J Air Systems can help

We service and repair compressed air systems across London and the Home Counties, whether or not we supplied the equipment. For PSSR, we arrange examinations for our customers through a trusted third party competent person, so your servicing and your statutory inspections are looked after together.

Not sure whether your system is compliant, or can’t find your Written Scheme of Examination? Get in touch for a service quote and we will help you get it sorted.

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