Pressure Equipment Examinations Explained
What is a Pressure Equipment / PSSR Examination?
A pressure equipment / PSSR examination (often referred to as a pressure systems inspection or a PSSR inspection) is a legally required inspection that confirms pressure vessels, boilers, air receivers, steam systems, and other pressurised equipment are safe to operate before use and throughout their working life. In the UK, these examinations are carried out under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) 2000, while in Ireland they fall under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, both of which require employers and duty holders to maintain a Written Scheme of Examination and ensure competent, periodic inspections.
A pressure equipment examination assesses installation quality, operating conditions, maintenance history, and potential failure risks such as leaks, corrosion, or over‑pressurisation.
By completing a compliant PSSR examination, organisations in both Ireland and the UK demonstrate regulatory compliance, protect employees, and reduce the likelihood of dangerous system failures in industrial, commercial, and manufacturing environments.
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What Types of Pressure Equipment Do We Inspect?
A wide range of pressure systems require routine pressure equipment / PSSR examinations to ensure they remain safe, compliant, and fit for use. Our inspections cover the core categories of pressure equipment commonly found across industrial, commercial, and building‑services environments, including:
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Compressed air system Inspections — Assessing systems storing and distributing compressed air, including receivers, pipework, and safety devices.
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Pressurisation vessel Inspections — Checking expansion and pressure‑control vessels used in heating, cooling, and closed‑loop systems.
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Refrigeration plant Inspections — Examining sealed refrigeration systems containing refrigerants under pressure, including chillers and cooling plant.
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Heating system Inspections — Covering pressurised heating circuits and associated vessels used in commercial and industrial buildings.
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Hot water heating boiler Inspections — Assessing non‑PSSR boilers that do not contain a “relevant fluid” but still require inspection under PUWER or General Application Regulations.
Experience the Carn Difference
Why Choose Carn Engineering For Your Pressure Equipment / PSSR Examination?
✔ Comprehensive inspections — Covering all major pressure equipment types, from compressed air systems and pressurisation vessels to heating systems and boilers.
✔ Fully compliant assessments — Aligned with PSSR in the UK and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work regulations in Ireland.
✔ Experienced, multi-disciplined engineers — We can take care of all of your engineering inspection needs saving you time, money and hassle.
✔ Flexible service options — Available for one‑off examinations or scheduled inspection programmes across multiple sites.
✔ Sector‑wide expertise — Supporting manufacturing, logistics, construction, automotive, healthcare, and more.
✔ On-line client portal — Access all of your past, and current reports along with your upcoming scheduled inspections.
We Travel Far & Wide
Where Do We Provide Pressure Equipment / PSSR Examinations?
We provide pressure equipment / PSSR examinations (often referred to as a pressure systems inspections or a PSSR inspections) across all of Ireland and the UK. Our coverage includes major cities, rural areas, industrial hubs, and construction sites, ensuring every client—no matter their location—has access to reliable, accredited pressure equipment / PSSR examinations.
Whether you operate a single site or manage multiple locations across regions, our team delivers consistent, high‑quality examinations to keep your pressure equipment fully compliant and your operations running safely.
Know Your Obligations
When Do You Need a Pressure Equipment / PSSR Examination?
A pressure equipment / PSSR examination is required at various intervals throughout its life in service:
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Before first use — A new or newly installed pressure system must be examined under a Written Scheme of Examination before it is put into service.
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At the intervals specified in the Written Scheme — A competent person determines how often the system must be examined based on risk, operating conditions, and equipment type.
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After significant repairs or modifications — Any work that could affect the integrity or safety of the system triggers a new examination.
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After relocation or reinstallation — Moving pressure equipment can introduce new stresses or installation risks that must be assessed.
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After long periods out of service — Systems that have been idle may deteriorate internally and require reassessment before being used again.
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When abnormal conditions occur — Over‑pressurisation, corrosion, vibration, or suspected damage may require an immediate examination.
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