EEMUA has today written to the UK Government and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to raise concerns about the ongoing review of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR).
The review is being carried out under the Government’s Regulatory Action Plan.
In letters sent to Sir Stephen Timms MP, sponsoring Minister of State with primary oversight of the HSE, and Sarah Albon, Chief Executive of HSE, the Association, which represents many of the UK’s largest industrial operators across the power, chemical and petrochemical sectors, is seeking confirmation that its evidence has been considered as part of the regulatory review.
EEMUA highlights that major UK operators continue to identify shortcomings in the current regulatory framework, particularly around the recognition of modern inspection methodologies and the operational realities of complex industrial sites. According to the Association, these gaps risk limiting the UK’s ability to reduce administrative burden, adopt technology driven inspection approaches, and strengthen industrial competitiveness without compromising safety.
The letter draws attention to three priority areas for modernisation:
• Greater alignment with risk based inspection (RBI) to reduce unnecessary invasive examinations and improve plant availability.
• Reform of the 28 day reporting requirement, which EEMUA says is impractical for large sites and can constrain detailed engineering assessments.
• More flexible postponement provisions, allowing risk based decisions in exceptional circumstances to avoid unnecessary shutdowns.
The Association reiterated its willingness to meet with Government and HSE representatives to support a proportionate and modernised regulatory framework. A copy of EEMUA’s detailed position statement has been provided alongside the correspondence.
