Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 [1] employers must provide a safe workplace and safe work equipment, and ensure that staff are trained in the use of the equipment.
In the case of pressure vessels such as sterilizers and compressors, the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) 2000 [2] specify the requirements to prevent the risk of serious injury from these items. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on the implementation of these Regulations is provided in Pressure Systems: A brief guide to safety [3].
Each sterilizer and compressor requires to have a Written Scheme of Examination drawn up by a Competent Person (Pressure Systems) (CP(PS)) and regular examination of the pressure system. Some small volume compressors (<250 Bar-litres) are exempt from the written scheme but other requirements still apply, including maintenance.
NB: The Competent Person (Pressure Systems) (CP(PS)) is a chartered engineer as defined in the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) 2000 [2]
Obtain a Written Scheme of Examination, in accordance with the HSE’s Written schemes of examination. Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 [4] for each sterilizer and compressor on installation or from a Competent Person following installation.
Arrange for safety inspection and certification at intervals advised by a Competent Person and indicated on the Written Control Scheme of Examination (typically at least every 14 months for sterilizers and at least every 26 months for compressors).
Retain certification for inspection
Arrange maintenance per manufacturers’ instructions.
Check insurance cover for pressure vessels because general insurance policies for surgeries often exclude pressure vessels. It is a legal requirement to have third party liability insurance for pressure vessels.
Provide staff training in the operation of equipment.
The use of small steam sterilizers, including health and safety requirements, is described further in the Health Facilities Scotland Management, equipment, and process of the decontamination of dental instruments in a Local Decontamination Unit (LDU) in NHSScotland (SHTM 01-05) [5].
Sources of information
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
- The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000
- Pressure Systems: A brief guide to safety. Health and Safety Executive (2012)
- Written schemes of examination: Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (2012)
- Management, equipment, and process of the decontamination of dental instruments in a Local Decontamination Unit (LDU) in NHSScotland (SHTM 01-05) (version 1) Health Facilities Scotland (2024)