PSSR examination vs maintenance: what is the difference?
PSSR examination asks whether specified safety-critical parts are fit for continued use under the written scheme. Maintenance keeps the whole system operating safely. Both matter, and one contractor visit can contribute to both, but the legal documents should not be confused.
Check my situationUse the MOT and service distinction
HSE compares examination under a written scheme to a vehicle MOT: it is a statutory judgement at defined intervals, not ongoing maintenance. A compressor service sheet or boiler maintenance record does not prove that a competent-person examination under a suitable written scheme has occurred.
- Can you produce the current written scheme identifying covered parts and intervals?
- Can you produce a competent-person examination report matching that scheme?
- Can you separately show routine maintenance, safe-limit checks and defect rectification?
What to do next: If any evidence stream is missing, commission the correct work explicitly. Do not ask a maintenance contractor to back-label a service as a PSSR examination or assume the inspection organisation will prepare plant without that being specified.
Written scheme
The scheme defines the pressure-system parts, examination nature, preparation and maximum intervals. It must remain suitable and be reviewed as equipment ages, changes or reveals different deterioration.
It is a controlled technical document, not a generic certificate attached to a service contract.
Statutory examination
The competent person examines in accordance with the scheme, issues the required report, identifies repairs and handles findings of imminent danger. The work may be in-service, out-of-service or both.
The examination report should be traceable to the scheme and actual equipment examined.
Operation and maintenance
The user establishes safe operating limits, provides instructions and training, maintains the system and acts on defects. Maintenance frequency and content follow risk, manufacturer guidance, condition and operating experience—not simply the examination date.
A good procurement pack assigns preparation, strip-down, reinstatement and repair responsibilities so that the system is safe before, during and after examination.