1. Pressure Systems: Users Guide Introduction This guidance note summarises the key features of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR). Theses Regulations describe the controls required to prevent explosions in pressure systems. If you have any concerns with the safety of a pressure system contact the Estates and Facilities help desk as a priority. Do the Regulations Apply? Do you operate a pressure system?+ Does it contain a relevant fluid? If Yes to both questions, then the following requirements always apply Safe operating limit for system. Usually set by manufacturer Reg 7 (Para 90-92): complicated for second hand equipment (Para 95). Safe operation. Use in line with manufacturers instructions including start up, emergencies, protective devices. Reg 11 (Para 95). Suitable maintenance regime and instructions. Must be in place; includes instructions for maintenance staff. Reg 12 (Para 168 – 176). Prevent unauthorised over pressurisation. Protects ancillary vessels and vents, etc. Reg 15 (Para 190-1). Steam Compressed gas above 0.5 bar Liquid which becomes gas on failure Pipework associated with compressed gases Pressure vessels and pipework Any system with a steam boiler Document control: V1Issued: Dec 2015Authored: Steven Carter Page 1 of 2

2. Plus if the following conditions are present then these additional requirements also apply System contains generated steam, at any pressure. For other gases (relevant fluids) has a combined pressure and volume of 250 bar litre (volume of vessel x design pressure) Written scheme of examination. This is created by the equipment manufacturer or supplier; or the insurance inspector. This must be in place before equipment is used. Reg 8 (Para 101-3). Thorough examination. Conducted by the University’s insurance inspector. Any serious failures are reported to the regulator and means the equipment must be immediately removed from use. Reg 9 (Para 126-9). Keeping records. There are a range of records, including manufacturers instructions and schematics; and insurance reports, that must be kept and made available. The list of records and timescales for retention are described in Reg 14 (Para 182-187). Compliance: These regulations are complex and contain many prescriptive requirements. If there is any doubt as to the compliance, or the safe operation, of a pressure system then the system should be made safe if safe to do so (e.g. by depressurising the system). Estates and Facilities must be notified as a priority. Legal Requirements Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 – applies to all users of pressure systems. These Regulations are summarised in this guidance note. Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999 - applies to most organisations who make, design or import pressure systems into the European Union. This applies to the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure equipment and assemblies of pressure equipment. These regulations are complex and would be time consuming and challenging to comply with. This is why CE marked equipment with appropriate manuals for safe use are important for pressure systems we obtain and use. There are some complex requirements if we try to transfer a Queen Mary made pressure system to another institution. Further Information HSE web site http://www.hse.gov.uk/pressure-systems/http://www.hse.gov.uk/pressure-systems/ Document control: V1Issued: Dec 2015Authored: Steven Carter Page 2 of 2