An Introduction to Health & Safety

Pressure Systems

Do you know the risks associated with pressure systems?

Pressure cookers, boilers, steam heating systems, gas cylinders and air compressors are common examples of equipment and systems containing a fluid under pressure. They can cause death or injury to people, and serious damage to property, if the contents are released unintentionally. There are about 150 incidents of this kind every year. They mainly happen when equipment fails through poor design, incorrect filling or maintenance or when the method of work is unsafe, or someone makes an operating mistake.

Does this concern me?

Do you have any pressure systems or equipment in your business that contain a fluid under pressure?

Do you know that most pressure systems have to be designed, installed, maintained and periodically examined so as to prevent danger?

Are you aware that as an employer or self-employed person, it's your job to choose a competent person to carry out examinations of the pressure systems?

What law applies?

Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000

Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Classification, Packaging and Labelling) and Use of Transportable Pressure Receptacles Regulations 1996

Transportable Pressure Vessels Regulations 2001

How and where you can get more help

'Pressure systems safety and you' INDG261 (rev1) FREE (available in packs of 15 ISBN 0 7176 1562 6 £5.00)

'Safety of Pressure Systems, Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000.' Approved code of practice L122 ISBN 0 7176 1767 X £7.50

'The safe use of gas cylinders' INDG308 (rev1) FREE (available in packs of 10 ISBN 0 7176 2332 7 £5.00)

You can order any of these titles through HSE Books.