Pressure Systems Policy

Policy Statement

University of Dundee recognises the risks arising from the installation and use of pressure systems. It is committed to reducing these risks to a level which is as low as is reasonably practicable through a pro-active management program. This program will include arrangements as noted below.

Definition

A pressure system is defined within the Pressure System Safety Regulations 2000 as a system which comprises one or more pressure vessels of rigid construction, any associated pipe-work and protective devices which contains:

1. steam at any pressure or;
2. gases which exert a pressure 0.5bar above atmospheric pressure or;
3. fluids which may be mixtures of liquids, gases and vapours where the gas or vapour phase may exert a pressure 0.5bar above atmospheric pressure.

This Policy does not include autoclaves: risks from autoclaves are addressed in Safety Policy Arrangement 51 - Biological Safety Management.

This Policy does not apply to portable compressed gas cylinders where these are NOT connected to fixed pipework: risks from portable gas cylinders are addressed in Safety Policy Arrangement 47-2010 Compressed gas Cylinders.

This policy does not apply to pressure systems at the School of Medicine which are under NHS Tayside’s jurisdiction.

Arrangements

Deans/Directors will ensure that the health and safety aspects of pressure systems are considered prior to purchase, involving the appropriate health and safety personnel as necessary. All pressure systems will meet applicable safety standards and be purchased from reputable suppliers. 

Where pressure systems incorporate fixed pipework and/or operate as follows:

• Contain steam at any pressure
• Contain another fluid or gas at a combined pressure x volume of greater than 250 bar litres

The Director of Estates and Campus Services will be informed upon purchase / installation of the pressure system so that the item is added to the University inventory of assets requiring statutory inspection according to a written scheme by a competent person (otherwise known as “insurance inspections”).

For pressure systems that include fixed pipework, Estates and Campus Services will liaise with the installation contractor to ensure that the system is installed correctly.

Deans/Directors will ensure that all pressure systems are maintained properly, kept in good repair and defects/actions identified by the competent person following a written scheme rectified/implemented.  They will ensure a maintenance log is kept.

Deans/Directors will ensure that pressure systems are included in hazardous area plans for buildings.

Deans/Directors will ensure users of the pressure system are competent through appropriate training and supervision, and that they understand the safe limits of its operation and what to do in an emergency.

Users must operate the pressure system according to their training and must report faults immediately to their line manager.  Immediate action must be taken to prevent a faulty system from being used, and to make the pressure system safe.

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