PSSR Inspections in Liverpool

A Written Scheme of Examination under PSSR 2000 for a food production steam system must identify every pressure vessel, steam boiler, heat exchanger, and all associated pipework, safety valves, and protective devices that fall within its scope. For each item, the scheme specifies the nature of the examination required, the maximum interval between examinations, and any preparatory work needed before examination takes place — such as draining, cooling, or lagging removal. The scheme must be prepared or certified by a competent person and reviewed whenever there is a change in the system or its operation. Liverpool's food and drink manufacturers — many of whom operate on Knowsley Industrial Park and at Speke — use steam extensively in cooking, sterilisation, and CIP cleaning cycles, making current Written Schemes a practical operational necessity as well as a legal one.

The inspection interval for an autoclave at a Liverpool food packaging facility is determined by the Written Scheme of Examination prepared by a competent person — there is no fixed statutory interval that applies to all autoclaves. In practice, most food-grade autoclaves are examined every 12 to 26 months depending on their operating pressure, age, and condition history. Where an autoclave operates under elevated pressures or temperatures, or has a history of corrosion or creep, the competent person will set shorter intervals. The examination must be completed before the interval expires — production schedules do not provide a legal extension.

Yes. Compressed air systems — including compressors, air receivers, aftercoolers, and associated pipework — fall within the scope of PSSR 2000 wherever the stored energy and pressure exceed the regulations' threshold. This applies to pneumatic handling equipment, filling lines, and packaging machinery on food production sites at Knowsley Industrial Park and across the Liverpool area. A competent person must prepare a Written Scheme covering the air receiver and any vessels downstream of the compressor, and the system must be examined at the intervals the scheme specifies.

A PSSR inspection involves a thorough examination of pressure systems including vessels, pipework, protective devices, and associated fittings. Our competent engineer assesses the physical condition, checks for corrosion, damage or defects, verifies safety devices are functioning correctly, and ensures the written scheme of examination is up to date.

The frequency of PSSR inspections is determined by the written scheme of examination, which must be drawn up by a competent person. Typically, protective devices are examined annually and pressure vessels every 2 to 4 years, but this varies depending on the system, its age, and operating conditions.

PSSR inspections cover all pressure systems including steam boilers, air receivers, autoclaves, compressed air systems, pressure cookers used in food production, heat exchangers, and any associated pipework and protective devices such as safety valves and pressure gauges.

If a defect is found, our engineer will classify it by severity. Critical defects that pose an imminent danger require the equipment to be taken out of service immediately. Other defects will be documented with clear recommendations and timescales for remedial action. A detailed report is issued covering all findings.