LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY

Written Schemes

The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) place a legal responsibility on the Employer to have written schemes in place for monitoring the gas system. Written schemes of examination set out the scope of the system, the inspection and test requirements and the safe working pressures.

Competent Persons

These schemes must be prepared by a Competent Person if the employer is to fulfil the obligation of reasonable care.

Inspection and Testing

The implementation of some aspects of monitoring and inspection may be conducted by a suitably trained employee, but system pressure tests and modification to the system must be performed by a Competent Person.

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that whoever is used is suitably trained, qualified and capable of doing the work.

Who is a Competent Person?

A competent Person is someone who has the necessary technical expertise,training and experience to carry out the examination or test. This could be an outside company such as an inspecting organisation, a specialist company or one of your own staff who is trained and capable of doing the job.

Do you have the relevant documents to hand?

In the event of an HSE or insurance company survey, do you have your written schemes, test certificates, inspection procedures and employee training documentation to hand?

If not then you are not compliant with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR).

It is increasingly evident that insurance companied are avoiding paying claims when written procedures are not in place.