Stoke Depot Opening Times: 07.30am – 5.00pm Mon to Fri | Shrewsbury Depot Opening Times: 08.00am – 5.00pm Mon to Fri
Stoke Depot Opening Times: 07.30am – 5.00pm Mon to Fri | Shrewsbury Depot Opening Times: 08.00am – 5.00pm Mon to Fri
J Ll Leach provides fully compliant pressure systems schemes for air compressors from our Stoke, Birmingham and Shrewsbury branches.
However, because compressed air is a source of stored energy, it can be hazardous when compressors are poorly maintained or incorrectly specified.
If you use compressed air, you must obtain a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) to prove your compressor is safe and compliant with the law. This WSE document is essential for ensuring system safety and adhering to strict legal requirements. Fortunately, more benefits come with obtaining a WSE than just legal compliance.
We can enhance workplace safety, prevent downtime, minimise your maintenance and repair needs, and much more.
Since 1936, we have been helping industrial businesses in the United Kingdom stay abreast of the latest innovations in compressed air solutions. Call us today if you need a trusted expert to assess your compressors and provide a WSE.
In the UK, all businesses that use pressure systems containing compressed air (or any other relevant fluid) must obtain a WSE under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR 2000). To get this legally required document, a ‘Competent Person’ must examine your air compressors at regular intervals.
This is a statutory legal requirement for most systems. The PSSR 2000 mandates a WSE for any system where the product of the internal volume of its pressure vessel (in litres) and its maximum working pressure (in bar) is equal to or greater than 250 bar-litres. For example, a 50-litre receiver operating at 8 bar (400 bar-litres) legally requires a WSE.
When we examine your compressors, we will assess the safety and efficiency of their pressure vessels, pipework, and protective devices, including safety valves, pressure gauges, and pressure switches. As part of the evaluation process, we will determine the type and frequency of assessments your systems require to remain safe and compliant.
Whether you use fixed or mobile compressed air systems, you must obtain a WSE to stay on the right side of the law. Fortunately, the WSE can also benefit your business in various tangible ways.
A compliant Written Scheme of Examination for air compressors must be comprehensive. It is not merely a checklist but a detailed record ensuring system safety. When we prepare your WSE document, it typically includes:
Ensuring these elements are present helps in creating a robust risk assessment profile for your facility.
The PSSR 2000 regulations legally define a ‘Competent Person’ as an individual or organisation with the necessary technical knowledge, experience, and independence to undertake the required examinations. This independence is crucial to ensure their assessment is impartial.
A Competent Person is responsible for both:
Our engineers are fully qualified to act as your Competent Person, ensuring your WSE is prepared and executed correctly.
The WSE itself will define the inspection intervals, which are determined by the Competent Person based on the system’s age, use, and complexity. However, typical statutory intervals are:
Your WSE must also be reviewed periodically and updated by a Competent Person if any significant modifications or repairs are made to the pressure equipment.
Some of the key benefits of obtaining a WSE and staying on top of examinations include the following:
Businesses that fail to comply with strict safety and quality regulations can receive hefty fines and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) penalties. Operating without a valid WSE is a criminal offence under PSSR 2000, which can also lead to the invalidation of your business insurance and, in serious cases, personal liability for directors.
Getting a WSE and conducting the required safety examinations helps you remain compliant with safety laws and minimise the risk of accidents, such as pressure leaks, component failures, and even explosions in the worst-case scenarios. Regular vessel inspection acts as a proactive risk assessment tool, ensuring the protection of your staff.
By ensuring your compressed air systems are examined frequently in line with your WSE requirements, you can identify small problems before they spiral into costly issues that can cause unexpected breakdowns and business downtime.
WSE assessments ensure your compressor’s critical components operate efficiently, safely, and effectively. By remaining compliant and repairing small issues quickly, the WSE could extend the lifespan of your valuable plant or equipment by years.
Running a successful business means always being prepared for any challenge. By complying with safety regulations, you can protect yourself and your finances against legal claims in the event of an accident.
At J Ll Leach, we are your one-stop shop for all compressed air needs, including all tasks related to the WSE. Our competent person is able to provide all necessary services required by your pressure system, no matter its complexity and size. Our WSE services include:
As part of the WSE process, we will identify all the components that need regular inspection, define appropriate inspection intervals, offer cost-cutting and efficiency-increasing recommendations, and much more.
Whether you are a new business needing a WSE and a comprehensive examination schedule or an established business requiring assessments, updates and improvements, we have you covered.
Yes, under the PSSR 2000, air compressors operating above 250 bar-litres require a statutory inspection. This ensures that the pressure system is safe for use and meets all legal requirements. Failure to perform these safety examinations can result in legal action.
Regulation 8 of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) specifically places a duty on the user or owner of a pressure system. It mandates that a written scheme of examination must be drawn up by a competent person before the system is operated. This regulation ensures that the nature and frequency of examinations for pressure vessels and protective devices are clearly defined.
Typically, a written scheme of examination for air compressors will specify that protective devices be tested every 12 months, while the pressure vessel itself usually requires a thorough examination every 26 months. However, the specific schedule is determined by the competent person based on the risk assessment and usage of the equipment.
If you want to protect yourself against claims and accidents, enhance workplace productivity, and extend the lifespan of your valuable equipment, you need look no further than J Ll Leach for your WSE compliance check.
Since 1936, we have supplied, designed, installed, and maintained advanced compressed air solutions in the UK. We work with manufacturing, automotive, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, logistics, and many other industries.
All our WSE engineers are fully qualified and trained to the highest industry standards. No matter which compressor make and model you have, we have the skills to ensure it operates safely and efficiently. So, call us today to book a compliance check at a time that works for you. You can get one of our qualified inspectors to come to site to discuss the process. We will gladly provide more details during a no-obligation consultation.
