Espresso / steam boiler PSSR examination
Where your espresso or steam boiler counts as a "pressure system" under PSSR, a written scheme of examination and a periodic thorough examination of the pressure vessel by a competent person.
Where your espresso or steam boiler counts as a "pressure system" under PSSR, a written scheme of examination and a periodic thorough examination of the pressure vessel by a competent person.
A pressure vessel that fails catastrophically can cause serious injury. PSSR requires systems above the exempt threshold to have a written scheme and regular examination — but a genuine grey area for small espresso machines.
A SAFed-member competent person can confirm whether your boiler's capacity brings it under PSSR, and set up the written scheme if it does.
Who this is for
Any venue running an espresso machine or steam boiler with a pressure vessel.
Whether PSSR applies depends on the boiler's pressure and volume — many single- or twin-group espresso machines fall below the exemption threshold in PSSR Schedule 1 and are not covered at all. Do not assume either way: get a competent person to check the numbers on your specific machine.
What you’ll hold
- Written scheme of examination, if PSSR applies
- PSSR thorough examination report
- Competent person's written confirmation if the machine is exempt
Watch out for
- Assuming all espresso machines are exempt, or assuming all need PSSR, without getting a competent person to actually check the pressure and volume figures.
- Starting the machine up before a written scheme is in place, when one is required — PSSR expects the scheme before operation, not after an incident.
- Losing track of the examination because it gets folded into a routine coffee-machine service visit with no separate paperwork.
Sources
- HSE — Pressure systems checked 2026-09-02
See also
This is item 48 of 60 in the free UK Compliance Calendar. See the whole list →