The size and internal pressure of the boilers vary according to the manufacturer and the quantity of drinks being produced. However, they all have one thing in common; they produce steam (or hot water at a temperature greater than 100ºC) which poses a significant health and safety risk to the individuals who operate them or those who would be near if it failed.
If pressure equipment fails in use, it can seriously injure or be fatal for people close by as well as causing extensive damage to property. As an employer (or user), churches have a duty to provide a safe workplace and safe work equipment which is safe and fit for purpose.
Principal causes of failures and other major incidents are:
The Pressure System Safety Regulations (PSSR) were introduced in 2000 to provide direction and guidance to users and operators with the aim of preventing serious injury from the hazard of stored energy (and the scalding effects of steam) due to the failure of a pressure system.
The PSSR place specific responsibilities onto the user/owner of a pressure system. All systems must be:
More information can be found on the HSE website and in their leaflets; www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg261.pdf and http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l122.pdf