This page only gives an insight to the Regulations applicable, further details should be obtained from the relevant regulation.

Factories Act 1961

Covers all aspects of health, safety and welfare of persons working in a factory or workshop environment. This Act has now been superseded by the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

This Act brought the Factories Act up to date and is far more reaching, it covers all areas of work, factories, shops, offices and voluntary work etc.

Because of the far reaching nature of this Act, areas have been expanded by the implementation of further regulations to enhance the requirements i.e. The Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers Regulations 1989 (PSR), which explains the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act for these types of systems.

The PSR have now been superseded by the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)

Pressure Equipment Directive 1999

This is a European Directive, which was implemented in the UK, in November 1999, it is to remove the trade barriers of International Trade with the EEC for pressure vessels/systems.

It has a three year transitional period, during which time, vessels/systems may be made under current Standards of the member state or to the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), after May 2002 vessels/systems MUST comply to PED.

The directive was implemented in the UK as The Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999.

During the three year transitional period BSI will be implementing a harmonising period, during which it is proposed to harmonise all standards throughout Europe. These standards will probably be released under the BSEN numbering system.

The PED and PSSR do allow for repairs to be carried out under the standard of manufacture.

The Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999

The Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999 are Statutory Instrument 1999 No. 2001 and are available from The Stationary Office.

The HSE issued a Code of Practice during the early part of 2000, “Safety of Pressure Systems, Pressure Systems Safety Regulations”, this incorporates all the updates initiated by the changes to the Regulations, the PED and Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000.

This code of practice is available from HSE Books.

Model Engineers

Much has been asked in recent months how the Pressure Equipment Directive, will effect model engineers making their own models.

If the engineer is making a model to an approved drawing, i.e. those that are bought of the shelf from a number of stockists, and is making it for himself, then the Regulations do not apply, however, he is required to have any welding done by an approved welder to an approved procedure and with certified materials.

If there is a new drawing, then this should be approved at least by your Competent Person, who will give you further details.

If the boiler is being made by a commercial boiler builder or by a model engineer for another person, then the Regulations DO apply. Your Competent Person should be able to help in this matter.