Regulation 17(1) of Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)[1] grants the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) power to exempt any type or class of pressure system from the application of any of the requirements or prohibitions imposed by these regulations.
HSE has published an exemption certificate for any pressure system forming an enclosure for high voltage equipment.
HSE may review and revoke exemptions at any time.
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Regulation 3(2) and Schedule 1 of PSSR currently excepts any pressure system containing sulphur hexafluoride gas and forming an integral part of high voltage electrical apparatus from all requirements of PSSR. The certificate of exemption has been granted to help facilitate the introduction of high voltage electrical equipment using alternative gasses and the phasing out of sulphur hexafluoride, a highly potent and strictly controlled greenhouse gas. The exemption also brings PSSR into line with PE(S)R[3] which also excludes all enclosures for high voltage electrical equipment regardless of the gas used.
Owners and operators of existing high voltage electrical equipment containing sulphur hexafluoride should ensure its integrity and safe operation by continuing to ensure that equipment is maintained and regularly inspected and tested in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
HSE expects that any new high voltage electrical equipment utilising alternative gasses will be designed, manufactured and tested to appropriate standards before being placed on the market. Owners and operators will also need to ensure that this new equipment is maintained and regularly inspected and tested in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.