Frequently Asked
Questions
What is a written scheme of examination?
A written scheme of examination is a document that details items
within a pressure system that necessitate examination by a competent
examiner / person. These items cover a wide range of products and
pressure equipment that are installed into a pressure system. The
following equipment may be considered for inclusions and are:
1. Pressure storage units:
a. Air Receivers
b. Boilers
c. Autoclaves
d. Gas Cylinders
e. Pressure Cookers
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2. Protective devices
a. Pressure Gauges
b. Safety Valves
c. Pipework
d. Level Indicators
e. Pressure & Temperature Switches
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This is NOT a complete list and a competent person must be employed to
certify and establish items for inclusion to a written scheme.
The written scheme of examination should specify items for examination,
a frequency for examination
(6, 12, 24 months) and contain detail as to how the equipment is to be
examined. Should any special measure be required to prepare the system
for safe examination then these should be included.
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Can I operate my compressed air system
without a written scheme of examination?
Legally no. A pressure system must have a written scheme of examination
before it can be operated.
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How often will my pressure system require
examining?
All systems are different. Some contain gases that corrode pipework
and ancillary equipment; others contain moisture that causes rusting.
Each individual system must be taken on it’s own merits.
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Will the written scheme of examination
require a review, if so how often will that be needed?
The written scheme will need to be reviewed from time to time.
This is normally carried out prior to an examination of the system.
This service is included in our schedule of work and therefore
you need do nothing or pay additional fees as you might to other
suppliers.
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What is meant by safe operating limit?
The safe operating limit of a system or part of a system should
be taken as the pressure at which the system is safe. This may
not be the maximum pressure at which the system could operate at,
but one which is know, to be safe. There may be a need to take
into account other factors other than the pressure energy and likelihood
of system failure.
When drawing up a pressure safety manual the safe operating limit
of the system is one of our primary considerations to reduce the
risk of a system failure. Our competent person would give you best
practice advice while surveying the installation or pressure system.
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Do we need to provide training?
Training should be provided for all employees who maybe at risk
and this applies to all health and safety, it is a requirement
of regulation 9 The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
1998.
A program should be in place to instruct employees on the starting
and stopping arrangements and particularly in the case of an emergency.
Instruction should be given on other aspects that could effect
the safe operation of the system, where others may be put at risk.
This is not a complete list of the training required as each system
would need to be viewed on an individual bases.
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At what pressure do the regulation apply?
Except for steam, a relevant fluid would need to be at a pressure
greater than 0.5 bar for the system to comply with the regulations.
Steam is included at any pressure.
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How often should examination take place?
Examinations must take place at the intervals stated in the written
scheme of examination.
After an examinations has taken place a report must be presented to detailing
the findings of the examination and the by which the next examination
should take place.
The system should not be operated beyond the date stated on the last
examination reports.
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