In the eyes of the law the responsibility to ensure a safe working environment falls upon the employer and/or senior management team.
What’s so important about a written scheme of examination if you run a compressed air system?
Having a written scheme of examination (WSE) for any UK business running a compressed air system is crucial for several reasons. The WSE serves as a comprehensive and structured plan that plays a central role in ensuring the scope, safety, compliance, and ongoing reliability of your compressed air system is documented. It is an essential tool for businesses to evidence they meet their legal obligations, understand and take action to mitigate risks, and maintain a safe working environment. Putting it in simple terms, a written scheme of examination is like an MOT for your compressed air system.
What happens if you haven't got an up-to-date WSE?
Not having an up-to-date scheme means that you have not properly inspected the safety of your equipment and you will be breaking the law under The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR).
10 reasons why a written scheme of examination is important
1 - Legal Compliance
Compliance with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) is a legal requirement in the UK for businesses operating pressure systems, including compressed air systems. Having a written scheme of examination demonstrates adherence to these regulations, helping businesses fulfil their legal obligations.
2 - Safety Assurance
The primary purpose of the written scheme of examination is to ensure the ongoing safety of the compressed air system. It outlines a systematic and periodic approach to examining the system, identifying potential hazards, and mitigating risks. Regular examinations help prevent accidents, failures, and injuries related to pressure system failures.
3 - Identification of Hazards
The scheme includes a thorough assessment of the pressure system, identifying potential hazards, weak points, and areas of concern. This proactive approach allows businesses to address issues before they become critical and pose a risk to safety.
4 - Maintenance Planning
The written scheme helps in planning and scheduling maintenance activities based on the examination findings. It outlines the frequency of examinations and the specific components that need attention, facilitating a systematic and organised approach to maintenance.
5 - Competency Requirements
PSSR requires that the person carrying out the examination is competent to do so. The written scheme specifies the qualifications and competencies required for the individual or third-party organisation conducting the examinations. This ensures that examinations are carried out by qualified professionals.
6 - Documentation of Examination Results
The scheme includes provisions for documenting the results of examinations. This documentation serves as a record of the condition of the compressed air system, any defects or issues identified, and actions taken to address them. Proper documentation is crucial for ongoing safety management and regulatory compliance.
7 - Risk Assessment and Control Measures
The written scheme involves a risk assessment of the pressure system, identifying potential risks and establishing control measures to mitigate those risks. This helps businesses implement preventive measures and ensures that the system operates safely.
8 - System Integrity
Regular examinations, as outlined in the written scheme, contribute to maintaining the integrity of the compressed air system. Detecting and addressing issues promptly helps prevent system failures, leaks, and other issues that could compromise safety and performance.
9 - Emergency Preparedness
The scheme may include provisions for emergency procedures and response in the event of a failure or malfunction. This contributes to the overall safety plan and ensures that personnel are prepared to respond appropriately to emergencies.
10 - Continuous Improvement
Having a written scheme of examination encourages a culture of continuous improvement. By regularly assessing and examining the compressed air system, businesses can identify opportunities for enhancements, upgrades, or changes to improve safety and efficiency.
We can provide a written scheme of examination for your compressed air system
Cambs Compressors can provide all necessary services required by the pressure systems safety regulation. To provide a more cost-effective service our representative can complete a full site audit to identify, inspect and test all the safety related equipment in your compressed air system - plus any other equipment requiring a written scheme of examination.
- The identification stage can be completed when the system is live.
- The inspection/test can only be carried out when the system is drained and not operating.
- A Written Scheme of Examination needs to be updated if you modify your system*
*If your compressed air system changes, for example you add another pipework branch, the written scheme of examination needs to be updated with the changes made and the new safety related items recorded, tagged and checked to fall in line with the other equipment.
Speak to Cambs Compressors and we can get one of our qualified inspectors to come to your site to discuss the process further with you.