European Flag (c) IMSI

European Flag  (c)IMSI

 

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Introduction

Europe  (c)IMSI

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


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Last Modified 29 August 2001