This directive covers the manufacture and installation of pressure equipment.
It is now European Law but its use is optional until May 2002 when it becomes mandatory. Its main purpose is to eliminate technical barriers to trade within Europe.
It covers most pressure equipment containing a gas or liquid at a positive
maximum pressure {excluding any static head} greater than half a bar (7.5_PSI). The pressure does not have to be continuously applied it could be as a result of an infrequent cleaning operation.
Pressure equipment can be:
- Pressure Vessels
- Boilers
- Pipework
- Accessories such as valves, regulators and gauges.
It requires that all pressure equipment manufactured or modified under its
control is properly thought out, designed, constructed, installed and properly documented with operating instruction where appropriate, and above all is safe to operate.
It sets out essential safety requirements which the manufacturer must prove
have been reasonably satisfied before such products can be sold or put into service, { even if the item has been specifically made to satisfy a clients individual requirements }.
The directive does not cover repairs or changes of use once equipment is made,
this is subject to the Pressure System Regulations of each member state. However modifications to existing equipment may be subject to the directive if
the work is carried out off site even if the original manufacture was prior to the directive becoming law.
It does not require compliance with any code or standard. Any suitable standard
can be used as a basis for design and construction, but individual consideration must be given to any essential safety requirement that is not properly
addressed by such standards. This is to enable each European Country to continue using its own Standards whilst at the same time conforming to a common set of safety rules.
The involvement of an Independent Inspection Authority (IIA) is now a legal
requirement under the directive, except for equipment that the directive considers as low risk. All IIA working under the directive have to be Notified
by a European member state (In the UK approval is controlled by the 'Department of Trade and Industry'). Such accredited organisations are
referred to as Notified Bodies, they can inspect items going into any European Country from anywhere in the world.
The minimum level of inspection required by a Notified Body is dictated by the
directive and depends on the level of risk associated with the equipment.
It is the manufacturers responsibility to appoint a Notified Body when one is
required by the directive. End users can be approved as Notified bodies subject to certain restrictions Next Page > Inspection Categories
|