Did you know that all new and existing compressed air installations must conform to the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR2000). In fact, pressure systems larger than 250 bar/litres must have a ‘written scheme of examination’ and a statutory inspection in accordance with the written scheme. This, in essence, is a report that details safety devices and components associated with the system’s pressure vessels. It also includes inspection periods for each device or component. In some cases, a schematic drawing of the whole air network is required.

Getting a WSE is rather simple. It’s just a matter of finding an authorised individual to write and execute the WSE who can visit your compressed air system to identify, inspect, and test all of the safety equipment.

How is a Written Scheme of Examination conducted?

Record all safety devices 

To begin, you must keep track of all the safety devices in your present compressed air system. This might be done as a sketch, a written list, or a table. The WSE contains pressure vessels, safety valves, ball valves, pressure gauges, and other equipment.

Record serial numbers and tag items

Next, you must record the serial numbers of all devices. These numbers are important if the inspector wants to take a copy of your safety documentation. If there is no serial number on any equipment, you can write down the valve type and model instead along with other information that may be found inside the device, such as date of manufacture or size. With this information, an inspector can determine whether or not your system complies with industry standards.

Write the WSE document

You must first keep track of all the safety devices in your current compressed air system. This might be accomplished using a sketch, a written list or a table. The WSE has pressure vessels, safety valves, ball valves, pressure gauges, and other equipment.

Complete safety inspection

The final step is to conduct an operation test/safety inspection on all of the safety items and pressure regulations listed above. Once everything has been completed and passed the test, the WSE will be complete. The order in which the items listed above are completed will vary depending on the scale, degree of complexity, and size of the entire compressed air system. Once the WSE is completed it is valid until the next re-inspection cycle. If the compressed air system changes, then the WSE needs to be updated with the changes made and the new safety-related items need to be recorded tagged and checked to fall in line with the other equipment.

We know this article has been rather technical and it’s difficult to understand the requirements with plenty of documentation to read through, however, your best bet is to choose a dependable air compressor servicing firm to carry out all checks for you and ensure you meet regulations.