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Pressure Systems include all plant/systems that contain a ‘relevant fluid’, defined as steam or gas under pressure and liquids under pressure which become gases upon release to the atmosphere, at a pressure greater than 0.5 bar (about 7psi) above atmospheric (except for steam). Certain small vessels are exempt from some parts of the Regulations. However, where the relevant fluid is steam all the regulations apply irrespective of the vessel pressure.

Around the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ there are heating, fuel transfer, compressed gas and hydraulic systems used in program production, studios (e.g. Camera Peds), office and maintenance facilities.

This guide gives an overview of pressure systems, aimed primarily at uses other than fixed systems in buildings. In ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ premises the control measures are implemented by facilities management and anyone requiring more detail information should contact their local FM.

What Can Go Wrong?

Unintentional releases of gas or fluid from pressure systems kill or severely wound approximately six workers ever year.

The main hazards are:

• impact from the blast of an explosion or release of compressed liquid or gas;
• impact from parts of equipment that fail or any flying debris;
• contact with released liquid or gas, such as steam; and
• fire resulting from the escape of flammable liquids or gases. 

Legal/³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Requirements

The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 deal with the risks created by a release of stored energy should the system fail, and detail the measures that should be taken to prevent failures and reduce risks.

The Regulations distinguish between those systems which are essentially fixed in a permanent location (installed) and those which are normally and frequently moved from place to place (mobile). For installed systems the user is responsible for ensuring that the above items are carried out. In the case of mobile systems the owner is responsible.

Control Measures

• Only competent persons may work on plant / systems / vessels / cylinders containing pressurised gases at more than 0.5 bar above atmospheric, or steam at any pressure. This includes camera pedestals. The rules cover all associated pipe work and any protective devices / components designed to achieve system safety.
• Users of Pressure Systems are required to:
• Establish the safe operating limits of the plant.
• Have a suitable written scheme drawn up or certified by a competent person for the examination at appropriate intervals of:

1. most pressure vessels
2. all safety devices
3. any pipework which is potentially dangerous
4. the risky area.

• Arrange to have examinations carried out by a competent person at the intervals set down in the scheme.
• Provide adequate operating instructions (including emergency instructions) to any person operating it (e.g. operating manual supplemented by on-the-job training and supervision for new staff)
• Ensure the pressure system is maintained in good repair.
• Keep adequate records of the most recent examination and any manufacturer's records supplied with the new plant.
• Rules cover all associated pipe work and any protective devices / components designed to achieve system safety.

Division Specific Issues

• No division specific issues.