EEMUA Publication 177 gives practical guidance on the interpretation of the UK Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) 2000 relating to the periodic Examination of Pressure systems and certain associated aspects, and considers in particular Regulations 2, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13, plus Schedule 2. The PSSR contains a complex series of requirements and allows for a considerable element of experienced, professional judgement by the User and/or Competent Person, together with a demand for careful interpretation.

Significantly, the new edition of EEMUA 177 includes guidance on the Postponement of Examinations within Regulation 9; a revision to the guidance on Regulation 10 Action in case of Imminent danger; additional guidance on Regulation 13 Modification and repair; together with other key points of interest based upon actual use of Pressure systems covered by the PSSR.

EEMUA 177 brings clarity by explaining how to approach specific aspects of the PSSR and helps minimise unclear areas that can cause confusion about what to do with respect to the Regulations. An example of this is with Regulation 10 wherein EEMUA 177 provides a flowchart that helps the Competent Person decide whether it is a case Imminent danger and needs to be reported to the HSE. The requirements under Regulation 10 are also given context with other relevant legislation.

This publication was produced by a working group of EEMUA’s User Inspectorate Committee (UIC), which brings together experts from a range of industry sectors. Whilst the guide refers throughout to UK regulations and practice, much of the general advice is relevant to practice outside the UK.

EEMUA 177 does not refer in detail to the other Regulations already clearly expounded in the British Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Approved Code of Practice, Safety of Pressure Systems (ACOP) L122, which is freely available from the HSE. This EEMUA guide, therefore, should not be read in isolation, but should be used to augment the existing ACOP.