PSSR Compliance Checklist for Businesses: A Practical Guide to Meeting Your Legal Duties

Every business that operates pressure equipment — whether in manufacturing, healthcare, food production, construction, or other sectors — must comply with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR).

These regulations are designed to ensure that pressure systems are operated safely,

properly maintained, and examined at appropriate intervals to prevent dangerous failures.

For businesses operating in the Republic of Ireland, similar legal duties apply under The

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (Part 10:

Pressure Equipment and Systems).

While the legislation differs, the core principles remain the same.

To help you meet your obligations, we’ve created a clear and practical PSSR compliance

checklist. This pressure system compliance checklist outlines clear PSSR compliance

steps and explains PSSR requirements for businesses and PSSR responsibilities for

employers.

1. Identify All Pressure Equipment Covered by PSSR

The first step in any PSSR checklist is understanding which equipment is covered. Many

businesses underestimate what qualifies as a pressure system.

Common examples include:

• Air compressors and air receivers

• Steam boilers

• Autoclaves and sterilisers

• Pressure vessels

• Refrigeration systems

• Gas-powered systems

• Hydraulic equipment

Depending on pressure, volume, and stored energy, this equipment may require statutory examination.

PSSR compliance step: Create and maintain a full inventory of all pressure equipment on

site as part of your pressure system compliance checklist.

2. Ensure You Have a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE)

A Written Scheme of Examination is a legal requirement for most pressure systems and a

core part of PSSR documentation requirements.

It must define:

• Which equipment requires examination

• The type of examination required

• Examination intervals

• Safety devices to be tested

• Preparatory steps before examination

The WSE must be prepared or certified by a Competent Person, and all examinations must follow it.

PSSR compliance step: Confirm every applicable system has a current and valid Written

Scheme.

3. Appoint a Competent Person

One of the most critical PSSR responsibilities for employers is appointing a Competent

Person. Under PSSR, this role must be fulfilled by an independent Engineer Surveyor, such as those at Carn Engineering, with the appropriate expertise.

Their responsibilities include:

• Preparing or certifying the Written Scheme

• Carrying out thorough examinations

• Identifying defects

• Defining safe operating limits

• Recommending corrective actions

This forms a key part of PSSR duties explained in practice.

PSSR compliance step: Ensure you have formally appointed a competent Engineer

Surveyor.

4. Carry Out Examinations at the Correct Intervals

Once a Written Scheme is in place, examinations must be completed within the specified

timeframes. Failing to meet these deadlines is a breach of regulations. This is a fundamental part of how to comply with PSSR.

Working with Carn Engineering helps ensure your examinations are scheduled, tracked,

and completed on time — reducing administrative burden and compliance risk.

PSSR compliance step: Track examination dates and ensure timely access for

examinations.

5. Maintain Accurate PSSR Documentation

Keeping accurate records is essential to demonstrate compliance.

Key PSSR documentation requirements include:

• Written Scheme of Examination

• Examination reports

• Defect records

• Repairs and corrective actions

• Safe operating limits

• Equipment modifications

These are essential elements of any pressure system compliance checklist.

PSSR compliance step: Store all documentation securely and keep it up to date.

6. Carry Out Daily Checks and Ongoing Maintenance

While statutory examinations are critical, ongoing monitoring is equally important. Employers must ensure systems are maintained between examinations — a key part of how to comply with PSSR.

This includes:

• Daily visual checks

• Monitoring system performance

• Identifying leaks or corrosion

• Planned preventative maintenance

• Ensuring safety devices function correctly

These activities are central to PSSR duties explained in real-world operations.

PSSR compliance step: Implement structured daily checks and maintenance procedures.

7. Act Promptly on Defects and Recommendations

When issues are identified, action must be taken quickly. This is a core requirement

under PSSR requirements for businesses.

PSSR compliance step: Implement a clear and immediate process for addressing defects

identified during examinations.

8. Train Staff and Communicate Responsibilities

Compliance requires trained personnel who understand their role. This supports PSSR

responsibilities for employers and safe system operation.

PSSR compliance step: Provide training and clearly assign responsibilities.

9. Review Your Compliance Regularly

Your PSSR compliance checklist should be reviewed regularly to reflect operational

changes.

PSSR compliance step: Review annually or when systems change.

Final Thoughts

Meeting PSSR requirements for businesses doesn’t have to be complex. With a

structured PSSR checklist, proper documentation, routine maintenance, and clear PSSR

compliance steps, compliance becomes manageable. Understanding your PSSR

responsibilities for employers is key to maintaining safe and compliant operations.