PSSR 2000 & Do I Need One?
I will try to explain as best as I can without quoting legal statements & codes of practice, if you would like to read these items feel free to call me or email contact@thecoffeelobby.co.uk & I will send across any information required.
So, PSSR 2000 or Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 in some form has been around since the dawn of steam powered vessels, sadly many lives were lost due to pressure vessels exploding & over the years safety measures have been put in place to reduce the risk of failure & save lives.
Now what I should determine is what’s classed as a pressure vessel & what has it got to do with Espresso Machines. Well a pressure vessel or system is a rigid vessel used to contain fluid which is then heated to create steam, as the steam has nowhere to escape this builds pressure in the rigid vessel creating stored energy which can be released. If you imagine your kitchen kettle is completely air tight with no spout for the steam to escape, then imagine it continues to heat regardless, it will build so much pressure inside it will literally explode like a bomb.
So do Coffee Machines have steam boilers?
Yes, is the short answer, but not all of them & depending on what type of espresso machine you have will determine if it has a steam boiler. But a general rule is, if you have steam wands for manually steaming milk then a steam boiler is almost certainly present & this would be classed as a Rigid Pressure Vessel that would need to comply with PSSR 2000 regulation. If you are still unsure feel free to give me a call & I will be happy to advise.
So what does that mean for you the owner of a Rigid Pressure Vessel?
Well, it is a criminal offence to not be compliant & the legal implications are prosecution for breach of health & safety law. To remain compliant you must follow regulations;
Regulation 7 - Safe Operating Limits.
Regulation 8 - Written Scheme of Examination.
Regulation 9 - Examination in accordance with the Written Scheme.
Regulation 10 - Actions in case of imminent danger.
Regulation 11 - Operation.
Regulation 12 - Maintenance.
Regulation 14 - Keeping of Records.
Regulation 15 - Precautions to prevent pressurisation of certain vessels.
So What is Inspected & How often do I require a PSSR 2000 Examination?
The pressure system as a whole is inspected, rather than just inspecting the PV (Pressure Vessel) we inspect the full system.
We do this because a safety device failing or multiple failings will be the main reason a PV will over pressurise & explode, we check & inspect all safety devices to ensure they are all working & operating within their parameters. This will then be followed up with a Written Scheme of Examination that is matched to the coffee machine not dissimilar to a vehicles MOT & like the Ministry Of Transports check these PSSR examinations must be carried out annually.
Who will ask to see my Written Scheme of Examination?
I rarely see or hear of any Local Authority in our area asking Coffee Shops or Cafes to provide their PSSR or WSE information, however this is something that has started to change.
If you rent or Lease a commercial premises your insurer or landlord should expect a copy of the PSSR as this documentation will protect you & keep your warranty & insurance valid if you ever needed to claim.
Large commercial operations like airports & train station are extremely rigid with compliance & will not accept any form of equipment on site unless its safe with certification to prove that.
So failing to have a WSE on your Pressure Vessel is a risk to your business & your staff members because the first thing you will be asked to provide for a claim against an espresso machine will be its MOT Certificate (PSSR2000) & if you do not comply, you will be liable & face prosecution.
As always if you have any questions on pricing or anything related to PSSR 2000 then call or email me to discuss.
01225 436171 or contact@thecoffeelobby.co.uk.
