Pressure Vessel Inspection & PSSR Inspections
Griffin Air Systems provides professional pressure vessel inspections, pressure system inspections and PSSR examinations for businesses across the UK. Our experienced team can inspect compressed air systems, air receivers and associated pressure equipment to help businesses maintain safe operation, meet regulatory requirements and keep their equipment running reliably.
If you need an air compressor pressure vessel inspection, pressure vessel test or Written Scheme of Examination, speak to our team today.
Pressure Vessel Inspection Services
Pressure vessels and compressed air systems store energy under pressure, meaning they need to be properly maintained, inspected and operated within their safe limits. A failure can result in serious injury, equipment damage and disruption to your business.
Our pressure vessel inspection services are designed to help businesses understand the condition of their pressure equipment and ensure examinations are carried out in accordance with the appropriate requirements.
Whether you operate a single air receiver or a larger compressed air installation, Griffin Air Systems can help you understand what inspections are required and when they need to be carried out.
We Provide Support For:
- Pressure vessel inspections
- Pressure system inspections
- Air compressor pressure vessel inspections
- Air pressure vessel testing
- PSSR inspections
- Pressure vessel examinations
- Written Schemes of Examination
- Pressure vessel tests
- Inspection and testing of associated safety equipment
- Advice on maintenance and remedial work
What Is a Pressure Vessel Inspection?
A pressure vessel inspection is an examination of pressure equipment to assess its condition and identify issues that could present a safety risk.
For businesses operating compressed air equipment, this commonly includes air receivers and other pressure-containing components within the system. The exact scope and frequency of an examination should be determined by a competent person and the relevant Written Scheme of Examination.
The purpose is not simply to confirm that a vessel is present and operational. A suitable examination considers the condition of the relevant parts of the pressure system and whether it remains safe for its intended operating conditions.
Issues Identified During Examination:
- Corrosion or deterioration
- Damage to the vessel or associated components
- Problems with protective devices
- Conditions that could affect safe operation
- Defects requiring further investigation or remedial work
- Changes to the system that may affect the existing Written Scheme of Examination
PSSR Inspections & Pressure System Inspections
The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) apply to pressure systems used at work and are intended to help prevent serious injury arising from the release of stored energy following failure of a pressure system or one of its components.
A pressure system can include pressure vessels, associated pipework and protective devices. HSE guidance identifies compressed air systems, both fixed and portable, as examples of pressure equipment that can fall within the scope of pressure systems legislation.
For qualifying pressure systems, businesses need to ensure that the appropriate safety arrangements are in place. This includes having a suitable Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) where required and ensuring examinations are completed by a competent person in accordance with that scheme.
What Is a Written Scheme of Examination?
A Written Scheme of Examination sets out the parts of a pressure system that require examination, the nature and frequency of those examinations and any measures needed to prepare the system for safe examination.
The HSE states that a WSE should cover relevant protective devices, pressure vessels and applicable parts of pipelines and pipework where a defect could give rise to danger.
Griffin Air Systems can help businesses understand their PSSR inspection and Written Scheme of Examination requirements as part of their wider compressed air system management.
What Is Included in a Pressure Vessel Examination?
The exact requirements of a pressure vessel examination will depend on the equipment, its operating conditions and the Written Scheme of Examination. Depending on the system, an examination may involve assessing the condition of the pressure vessel and relevant components, checking for signs of deterioration and carrying out appropriate inspection or testing in accordance with the examination scheme.
Vessel Condition
Operating Conditions
Safety Devices
Further Testing or Remedial Work
The HSE makes clear that a statutory examination carried out under a Written Scheme of Examination is not a replacement for routine maintenance. Pressure equipment still requires appropriate ongoing maintenance throughout its working life. For this reason, pressure vessel inspections should form part of a wider programme of air compressor maintenance and servicing.
Air Compressor Pressure Vessel Inspection
Compressed air systems are widely used across manufacturing, engineering, automotive, construction and other commercial and industrial environments. An air compressor pressure vessel inspection can help businesses ensure their air receivers and associated equipment continue to operate safely and reliably.
HSE guidance specifically identifies compressed air systems as pressure equipment that can present hazards if they fail in use.
Griffin Air Systems can provide pressure system inspection support alongside other compressed air services, helping businesses take a more complete approach to equipment safety and reliability. If your compressor system also requires servicing or maintenance, our air compressor maintenance and servicing services can help keep your equipment operating efficiently between inspections.
Typical Compressed Air Installation Components:
- Air compressors
- Air receivers
- Pressure vessels
- Dryers and filters
- Pipework
- Valves and protective devices
- Pressure gauges and controls
Air Pressure Vessel Testing & Pressure Vessel Tests
Businesses may also search for air pressure vessel testing or pressure vessel tests when looking for an inspection provider.
The type of examination or testing required depends on the equipment and the Written Scheme of Examination. There is no single test that applies to every pressure vessel, so the appropriate method should be established by a competent person based on the characteristics and condition of the equipment.
Where testing or further examination is required, this should be completed in accordance with the applicable examination requirements. Regular pressure vessel tests and examinations can help identify deterioration before it develops into a more significant safety or operational issue.
If you are unsure whether your air receiver or pressure vessel is due for examination, Griffin Air Systems can discuss your equipment and help you establish the appropriate next steps.
Pressure Vessel Insurance Inspections
Businesses may also need a pressure vessel insurance inspection or examination to satisfy the requirements of their insurer. Insurance-related inspections can be particularly important where a business needs evidence that pressure equipment has been examined and is being appropriately managed.
However, insurance requirements and PSSR requirements are not necessarily identical. The inspection requirements applicable to your equipment will depend on the pressure system, its use, the applicable regulations and the requirements of your insurer.
If you have been asked to arrange a pressure vessel insurance inspection, our team can discuss the equipment and documentation you have available and help determine what inspection support is required.
Why Choose Griffin Air Systems for Pressure System Inspections?
Choosing an experienced provider for your pressure vessel inspection can make it easier to manage your equipment, documentation and ongoing maintenance requirements. Griffin Air Systems supports businesses with compressed air systems across the UK, providing a range of services designed to support equipment throughout its working life.
Experienced Compressed Air Engineers
UK Business Support
Comprehensive Compressed Air Support
A Complete Approach to Compressed Air
When Should a Pressure Vessel Be Inspected?
The frequency of a pressure vessel inspection should not simply be based on a generic timetable.
For pressure systems covered by PSSR, the Written Scheme of Examination should specify the nature and frequency of the examination. The HSE states that the scheme should identify the relevant parts of the system and the examination requirements applicable to them.
Businesses should therefore keep accurate records of their pressure equipment, Written Scheme of Examination and previous examination reports.
You should also seek competent advice if:
- Your pressure vessel has been modified or repaired
- The operating conditions have changed
- You have installed new pressure equipment
- Your previous examination identified defects
- You are unsure when the next examination is due
- You cannot locate the Written Scheme of Examination
- Your insurer has requested an inspection or examination
What Happens If a Pressure Vessel Fails Its Inspection?
If an examination identifies a defect or condition that could affect safe operation, the competent person will provide information about the issue and any action required.
Depending on the findings, this could involve further investigation, testing, repair, maintenance or other remedial action.
Where a competent person identifies an imminent danger, the HSE states that they have responsibilities to identify the action needed, including notifying the user or owner and addressing the danger appropriately.
Griffin Air Systems can also support businesses with compressor servicing, repairs and replacement equipment, helping you address issues identified with your compressed air system.
Pressure Vessel Inspection FAQs
What is a pressure vessel inspection?
Are pressure system inspections required under PSSR?
How often does an air compressor pressure vessel need to be inspected?
Do I need a pressure vessel inspection for insurance?
Book Your Pressure Vessel Inspection
Keeping pressure equipment properly examined and maintained is an important part of operating a safe and reliable compressed air system.
Whether you need a pressure vessel inspection, PSSR inspection, pressure system examination, air pressure vessel testing or a pressure vessel insurance inspection, Griffin Air Systems can help.
Our team can discuss your equipment, current documentation and requirements before arranging the appropriate inspection or examination.
