Pressure Systems
Pressure Systems and Vessels

Pressure Systems

Pressure Systems and Vessels

Transportable Gas Containers (Gas Cylinders)

Competent Persons

Written Schemes of Examination

Checklist - Pressure Systems & Gas Cylinders

Definitions & References

Common Questions

Key Points

Only competent persons may work on plant / systems / vessels / cylinders containing pressurised gases at more than 0.5 bar above atmospheric, or steam at any pressure. This includes camera pedestals. The rules cover all associated pipe work and any protective devices / components designed to achieve system safety.

The manager responsible for the plant/system/equipment must make arrangements to determine if it comes within the scope of the Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Container Regulations, 1989, and if it does, must ensure that each individual system or equipment:

is properly designed, suitable for the purpose, and maintained in safe working order;
has safe operating limits identified, documented and never exceeded;
has, when first taken into service, the appropriate certificates from the manufacturer/supplier;
and, if the pressure x volume (of the largest pressure vessel) exceeds 250 bar litre, must ensure that it has a written scheme of examination - written or certified as suitable by a competent person (in this case, competent has a particular definition), and the scheme is revised if there are major repairs or alterations;
is regularly examined by a competent person (according to the written scheme) with a written report;
has records and information on the plant or equipment kept together with details of changes, tests, repairs and maintenance records;
has a unique identifier, and is clearly marked with the maximum work pressure;
has clear operating instructions, system drawings etc., and trained operators/maintenance people.

A written scheme of examination is not required for the valves, pressure gauges, hoses, torches and other components that form part of conventional gas welding sets.