All accumulators are considered to be pressure vessels as part of the PSSR2000 regulation. It is therefore imperative that only competent engineers undertake the repair of any hydraulic accumulator, to ensure than any unit put back into service fully complies with the relevant legislation. QHP have a network of qualified recertification and repair centres througout the UK and would be pleased to offer assistance and advise on the nearest facility on application.
The Principle of the Regulations
The primary objective of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) is to prevent injury as a result of failure of a pressure system or one of its component parts. The Regulations are concerned with "relevant fluids" which may be gases or mixtures of fluids, gases and vapours where the gas or vapour phase may exert a pressure in excess of 0.5 bar above atmospheric pressure.
The regulations require users or owners to:
determine the safe operating limits of the accumulator and record the fact that these are not exceeded by the system pressure;
have a suitable written scheme drawn up and certified by a competent person for the examination at appropriate intervals of most pressure vessels and all safety devices, and any pipework which is potentially dangerous. The user may seek, the advice of any competent person when deciding what items and parts of the pipework need to be included in the scheme;
arrange to have examinations carried out by a competent person at the intervals set down in the scheme;
provide adequate operating instructions to ensure the system is operated within its safe operating limits and emergency instructions;
ensure that the system is properly maintained;
keep adequate records for the system, including maintenance history, the most recent examination and any manufacturers records supplied with new plant.
Pressure Systems Safety Regulation 2000 courses are now being held at QHP, however individual courses can be arranged at your premises. Please contact us for further details.
