The Occupational Health & Safety Regulations place an obligation on an owner, lessee or controller of pressure vessels with a hazard level of A, B or C to register that vessel. This registration requirement would not apply to pressure vessels that are LP gas fuel vessels for automotive use, serially produced pressure vessels or pressure vessels that do not require internal inspection.

Plant such as pressure vessels with a hazard level of A, B or C have a high level of risk and are inherently dangerous should the internal workings break down. Left undetected, a defective pressure vessel could cause substantial property damage and potential serious injury or death. All of which, if it occurred will have a significant impact on your business.

As a rule of thumb generally those compressors that are larger than a 205 litre (44 gallon) drum would require item registration. Vessels with a PV equal to or less than 150 megapascol litres (MpaL) do not require registration (or periodic internal inspection). Most compressors used in the retail motor industry fall within the 100-150 MpaL range. To help you determine the hazard level, multiply the design pressure by the total volume of the pressure vessel in litres. This will give you the pressure vessel value in megapascol litres. Alternatively simply check with the supplier/manufacturer.

An owner, lessee or controller of a pressure vessel with a hazard level A, B or C may access an application form from the WorkCover web site (www.workcover.nsw.gov.au) - go to the “Forms & Publications” tab and do a search using “pressure vessel.” Once the item is registered WorkCover will generate and send a renewal form annually. A $65.00 (gst free) application fee is payable with the application (plus $2.00 for each additional plant item of the same type registered).  Also with the registration application include the design registration number, the statutory authority that the vessel’s design has been registered with, sufficient information to identify the item of plant and a statement that the pressure vessel has been inspected by a competent person and is safe to operate.

If you purchased or assumed control from another of a registrable pressure vessel that was previously registered you must notify WorkCover immediately by completing the Registered Plant: Notice of relocation/ownership change/control change (PR6) form.

Your completed form/s can be lodged by facsimile on 92875498, by email to licensingsolutions@workcover.nsw.gov.au or by post to WorkCover, Locked Bag 2906, Lisarow NSW 2252. For more information about the plant item registration or the annual renewal requirement contact the WorkCover Plant Registration Hotline on telephone (02) 4321 5498.