TechArchive

Original article date: May 2002

Another ‘new approach’ European directive is coming into force – the Pressure Equipment Directive. Tommy Miller has been finding out what it’s all about

Remember, remember the twenty-ninth of November, to modify the old rhyme. On that day, the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) will come into force. This is the latest in a line of ‘new approach’ European directives that has included the Machinery Directive, the Low Voltage Directive and the EMC Directive.

So here we go then, what do you need to know? Any ostriches reading this will be pleased to hear that, although the PED comes into force this month, it remains optional until 29th of May 2002. But I’m sure you all appreciate that the sooner you start working to something like this, the better – if only because the CE mark is a good selling point. Besides, complying with the essential requirements of the directive should not be too onerous.

To comply with the directive, what do you need to do with your pressure equipment and accessories? Apart from being safe, it must meet the essential requirements covering design, manufacture and testing; it must satisfy the appropriate conformity assessment procedures; and it must carry the CE mark. But note that the lowest category of equipment – that which only needs to be designed and manufactured to sound engineering practice – should not have the CE mark applied (unless it needs it to be CE marked for any other directive).

Otherwise the PED applies to almost any pressure equipment, assemblies, or accessories that have a maximum working pressure greater than 0.5bar above atmospheric (ie 1.5bar absolute). This includes valves, transducers, boilers, vessels, piping and safety accessories. Needless to say, there is also a long and diverse list of exceptions, including equipment for the nuclear industry, beach balls and drinks cans. And it should also be borne in mind that a machine or assembly is likely to be covered by a more stringent directive, typically the machinery directive, which will have the effect of overriding the PED. Nevertheless, manufacturers, importers and those who market pressure equipment should all be aware of their responsibilities under the PED.

The steps that need to be taken along the path to conformity depend on many factors, such as the nature of the fluid, whether it is a liquid or a gas, whether the equipment is a vessel, steam generator or piping, the pressure and the volume. As with the machinery directive, in some cases the manufacturer can undertake self-certification but, in other cases, it is necessary (or at least prudent) to use a third-party.

Undoubtedly one of the most useful documents to help you get through the PED maze is one published by the DTI. ‘Pressure Equipment, Guidance notes on the EC Pressure Equipment Directive (97/23/EC)’ is free and can be obtained by calling the DTI publications hotline on 0870 1502 500. This booklet is an excellent starting point and is a ‘must-have’ for anybody concerned with pressure equipment.

If input from a third-party is required, it is worth knowing that Lloyd’s Register of Shipping has become the first organisation in Europe to be appointed as a Notified Body to offer services to companies needing to comply with the PED. This was possible after Lloyd’s Register (LR) and its subsidiary company Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA) took the step of combining their services so that customers can approach either to get the assistance they need. LR has now set up a free helpline (0800 783 2179) and can supply a free CD-Rom, literature and can organise seminars for companies who need to get up to speed on the PED.

A third source of help that is worth knowing about is the BSI. This organisation has published another of its comprehensive Handbooks for CE Marking. The PED handbook covers the scope, routes to conformity, modules to be used for conformity, technical file contents, quality system surveillance, marking requirements and model declaration. Priced at (UK pounds)120 (or less for BSI members), this is well worth considering. BSI can be contacted on 0181 996 9001.

• DTI
• Lloyds Register
• BSI

May 2002