Understanding Key Regulatory Frameworks

Compressed air systems in the UK are subject to stringent regulations, primarily the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR). This mandates Written Schemes of Examination (WSE), regular inspections by competent persons, and meticulous record-keeping to prevent pressure equipment failures. The HSE provides comprehensive guidance through documents like L122, “Safety of pressure systems,” the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for PSSR, and INDG261, “Pressure Systems Safety,” a summary guide.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) ensures that all work equipment, including compressed air systems, is safe to use and properly maintained. HSE document L22, “Safe Use of Work Equipment,” serves as the ACOP for PUWER.

Other essential regulations include the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and the Noise at Work Regulations 2005, addressing specific hazards like oil mist, electrical safety, and noise levels. The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) also provides valuable guidance and best practices.

Essential Compliance Measures

Compliance requires several key actions. A (WSE), created by a competent person, details necessary inspections and tests. Competent individuals must conduct these inspections, testing, and maintenance. Regular inspections, thorough record-keeping, and adequate training for all personnel are mandatory. Risk assessments must identify and mitigate potential hazards.

Proactive Compliance and Safety Assurance

To avoid costly HSE interventions, fines, and insurance invalidation, UK companies must prioritise compressed air system compliance. Cambs Compressors offers a free compliance check, a “dummy run” inspection, to ensure systems meet regulatory standards. This proactive approach helps businesses maintain safety and avoid legal repercussions. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, companies can ensure the safe and efficient operation of their compressed air systems.

#7 – Understanding Compressed Air and Compliance for UK Companies

Compressed air is a ubiquitous power source in UK industries, but its use is subject to various regulations to ensure safety and efficiency. Compliance is crucial and involves understanding several key areas. Here we explain what’s important and why, we’ve also created a new area on our website so you can quickly and easily find any relevant safety data sheet – Compliance Data Sheets for Compressed Air Applications.

Key Regulations and Standards:

Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)

These regulations are the cornerstone of compressed air safety in the UK. They cover the design, installation, examination, testing, and maintenance of pressure systems, including compressed air systems. PSSR aims to prevent accidents from pressure equipment failure. It mandates written schemes of examination (WSE), regular inspections by competent persons, and the keeping of records. The HSE provides guidance on PSSR, although they don’t have a specific compressed air datasheet. Their general guidance on pressure systems is the most relevant resource. You can find this by searching “Pressure Systems Safety Regulations” on the HSE website (hse.gov.uk).

The HSE doesn’t offer a specific, concise “datasheet” PDF solely focused on the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR). While they are the enforcing body and provide extensive guidance, they tend to do so through broader documents and website resources rather than single-page datasheets.

The closest and most relevant resources you’ll find directly from the HSE are:

• L122 – Safety of pressure systems: This is the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance to the PSSR. It’s a comprehensive document (a PDF) that explains the regulations in detail. It’s not a short datasheet, but it’s the most authoritative source.
• INDG261 – Pressure Systems Safety: This is a shorter, more introductory guide aimed at giving duty holders an overview of the PSSR requirements. Again, it’s a PDF, but it’s more of a summary than a datasheet.

So, while a single, concise datasheet doesn’t exist, the above resources are what the HSE provides to explain and guide compliance with the PSSR. L122 is the key document you’ll need to consult.

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

PUWER requires that work equipment, including compressed air systems, is safe to use, maintained in safe condition, and used only by trained people. This includes aspects like guarding of moving parts, emergency stops, and proper instruction and training for operators.

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH): If the compressed air system could generate or release hazardous substances (e.g., oil mist, dust from processes using compressed air), COSHH applies. This requires risk assessments, control measures, monitoring, and health surveillance where appropriate.
• Electricity at Work Regulations 1989: These regulations cover the electrical safety of compressed air systems, including wiring, earthing, and protection against electric shock.
• Noise at Work Regulations 2005: Compressed air systems can be noisy. These regulations require employers to assess and control noise levels to protect workers’ hearing.
• BCAS (British Compressed Air Society): While not a regulatory body, the BCAS is a valuable resource. They provide guidance, training, and best practice information on compressed air systems. They offer publications and resources related to safety, efficiency, and environmental considerations. They do not produce PDF datasheets in the same way the HSE might, but their guidance documents cover relevant topics.

The HSE doesn’t publish a specific, single-page “datasheet” PDF solely for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). They provide information on PUWER through more comprehensive guidance documents and their website.

The key resource for PUWER is:

• HSE Safe Use of Work Equipment (L22): This document contains the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance for PUWER. It’s a substantial document (a PDF) that explains the regulations in detail. While not a datasheet, it’s the most authoritative source.

Key Aspects of Compliance:

• Written Scheme of Examination (WSE): A crucial document required by PSSR, detailing the inspections and tests required for the compressed air system. This must be drawn up by a competent person.
• Competent Person: Individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to carry out inspections, testing, and maintenance of the compressed air system.
• Regular Inspections and Testing: Periodic inspections and tests as specified in the WSE are mandatory.
• Record Keeping: Maintain records of inspections, tests, maintenance, and training.
• Training: Ensure that all personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of the compressed air system are adequately trained.
• Risk Assessment: Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures.

Don’t Get Caught Off Guard: Free Compliance Check

Regulations demand proof of compressed air safety. HSE visits can mean intervention fees, fines, and invalidated insurance. Accidents are far costlier. Cambs Compressors offers a free “dummy run” inspection, ensuring your system is compliant. Don’t risk it – schedule your check today.