A Duty Holder’s Guide to PSSR 2000
What the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 require of you, built around the written scheme of examination.
What it is
PSSR covers systems that contain a relevant fluid under pressure, such as steam boilers, air receivers, autoclaves and compressed-air systems. The aim is to prevent the risk of serious injury from the stored energy being released.
Who the duty holder is
Duties fall on the user (for installed systems) or the owner (for mobile systems). In practice this is the business operating the pressure system.
What it requires of you
- Know the safe operating limits of the system and never operate beyond them.
- Have a written scheme of examination (WSE) drawn up or certified by a competent person, covering the parts that could cause danger.
- Have the system examined by a competent person in line with the written scheme.
- Maintain the system in good repair and keep the records of examination.
- Provide adequate operating instructions and act on any remedial work identified.
How often
| Examination of the pressure system | At the intervals set in the written scheme of examination |
| The written scheme itself | Reviewed to stay suitable as the system or its use changes |
What happens if you don’t
Operating a pressure system without a valid written scheme or examination is an offence and a serious safety risk. It can lead to enforcement action, prosecution and unlimited fines, and a failure under pressure can be catastrophic.
Sources: PSSR 2000, Pressure systems: HSE guidance
This guide is general guidance, not legal advice, and is a summary only. Duties and intervals can change and depend on your circumstances. Always check the current regulation and take competent-person advice. Last reviewed June 2026.