Compressed Air Systems - Written Scheme of Examination

Did You Know? Written Schemes of Examination Are a Legal Requirement

When it comes to compressed air systems, safety isn’t optional, it’s the law.
At SIA Compressors & Generators, we’re committed to helping you operate safely and stay compliant with regulations. That’s why we’re proud to now offer Written Schemes of Examination (WSE), conducted by our qualified personnel.

But what exactly is a Written Scheme of Examination, and why is it so important?

What Is a Written Scheme of Examination?

A Written Scheme of Examination is a formal, legal document required under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR).

It outlines:

Which parts of the pressure system need to be examined
How often they should be examined
What tests must be carried out
The required safety precautions

This applies to any pressure vessels that hold more than 250bar litres of compressed air. To put that into perspective: if you’re holding 25 litres of air at 10bar, you’ve already hit the threshold.

If your equipment qualifies, a WSE must be in place before the system is operated, and inspections must be repeated at least once a year.

Why Are These Inspections So Important?

While safety is the primary concern, compliance also plays a huge role in protecting your business.

Failure to comply with PSSR regulations can result in enforcement action, prosecution, or invalidated insurance policies. Many insurance companies won’t provide cover unless a valid WSE and inspection certificate are on file.

In addition, these inspections include testing and calibrating all safety valves, which helps detect and fix problems before they become dangerous.

What’s Included in a Written Scheme of Examination?

When you book a WSE through SIA Compressors & Generators, you can expect:

A full review of your pressure system
Annual testing of all safety valves and safety devices
Accurate calibration checks
Documentation that meets PSSR and insurance requirements
Expert guidance from qualified personnel

Who Is Responsible?

Under the PSSR, the duty holder (usually the employer or equipment owner) is responsible for ensuring a valid Written Scheme is in place and followed.

That includes:

Having a scheme drawn up by a competent person
Scheduling examinations at the specified intervals
Keeping detailed records of all inspections and maintenance
Ensuring the system is operated within safe limits

Stay Compliant with SIA

Our team at SIA Compressors & Generators is now qualified via Mandate Systems to issue Written Schemes of Examination and carry out all required annual testing. We make the process straightforward, with minimal disruption to your business, contact us today!