Air receivers are in very wide spread use. They are commonly referred to as air compressors, air vessels, air tanks etc. They are found in garages and tyre repair depots and anywhere that requires compressed air. These items will come under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000.

( Part 1 )
Protective devices including safety valves and pressure gauge to be removed for testing.
(The client may supply suitable test certification from an accredited test house for the safety valve and pressure gauge.)
– Isolated from the power source.
– Depressurised completely and the inspection openings removed.

( Part 2 )
Generally carried out at the same visit and after the part 1 when the equipment is rebuilt and pressurised and involves an external examination.

The Out of Service examination and the Intermediate In service examination periodicities should be the same with the exception of air/oil receivers.

These vessels are typically associated with a compressor and are used to separate the oil from the air and recirculate the oil back to the compressor. They have a filter which should be changed under a routine maintenance program and our Thorough Part 1 examination can be coordinated with a service engineer. They are usually found in the same applications as normal air receivers and will come under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000. They are excluded from examination if less than 250 bar litres in capacity

( Part 1 )
– Isolated from the source of power
– Depressurised completely and the inspection opening removed
(Typically a bolted top cover or plugs).
– Oil to be drained out and clean externally.
– Safety relief valve and pressure gauge should be removed for testing.
(The client may supply suitable test certification from an accredited test house for the safety valve and pressure gauge)

( Part 2 )
– Generally carried out at the same visit and after the part 1 when the equipment is rebuilt and pressurised and involves an external examination.

Usually at 24 months, an external examination is required and a check on the protective devices. The safety valve may require removal for testing if stated on the written scheme or last report.

Atmospheric heating boilers are used to heat water but will not exceed a boiling temperature of 100 deg.C

( Part 1 )
(A non-invasive examination unless the client requests an internal examination)
– Can be inspected during operation or at rest.
(As it is at atmospheric pressure, there will not be any overpressure protective devices, however the Engineer Surveyor may request additional tests.)

External only, periodicities may be the same, Engineer Surveyor may request documentation for maintenance carried out.

These items generate high pressure hot water and steam for industrial cleaning processes (e.g. vehicles, stone work). Some will require a water supply via a hose and other portable types may have a tank filled with water.

( Part 1 )
Self-contained steam boiler (Generates steam as part of the process).
– Cover to be removed to allow access to the steam boiler
– Removal of protective devices.
– The safety relief valve and pressure gauge should be removed for testing
(Client may supply suitable test certification from an accredited test house for the safety valve and pressure gauge).

( Part 2)
No internal steam boiler (Steaming aspect of the unit is generated by high pressure water being heated within a coil and released from the lance)
Does not fall within PSSR as there is no pressure vessel, no significant preparation is required for this examination.

( Part 3)
(Both types) – the cleaner to be seen under working conditions and testing of any additional safety devices such as flame failure / temp controls

Examination of the external surfaces with no preparation required.

A standard boiler similar to one in your home, used to heat water.

(A non-invasive examination unless the client requests an internal examination)
– Can be inspected during operation or at rest.
– Engineer Surveyor may require review of maintenance records at examination.
(The boiler (including any associated safety relief valve and pressure gauge) should be maintained under a contract with a competent service provider)

External examination at work or rest. Only safe access required.

Driers are used in compressed air systems to remove moisture from the air after being compressed. In desiccant types, the moisture is trapped in the medium within the vessel which requires to be replenished periodically under maintenance. In refrigerated driers the hot air is cooled by a refrigerant gas to condense the moisture which is automatically removed and drained out periodically.

( Part 1 )
Desiccant Type Driers
Require the attendance of a maintenance engineer to prepare the vessel for internal examination and removal of drying medium (e.g. desiccant).
Review previous reports and WSE for if a non-invasive examination with thickness tests is to be carried out by our surveyor or NDT provider.

( Part 2 )
– The safety relief valve and pressure gauge should be removed for testing
(The client may supply suitable test certification from an accredited test house for the safety valve and pressure gauge).
Refrigerated Type Driers
May require casings/covers to be removed to gain external access.

( Part 3 )
Generally, examination will be completed at the same time.

This examination will take the form of an external check for any issues and may also involve documentation checks for safety relief valves.

A sewage ejector pump, also called a pump-up ejector system, is used when a bathroom, laundry room or any other type of plumbing fixture is located below the level of the main sewer or septic line flowing from the building. … The wastewater is then pumped out of the vessel and up to the level of the sewer or septic line

( Part 1 )
– Isolated from the source of power.
– Depressurised complete inspection openings removed.
(This is usually a top cover).
– Clean both internally and externally and safe access provided.
– Safety relief valve and pressure gauge should be removed for testing.
(The client may supply suitable test certification from an accredited test house for the safety valve and pressure gauge)

( Part 2 )
-Generally carried out at the same visit and after the part 1 when the equipment is rebuilt and pressurised.

Dependent on the periodicity and what is within the WSE, the protective devices may require validation.

This is a pressure vessel with an internal tube bundle, generally with cooling water flowing through it, used to cool the air around it all contained in an outer body/casing

( Part 1 )
(Refer to previous reports and WSE, there may be the need to dismantle and remove the tube bundle or carry out a hydraulic pressure test).
– The safety relief valve and pressure gauge should be removed for testing.(The client may supply suitable test certification from an accredited test house for the safety valve and pressure gauge if they wish to go down that route).

( Part 2 )
– Generally carried out at the same visit and after the part 1 when the equipment is rebuilt and pressurised.

Dependent on the periodicity and what is within the WSE, the protective devices may require validation.

Blowdown vessels are used for the removal of water from a boiler.

Its purpose is to control boiler water parameters within prescribed limits to minimize scale, corrosion, carryover, and other specific problems. Blowdown is also used to remove suspended solids present in the system.

( Part 1 )
– Isolated from any source of steam/hot water,
– Completely drained and opened up for inspection.
– Any pressure gauges should be removed for testing or certification provided from a qualified 3rd party.

( Part 2 )
–Part two of a two-part examination with the equipment in service.
(Completed at a different date after the boiler has been reassembled and brought back into service).
– Qualified/trained operator(s) or contractor(s) required

External examination at work.

Used to produce hot water for heating and other processes

( Part 1 )
(Refer to previous reports and WSE to check for any additional removal of parts or testing that may be required at the upcoming inspection, this may involve NDT or hydraulic testing or other requirements).
– The boiler should be isolated from all sources of power, fuel and any other associated pressure plant.
– Should be cooled and drained down with all inspection doors and openings removed from both the steam and water side as well as the combustion side.

( Part 1 continued )
– The fittings which will include the crown (main stop valve), blowdown valve, feed water check valve, safety valves and water level gauge glasses should be removed and stripped down into component pieces for inspection
(The client may supply suitable test certification from an accredited test house for the safety valve and pressure gauge)

( Part 2)
– In service examination
– Suitably qualified/trained operator(s) or contractor(s) required
– All the safety devices are tested to ensure correct operation (e.g. flame failure, high temp lock out, low pressure alarm)

Examination of the external surfaces with no preparation required.

Steam boilers come in a variety of shapes and sizes but essentially they are used to boil water under pressure to convert to steam for heating in heat exchangers or for a site process.

The heat can come from either an oil or gas burner or biomass

(Part 1)

(Refer to your previous reports and WSE to check for any additional removal of parts or testing that may be required for the upcoming inspection, this may involve NDT or hydraulic testing or other requirements).
– Isolated from all sources of power, fuel and any other associated pressure plant.
– The boiler should be cooled and drained down

(Part 1 Continued)– All inspection doors and openings removed from both the steam and water side and the combustion side and suitably cleaned to allow safe access.
– The fittings which will include the crown (main stop valve), blowdown valve, feed water check valve, safety valves and water level gauge glasses should be removed and stripped down into component pieces for inspection
(The client may supply suitable test certification from an accredited test house for the safety valve and pressure gauge)

(Part 2)
– In service examination.
– Qualified/trained operator(s) or contractor(s) required
– All the safety devices are tested to ensure correct operation (safety valve lifted live with steam, water level alarms, gauge glasses tested, flame failure device)

 In service examination.
– Qualified/trained operator(s) or contractor(s) required
– All the safety devices are tested to ensure correct operation (safety valve lifted live with steam, water level alarms, gauge glasses tested, flame failure device)

Used for food production in kitchens or factories

( Part 1 )
(Refer to previous reports and WSE to check for any additional removal of parts or testing that may be required at the upcoming inspection, this may involve NDT or hydraulic testing or other requirements, such as removal of insulation and cladding).
– Should be suitably isolated from all sources of heat or pressure and safe access provided.

( Part 1 continued )
– The safety relief valve and pressure gauge should be removed for testing
(The client may supply suitable test certification from an accredited test house for the safety valve and pressure gauge)

( Part 2)
Can carry this out at the same visit as the part 1 provided it can be repressurised at that time, otherwise a separate visit will be required to carry out the part 2.

External examination either at work or rest

Ammonia refrigeration systems are, as the name implies, a system of refrigeration that uses ammonia. The ammonia is the chemical that is used to absorb the heat from one area, and bring it to another area to dissipate

( Part 1 )
(Refer to your previous reports and WSE to check for any additional removal of parts or testing that may be required at the upcoming inspection)
– The out of service examination is classed as a non-invasive examination,
– A review of the maintenance documentation and certification of the protective devices may be requested.

( Part 1 Continued)
NDT will be required to vessels on the high pressure side of the system, (reference should be made to the current WSE and previous report).
– Plate heat exchangers with rubber seals may require the seals to be replaced at periodic intervals – see WSE

( Part 2 )
Generally carried out at the same visit and after the part 1 when the equipment is rebuilt and pressurised and involves an external examination.

The intermediate in service examination will consist of an external examination either at work or rest, it shouldn’t be necessary for outside third parties to be present to prepare any machinery for inspection.

Storage for Anhydrous ammonia, a colourless gas with pungent, suffocating fumes, which is used as an agricultural fertilizer and industrial refrigerant.

( Part 1 )
– Isolated from all possible sources,
– Depressurised, drained down and cleaned out.
– Inspection doors and ports should be opened and removed.
(Refer to previous reports and WSE should be reviewed to check if any additional tests such as NDT have been requested).

( Part 1 Continued)
– The safety relief valve and pressure gauge should be removed for testing,
(The client may supply suitable test certification from an accredited test house for the safety valve and pressure gauge)

( Part 2 )
– Review of test certification of the protective devices and the maintenance history.

 External examination either at work or rest.
Not necessary for outside third parties to be present to prepare any machinery for inspection.

A vessel for storing chlorine gas and liquid

( Part 1 )
– Should be completely isolated from all possible sources,
– Depressurised and drained down and cleaned out.
– Inspection doors and ports should be opened and removed.
(Refer to previous reports and WSE should be reviewed to check if any additional tests such as NDT have been requested)

( Part 1 Continued)
– The safety relief valve and pressure gauge should be removed for testing,
(The client may supply suitable test certification from an accredited test house for the safety valve and pressure gauge)

( Part 2 )
– Review of test certification of the protective devices and the maintenance history.

 External examination either at work or rest.
Not necessary for outside third parties to be present to prepare any machinery for inspection

A vessel for storing liquefied petroleum

( Part 1 )
– Should be completely isolated from all possible sources,
– Depressurised and drained down and cleaned out.
– Inspection doors and ports should be opened and removed.
(Refer to previous reports and WSE should be reviewed to check if any additional tests such as NDT have been requested).

( Part 1 Continued)
– The safety relief valve and pressure gauge should be removed for testing,
(The client may supply suitable test certification from an accredited test house for the safety valve and pressure gauge)
(A TechCon contract should be set up to ensure the safe operating limits are either established or reviewed as acceptable by a head office engineer)

( Part 2 )
– Review of test certification of the protective devices and the maintenance history.

 External examination either at work or rest.
Not necessary for outside third parties to be present to prepare any machinery for inspection.

Used to store liquified gases for processes

( Part 1 )
This examination will generally be a non-invasive external examination and review of documentation supplied by the client. The previous reports and WSE should be reviewed to check if any additional tests such as NDT have been requested.

( Part 1 Continued)
The protective devices (e.g. safety relief valves / bursting discs / pressure indicators/alarms) should be renewed or tested to confirm suitability as required by the WSE.

( Part 2 )
Review of test certification of the protective devices and the maintenance history.
NOTE: Revalidation to British Compressed Gas Association guidance CP39 is required when 20 years old – this requires a Tech Con contract.

 External examination either at work or rest.
Not necessary for outside third parties to be present to prepare any machinery for inspection.
Protective devices will require renewal / testing as required by the WSE

Pipelines for cross country transportation of fluids or from one premises to another

( Part 1 )
This examination will generally be a non-invasive external examination and review of documentation supplied by the client. The previous reports and WSE should be reviewed to check if any additional tests such as NDT / confirmation of cathodic protection systems have been requested.

( Part 1 Continued)
The protective devices (e.g. safety relief valves / bursting discs / pressure indicators/alarms) should be renewed or tested to confirm suitability as required by the WSE

( Part 2 )
Review of test certification of the protective devices and the maintenance history.

 External examination either at work or rest.
Not necessary for outside third parties to be present to prepare any machinery for inspection.

Gas storage system – can be used for a variety of purposes (e.g. fire suppression, generator cooling, breathing air)

( Part 1 )
– Review previous reports and WSE to determine the course of action for the Out of Service examination, it may involve an internal and external examination, hydraulic testing by qualified test house or a Risk Based Inspection.
– Documentation required along with evidence of suitability of the protective devices.

( Part 2 )
– Should be carried out on the same visit, especially for wind turbines due to access issues
– Review of documentation and validation for the protective devices.

In service examination will be an external visual and, where required by the WSE, validation of the protective devices.

Refrigeration systems are used for air conditioning /climate control and for process cooling

( Part 1 )
Out of service non-invasive examination also involves a review of the maintenance documentation and certification of the protective devices. In order to collate the safety valve certification and review the maintenance documentation, normally be completed at a later date.

( Part 2 )
Review of test certification of the protective devices and the maintenance history.

 External examination either at work or rest.
Not necessary for outside third parties to be present to prepare any machinery for inspection.

 Lancashire is a horizontal, stationary fire tube boiler.
The flue gases flow through the fire tube, situated inside the boiler shell, so it is a fire tube boiler. This boiler generates low pressure steam.
The Cornish Boiler is the same but with only one flue.

( Part 1 )
– Refer to your previous reports and WSE to check for any additional removal of parts or testing that may be required at the upcoming inspection, this may involve NDT or hydraulic testing or other requirements such as removal of insulation, baring of seams, removal of seating blocks.
– Should be isolated from all sources of power, fuel and any other associated pressure plant.  

( Part 1 Continued)
– Cooled and drained down with all inspection doors and openings removed from the steam, water side and the combustion side.
– The steam and water side along with the combustion side should be suitably cleaned to allow the surfaces to be inspected

( Part 1 Continued)
– Fittings – the crown (main stop valve), blowdown valve, feed water check valve, safety valves, fusible plug(s) and water level gauge glasses should be removed and stripped down into component pieces
(Or can supply suitably accredited test house overhauls and provide valid certification).

( Part 2 )
Part two of a two-part examination with the equipment in service. this will require suitably qualified/trained operator(s) or contractor(s) in attendance with the boiler at work.

The periodicities will be the same, so unless there is a technical justification, there will be no Intermediate In service examination.

A heritage horizontal, stationary fire tube boiler. The flue gases flow through the fire tube, situated inside the boiler shell, so it is a fire tube boiler. This boiler generates low pressure steam.

( Part 1 )
– Refer to your previous reports and WSE to check for any additional removal of parts or testing that may be required at the upcoming inspection, this may involve NDT or hydraulic testing or other requirements such as removal of insulation, baring of seams, complete tube removal.
– Should be isolated from all sources of power, fuel and any other associated pressure plant.

( Part 1  Continued)
– Cooled and drained down with all inspection doors and openings removed from the steam, water side and the combustion side.
– The steam and water side along with the combustion side should be suitably cleaned to allow the surfaces to be inspected

( Part 1  Continued)
– Fittings – the crown (main stop valve), blowdown valve, feed water check valve, safety valves, fusible plug(s) and water level gauge glasses should be removed and stripped down into component pieces
(Or can supply suitably accredited test house overhauls and provide valid certification).

( Part 2 )
Part two of a two-part examination with the equipment in service. This will require suitably qualified/trained operator(s) or contractor(s) in attendance with the boiler at work.

The periodicities will be the same, so unless there is a technical justification, there will be no Intermediate In service examination.

Heritage boilers usually either managed by preservation organisations / societies and operated on railways or private owners operating traction engines on roadways. The boiler generates steam for propulsion and is typically fired by coal

( Part 1 )
– Refer to your previous reports and WSE to check for any additional removal of parts or testing that may be required at the upcoming inspection, this may involve NDT or hydraulic testing or other requirements such as removal of insulation, baring of seams, removal from the frame, complete tube removal,
– Should be isolated from all sources of power, fuel and any other associated pressure plant.

( Part 1 Continued)
– Cooled and drained down with all inspection doors and openings removed from the steam, water side and the combustion side.
– The steam and water side along with the combustion side should be suitably cleaned to allow the surfaces to be inspected,

( Part 1 Continued)
– Fittings – The blowdown valve, feed water check valve, safety valves, water level gauge glasses and fusible plug(s) should be removed and stripped down into component pieces
(Or can supply suitably accredited test house overhauls and provide valid certification).

( Part 2 )
Part two of a two-part examination with the equipment in service. This will require suitably qualified/trained operator(s) or contractor(s) in attendance with the boiler at work.

The periodicities will be the same, so unless there is a technical justification, there will be no Intermediate In service examination.

Sentinal boilers are normally used in heritage road vehicles for propulsion and are typically fired by coal

( Part 1 )
– Refer to your previous reports and WSE to check for any additional removal of parts or testing that may be required at the upcoming inspection, this may involve NDT or hydraulic testing or other requirements such as removal of insulation, baring of seams.

At 10 years it will require removal from the vehicle and split into its component parts, NDT and hydraulic testing

( Part 1  Continued)
– Should be isolated from all sources of power, fuel and any other associated pressure plant.
– Cooled and drained down with all inspection doors and openings removed from the steam, water side and the combustion side.
– The steam and water side along with the combustion side should be suitably cleaned to allow the surfaces to be inspected

( Part 1  Continued)
– Fittings – the crown (main stop valve), blowdown valve, feed water check valve, safety valves and water level gauge glasses should be removed and stripped down into component pieces
(Or can supply suitably accredited test house overhauls and provide valid certification).

( Part 2 )
Part two of a two-part examination with the equipment in service. This will require suitably qualified/trained operator(s) or contractor(s) in attendance with the boiler at work.

The periodicities will be the same, so unless there is a technical justification, there will be no Intermediate In service examination.

A hydraulic accumulator is a pressure storage reservoir in which a non-compressible hydraulic fluid is held under pressure that is applied by an external source. For PSSR application, the external source will be either dry air or an inert gas such as Nitrogen.

( Part 1 )
– Review previous reports and WSE to determine the course of action for the Out of Service examination, may involve an internal and external examination or a Risk Based Inspection.
– Engineer Surveyor will need to review the relevant documentation along with evidence of suitability of the protective devices.

( Part 2 )
– Should be carried out at the same visit as the part 1 , especially for wind turbines due to access issues.
– Review of documentation and validation for the protective devices.

In service examination will be an external visual and, where required by the WSE, validation of the protective devices.

A calorifier is an indirect-fired water heater to provide hot water in a heating and hot water system. Indirect fired means the water heater does not contain a burner, but it may have supplementary electric immersion heating. It is a storage water cylinder with one or more heat exchanger coils which contain hot liquids (water or solar fluid). See also calorifiers above

( Part 1 )
Refer to the previous reports, may need to dismantle and remove the tube bundle or carry out a hydraulic pressure test.
– Should be isolated from all forms of heat or water and be suitably prepared,
– The safety relief valve and pressure gauge should be removed for testing.
(The client may supply suitable test certification from an accredited test house for the safety valve and pressure gauge)

( Part 2 )
– In-service external working examination to check the integrity of the vessel when repressurised.

 External examination either at work or rest.
Not necessary for outside third parties to be present to prepare any machinery for inspection.

See B03 Non-PSSR calorifiers above.

( Part 1 )
– A non-invasive examination unless the client requests an internal examination
– Can be inspected during operation or at rest.

– Engineer Surveyor may require reviewing maintenance records at examination.
(The boiler, including any associated safety relief valve and pressure gauge, should be maintained under a contract with a competent service provider

 External examination either at work or rest.
Not necessary for outside third parties to be present to prepare any machinery for inspection.

Water in the cylinder is topped up from the header tank in the loft which in turn is kept topped from the mains. Water in the cylinder is heated either by an electric immersion heater (direct) or supplied direct from a hot water boiler.  Hot water in the cylinder is used to supply the heating or hot water. Water temperature is typically below 100 deg.C and around 60degC

– A non-invasive examination unless the client requests an internal examination
– Can be inspected during operation or at rest.
– Engineer Surveyor may require review of maintenance records at examination.
(The boiler, including any associated safety relief valve and pressure gauge, should be maintained under a contract with a competent service provider)

 External examination either at work or rest.
Not necessary for outside third parties to be present to prepare any machinery for inspection.

A modern commercial steam oven is designed to steam cook large quantities of food over multiple shelves. This locks in the nutrients and flavours whilst retaining the food texture and preventing flavour transfer to other foodstuffs in the oven.

Catering steam ovens are hugely powerful and are usually considered a primary appliance in the professional kitchen. Whilst typical dishes cooked in a steam oven would be fish, vegetables or desserts, some chefs use the appliance to cook all these dishes simultaneously.

( Part 1 )
– Should be isolated and drained
– If there is a separate steam boiler this should be opened up.
– Visual examination checking the door fittings and any interlocks fitted along with any maintenance records.
(The protective devices will be an open vent and door interlock mechanisms).

( Part 2 )
– Examination will be completed while item is at work.
– Door interlocks will be checked.

The periodicities will be the same, so unless there is a technical justification, there will be no Intermediate In service examination.

Used in canteens and restaurants, to keep food warm. The food tray rests in a bath of hot water, which is heated by electrical elements or steam coils

( Part 1 )

Separate steam boiler
– isolating and draining
– Opened up if possible
(If steam is supplied to the coils/tubes, these will require a hydraulic test usually every 2nd thorough examination, typically every 48-50 months)

( Part 1 Continued )

Electrical Element
– Visual examination checking any fittings and interlocks fitted along with any maintenance records

( Part 2 )

– The Bain Marie should be seen at work.

 External examination either at work or rest.
Not necessary for outside third parties to be present to prepare any machinery for inspection.

Used to store aggressive chemicals and substances

( Part 1 )
– If an internal examination is required.
– Should be isolated, cooled and drained down and the inspection openings removed.
– Any protective devices fitted should be removed for testing or replaced with a new suitably sized and set valve accompanied with test certification.

( Part 2 )
– Should be at work.
– The presence of an operator/technician is required

This will be an external visual examination and check on the protective devices

Used in laboratories or the pharma sector to process aggressive chemicals and substances

( Part 1 )
– Should be isolated, depressurised completely
– Made available for internal and external inspection.
– Protective devices such as relief valves and bursting discs to be renewed or suitably replaced wit certified units .

( Part 2 )
– Carried out at the same visit as the part 1, but if not a separate visit will be required within 28 days of the part 1 when the equipment is rebuilt and pressurised and involves an external examination.

If required, this will be an external visual examination and check of the protective devices

Atmospheric tanks in range of sizes from small to very large, are used to store various substances from fuel oils to chemicals

( Part 1 )
Internal examination,
Should be isolated, drained and proved gas safe to enter and safe entry provided,
External visual
check of any venting and process controls.

( Part 2 )
The out of service examination may be done in conjunction with a Scheme of Examination and/or an RBI (Risk Based Inspection)

This will be an external visual examination.

Atmospheric tanks in range of sizes from small to very large, are used to store various substances from fuel oils to chemicals

( Part 1 )
Internal examination,
Should be isolated, drained and proved gas safe to enter and safe entry provided,
External visual
check of any venting and process controls.

( Part 2 )
The out of service examination may be done in conjunction with a Scheme of Examination and/or an RBI (Risk Based Inspection)

This will be an external visual examination.