The Pressure Equipment Directive, which became mandatory in May 2002, covers all pressure equipment operating at a maximum allowable pressure of more than 0.5bar
Sira Test and Certification has been appointed as the testing arm for the collaboration that will be supporting the implementation of the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 97/23/EC).
The directive became mandatory in May 2002.
The Pressure Equipment Directive covers all pressure equipment operating at a maximum allowable pressure of more than 0.5bar.
Pressure equipment is considered to be vessels, piping, safety accessories, pressure accessories, assemblies.
There are some exceptions to this, such as aerosols, weapon systems and firearms, exhaust and inlet silencers, and drinks bottles and cans.
The directive is intended to cover what are considered to be the essential safety requirements, including: design, manufacture, testing, marking and labelling, instructions, and materials.
The purpose of the PED is to: "Remove technical barriers to trade within the European Union by the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States, as part of the programme to create the Single Market".
The route to compliance requires demonstration that a product satisfies the 'essential safety requirements' (ESRs). PED compliant equipment meets ESRs for hazard analysis, materials of use, product design, manufacture, final inspection and test. Sira is one of three organisations collaborating to offer UK customers a one-stop point of contact for the PED.
Sira is offering the comprehensive testing services for the collaboration, alongside Pedcat and Velosi which offer consultation and certification respectively.
The theory behind the union is that as well as giving the three companies the chance to work together it will provide all the appropriate technical help and services the customer requires to comply with the directive from one source.
