Rank: Forum user 
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Ladies and Gents
Im no expert in this area so was hoping for some info and advice around pressure vessels.
We have a cleaning contractor who cleans areas for us using a small commercial steam cleaner with a handle to actually clean.
As steam under any pressure is subject to the pressure regs and particualry reg 8 (written scheme of examination), having checked schedule 1 as well, my impression is that this is subject to the regs particualry reg 8 and should have a written scheme and subsequent inspection programme.
I have looked through the exemptions and exemption 25 states that as the steam is generated in the tank, it is not exempt from the regs despite the handle.
the contractors don't agree as the manufacturers have stated "that the bolier does not fall into the pressure directive 97/23/EC"
Obviously this was adopted in the uk as the PSSR 2000 which appears to me to state it does.
I am not trying to bash our contractors etc, I simply want our facilties manager to have the best advice possible so that she can take it up with them.
In the spirit of leanring, I would appreciate any advice and information offered, particulary if the cleaner isn't subject to the regs and why.
thanks
Billy
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Hmmm.
I'm with you on this. I would again declare my lack of specific expertise upfront but I can't see why a steam cleaner wouldn't fall under the regs. Surely it comes under the definition of a mobile system containing pressure vessels of rigid construction that will contain a relevant fluid i.e. steam. As such the owner of the equipment should meet the requirements of the regs.
A quick google search shows that there are companies out there (which doesn't necessarily mean a lot!) that offer services in this regard and specifically mention portable steam cleaners as being items that require a written scheme of examination etc.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Also, I'm kinda hoping someone does pop up and tell us why the cleaners have got this right.... ;)
But if a coffee machine needs to meet the regs, why not a steam cleaner? Roll on the experts!
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Rank: Forum user
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thanks Xavier
Ive also seen on google those companies you mention and their thoughts.
The manufactuers technical dept are based in Italy, I wondered if they had a different interpretation of the directive and so weren't fully aware of the UK's interpretation?
Billy
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Rank: Super forum user
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If the cleaner is pressurised, then yes - it falls under PSSR.
Double check it doesn't operate at atmospheric pressure.
See the flow chart at Appendix A of PSSR Acop L122
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Rank: Forum user
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thanks Ian
it operates at a max pressure of 6 bar which i understand as 6 bar above atmospheric pressure (but I am no engineer either!)
Billy
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Rank: Super forum user 
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If it actually does operate at 6 bar then it is a pressure vessel, atmospheric pressure being +-1 bar. The steam cleaners we and other charity retailers use operate at atmospheric pressure, and are more like big kettles than anything else, so this sounds different from the ones I'm used to,
John
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Rank: Forum user
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thanks John
from memory it operates at about 4.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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More detailed technical information required to decide.
Good luck getting that from the manufacturer!
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi All,
Being involved in the motor vehicle industry for many years, we never considered (nor did the regulators, or our insures) our steam cleaners to come under the scope of the pressure regulation and never have them comply. This is the standard throughout the industry.
I was told that as the steam cleaner does not store pressure, when the trigger is pressed the pump creates the pressure on demand, albeit, when the trigger is released their is pressure in the pipework between the pump and the trigger. Be careful of the manufactures data as it may state its operating pressure and not stored pressure.
Another example of this is air powered tools to not come under the regulations, as they operate under pressure and do not store the pressure, whereas the airline, air receiver etc. must comply.
Note: Most Coffee machines have a pressurised boiling vessel inside them, therefore come under the scope of the regulations.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Question to the post holder; Is this a diesel (or other liquid fuel) operated equipment?
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Rank: Forum user
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Paul/ Toe- thanks for your respones.
Toe- re the trigger issue, I wondered if that might be a reason although it has its own boiler which appears to operate under pressure. It is powered electrically.
Billy
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Rank: Super forum user
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Sorry I don't have time to check but from memory the 6bar limit does not apply to steam - that's why coffee machines are caught by the regs.
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