Posted By GavinR Hi Guys, Just thought i'd double check to see if anyone can confirm my understanding of the requirements of PSSR. We have oxy-acty welding units on site fed by fixed pipework supplied from Manafold packs of actylene located outside the factory. In addition the oxygen is also piped into the factory via fixed piping. The pipework is all welded connection throughout. In addition to these we have hydrogen, argon and natural gas all supplied via fixed pipework. Am i correct to define all of these systems qualifying under the PSSR written scheme of examination requirement? Cheers

Posted By SteveD-M Yep

Posted By Martin Hartland To quote from the regs... "compressed or liquefied gas, including air, at a pressure greater than 0.5 bar (approximately 7 psi) above atmospheric pressure; pressurised hot water above 110°C; and steam at any pressure". So you just need to find out if the systems operate at or above the 0.5 bar threshold to see if your systems qualify. Hope this helps.

Posted By GavinR Hi Martin, We have acetylene running through the fixed pipework to the booths at approx 20psi (1.37 bar), oxygen at 120psi (8bar), Hydrogen at 20psi (1.37bar) and a few more i need to identify now. It is my understanding that atmospheric pressure = 1bar so acetylene & hydrogen are 0.37 above atmospheric and not 0.5. So the pipework will not qualify for PSSR from that assessment. I understand that the as the fixed pipework is connected to transportable pressure receptacle (manifold pack) that this still qualifies it under PSSR as a pressure system however the 0.5bar bit is still where this regs may not apply. Sorry, I'm sure this is pretty easy to everyone but I'm struggling to identify the application of regs. Really appreciate everyone's help with this.

Posted By GavinR Oh, so you don't include 1bar of atmospheric pressure in that? The pipe pressure is always in addition to atmospheric pressure?

Posted By SteveD-M Yep PSSR applies...

Posted By Chris Kelly Gavin Fixed pipework needs to be on the WSE and a schematic drawing. However it is unlikely that the competent person will then examine the pipework as part of his thorough exam. The WSE will probably allow planned / preventative maintenance. I would imagine you will have an air receiver also which a competent person is inspecting ? They will probably carry out thorough & working exams on the air receiver and carry out a working / visual on the gas pipework once every 3 years or something like that. If you haven't already got one you need to source a competent person from a UKAS accredited company, they will draw up a WSE. Suggest you draw up your own schematic diagram as they will charge you a fortune for it. They will approve your drawing and include it within their WSE. The bottles themselves as transportable gas containers are inspected / maintained by the owner (BOC or Air Products). Flexible pipework does not fall under PSSRegs as I remember it. Any time that you change your fixed pipework you will need to ensure that the work is done in line with the WSE and it and the schematic are changed afterwards. I should say I used to work for an insurance company engineering department when I regularly dealt with PSSRegs but since leaving them in 2001 the regs changed as regards the transportable gas containers aspect - get advice from your competent person. However as I remember it the bottle owner deals with all the PSSR aspects. As the user you just treat the bottles as PUWER high-risk items and ensure you comply with HSE & British Compressed Gases Association guidance. Hope this is of help. Chris

Posted By Karen Todd Hi Gavin, Sorry for the delayed response - try this guy: http://www.peterwatters.com Regards, Karen