The written scheme of examination is a requirement when complying with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000:S.I.128 (PSSR), which covers all types of pressurised compressed air installations.
A compressed air receiver and the associated pipework, where the product of the pressure in bars multiplied by the internal capacity in litres of the receiver is equal to, or greater than 250 bar litres, will require a written scheme of examination. Therefore an 8 bar compressor with a receiver size of 10L is equal to 80 bar litre would be exempt, but an 8 bar compressor with a 50L receiver is equal to 400 bar litre and would therefore require one.
Users and owners of pressure systems are required to demonstrate that they know the safe operating limits, principally pressure and temperature, of their pressure systems, and that the systems are safe under those conditions. They need to ensure that a suitable written scheme of examination is in place before the system is operated. They also need to ensure that the pressure system is examined in accordance with the written scheme of examination.
The written scheme of examination must be suitable throughout the lifetime of the plant or equipment. It must therefore, be reviewed on a regular basis and amended accordingly, when required.
Our team can complete written schemes of examination and receiver inspections so please get in contact if we can assist.