Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

17.34.9
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 
2000 (PSSR)
These Regulations came into effect in February 2000 
and replace the Pressure Systems and Transportable 
Gas Containers Regulations 1989. Transportable gas 
containers are covered by the Use of Transportable 
Pressure Receptacles Regulations 1996 (SI 1996 No 
2092).
The aim of PSSR is to prevent serious injury from 
the hazard associated with stored energy as a result 
of a pressure system or one of its parts failing. The 
Regulations cover:
➤
steam at any pressure
➤
gases which exert a pressure in excess of 0.5 bar 
above atmospheric pressure
➤
fl uids which may be mixtures of liquids, gases and 
vapours where the gas or vapour phase may exert 
a pressure in excess of 0.5 bar above atmospheric 
pressure.
With the exception of scalding from steam, the 
Regulations do not consider the effects of the hazard-
ous contents being released following failure. The stored 
contents are of concern where they can accelerate wear 
and cause more rapid deterioration and an increased 
risk of failure.
17.34.10
Working Time Regulations 1998 as 
amended by 1999 Regulations
These Regulations came into force in October 1998 and, 
for specifi ed workers, restrict the working week to 48 
hours per 7-day period. Individuals can voluntarily agree 
to dis-apply the weekly working hours limit. Employers 
must keep a copy of all such individual agreements.
Workers whose working time is not measured or 
predetermined, or who can themselves determine the 
duration of their working day are excepted from weekly 
working time, night work, rest periods and breaks.
The Regulations also cover:
➤
night workers average normal daily hours limited to 
eight
➤
health assessment for night workers
➤
minimum daily and weekly rest periods
➤
rest breaks at work
➤
paid annual leave.

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