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PART 3U.K.Conformity assessment

Presumption of conformityE+W+S

40.—(1) Pressure equipment or an assembly which is in conformity with a [F1designated] standard (or part of such a standard) F2... is to be presumed to be in conformity with the essential safety requirements covered by that standard (or that part of that standard).

F3(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F4(3) The presumption in paragraph (1) is rebuttable.]

Presumption of conformityN.I.

40.—(1) Pressure equipment or an assembly which is in conformity with a harmonised standard (or part of such a standard) the reference to which has been published in the Official Journal is to be presumed to be in conformity with the essential safety requirements covered by that standard (or that part of that standard).

(2) The materials used for the manufacture of pressure equipment or an assembly which are in conformity with a European approval for materials, the reference to which has been published in the Official Journal, are to be presumed to be in conformity with the essential safety requirements applicable to that European approval for materials.

(3) The presumptions in paragraph (1) and (2) are rebuttable.

Extent Information

E9This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

Conformity assessment proceduresU.K.

41.  For the assessment of conformity of pressure equipment falling within regulation 6, the manufacturer must determine the applicable category in accordance with the procedure set out in Schedule 3.

42.—(1) The manufacturer must follow one of the following conformity assessment procedures referred to in [F5Schedule 1A to these Regulations] according to the category in which the equipment is classified—

(a)Category I: Module A;

(b)Category II: Module A2; or, at the choice of the manufacturer, Module D1; or Module E1;

(c)Category III: Modules B (design type) + D; or, at the choice of the manufacturer, Modules B (design type) + F; or Modules B (production type) + E; or Modules B (production type) + C2; or Module H;

(d)Category IV: Modules B (production type) + D; or, at the choice of the manufacturer, Modules B (production type) + F; or Module G; or Module H1.

(2) The manufacturer may also choose to apply one of the procedures which apply to a higher category, if available.

Extent Information

E2This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Scotland only; a separate version has been created for Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

42.—(1) The manufacturer must follow one of the following conformity assessment procedures referred to in Annex III to the Directive (as amended from time to time) according to the category in which the equipment is classified—

(a)Category I: Module A;

(b)Category II: Module A2; or, at the choice of the manufacturer, Module D1; or Module E1;

(c)Category III: Modules B (design type) + D; or, at the choice of the manufacturer, Modules B (design type) + F; or Modules B (production type) + E; or Modules B (production type) + C2; or Module H;

(d)Category IV: Modules B (production type) + D; or, at the choice of the manufacturer, Modules B (production type) + F; or Module G; or Module H1.

(2) The manufacturer may also choose to apply one of the procedures which apply to a higher category, if available.

Extent Information

E10This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

[F6Power to amend applicable moduleE+W+S

42A.(1) Where in order to mitigate the effects of very serious safety concerns the Secretary of State considers that an item or family of pressure equipment are to be subject to different categories of modules, the Secretary of State may by regulations make such provision.

(2) Regulations made under paragraph (1)—

(a)are to be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament; and

(b)include power—

(i)to make different provision for different cases; and

(ii)to make such supplemental, consequential and transitional provision as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.]

43.—(1) The [F7approved] body or user inspectorate must, when performing unexpected visits in the framework of quality assurance procedures for pressure equipment in categories III and IV in regulation 6(a)(i), 6(a)(ii)(aa) or 6(b), take a sample of equipment from the manufacturing or storage premises in order to perform, or have performed, the final assessment as referred to in paragraph 25 of Schedule 2.

(2) The manufacturer must inform the [F7approved] body or user inspectorate of the intended schedule of production.

(3) The [F7approved] body or user inspectorate must carry out at least two visits during the first year of manufacturing.

(4) The [F7approved] body or user inspectorate must determine the frequency of subsequent visits on the basis of the criteria set out in point 4.4. of modules D, E and H and point 5.4 of module H1 in [F8Schedule 1A to these Regulations].

Extent Information

E3This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Scotland only; a separate version has been created for Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

F7Word in reg. 43(1)-(4) substituted (E.W.S.) (22.4.2024) by The Pressure Equipment (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/490), regs. 1(2), 2(3)

43.—(1) The notified body or user inspectorate must, when performing unexpected visits in the framework of quality assurance procedures for pressure equipment in categories III and IV in regulation 6(a)(i), 6(a)(ii)(aa) or 6(b), take a sample of equipment from the manufacturing or storage premises in order to perform, or have performed, the final assessment as referred to in paragraph 25 of Schedule 2.

(2) The manufacturer must inform the notified body or user inspectorate of the intended schedule of production.

(3) The notified body or user inspectorate must carry out at least two visits during the first year of manufacturing.

(4) The notified body or user inspectorate must determine the frequency of subsequent visits on the basis of the criteria set out in point 4.4. of modules D, E and H and point 5.4 of module H1 in Annex III to the Directive (as amended from time to time).

Extent Information

E11This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

44.  In the case of one-off production of vessels and pressure equipment in category III referred to in regulation 6(b) under the module H procedure, the [F9approved] body or user inspectorate must perform or have performed the final assessment, as referred to in paragraph 25 of Schedule 2, for each unit.

Extent Information

E4This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Scotland only; a separate version has been created for Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

44.  In the case of one-off production of vessels and pressure equipment in category III referred to in regulation 6(b) under the module H procedure, the notified body or user inspectorate must perform or have performed the final assessment, as referred to in paragraph 25 of Schedule 2, for each unit.

Extent Information

E12This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

45.  For the assessment of conformity of assemblies referred to in regulation 7, the manufacturer must apply a global conformity assessment procedure comprising—

(a)the assessment (the procedure for which is to be determined by the category of each item) of each item of pressure equipment making up the assembly and referred to in regulation 6 which has not been previously subjected to a conformity assessment procedure and to a separate [F10UK] marking;

(b)the assessment of the integration of the components of the assembly as referred to in paragraphs 7, 12 and 13 of Schedule 2 which must be determined by the highest category applicable to the equipment concerned other than that applicable to any safety accessories; and

(c)the assessment of the protection of an assembly against exceeding the permissible operating limits as referred to in paragraph 14 and 28 of Schedule 2 which must be conducted against the highest category applicable to individual items of equipment included in the assembly.

Extent Information

E5This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Scotland only; a separate version has been created for Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

45.  For the assessment of conformity of assemblies referred to in regulation 7, the manufacturer must apply a global conformity assessment procedure comprising—

(a)the assessment (the procedure for which is to be determined by the category of each item) of each item of pressure equipment making up the assembly and referred to in regulation 6 which has not been previously subjected to a conformity assessment procedure and to a separate CE marking;

(b)the assessment of the integration of the components of the assembly as referred to in paragraphs 7, 12 and 13 of Schedule 2 which must be determined by the highest category applicable to the equipment concerned other than that applicable to any safety accessories; and

(c)the assessment of the protection of an assembly against exceeding the permissible operating limits as referred to in paragraph 14 and 28 of Schedule 2 which must be conducted against the highest category applicable to individual items of equipment included in the assembly.

Extent Information

E13This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

46.  Regulations 41 to 45 do not apply to pressure equipment items and assemblies which are made available on the market or put into service solely in the interests of experimentation.

[F1147.  The records and correspondence relating to conformity assessment must be clear, legible and in easily understandable English.]

Extent Information

E6This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Scotland only; a separate version has been created for Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

47.  The records and correspondence relating to conformity assessment must be in an official language of the [F29relevant state] where the body responsible for carrying out such conformity assessment procedures is established, or in a language accepted by that body.

Extent Information

E14This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

Textual Amendments

F12... Declaration of conformityE+W+S

48.  The F13... declaration of conformity in respect of pressure equipment or an assembly must—

(a)state that the fulfilment of the essential safety requirements has been demonstrated in respect of pressure equipment;

(b)contain the elements specified in [F14Schedule 1A to these Regulations] for the relevant conformity assessment procedure followed in respect of the pressure equipment or assembly; and

(c)have the model structure set out in Schedule 11.

Extent Information

E7This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Scotland only; a separate version has been created for Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

EU declaration of conformityN.I.

48.  The EU declaration of conformity in respect of pressure equipment or an assembly must—

(a)state that the fulfilment of the essential safety requirements has been demonstrated in respect of pressure equipment;

(b)contain the elements specified in Annex III to the Directive (as amended from time to time) for the relevant conformity assessment procedure followed in respect of the pressure equipment or assembly; and

(c)have the model structure set out in Schedule 11.

Extent Information

E15This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

[F15UK] markingE+W+S

49.—(1) Before placing on the market, the [F16UK] marking must be affixed visibly, legibly and indelibly to the following:

(a)any item of pressure equipment referred to in regulation 6 or its dataplate; and

(b)any assembly referred to in regulation 7 or its [F17data plate; or]

[F18(c)where paragraph (1A) applies—

(i)a label affixed to the pressure equipment or assembly; or

(ii)to a document accompanying the pressure equipment or assembly.]

[F19(1A) For a period of [F20seven years] beginning with IP completion day, the UK marking may be affixed to—

(a)a label affixed to the pressure equipment or assembly; or

(b)to a document accompanying the pressure equipment or assembly.]

(2) The requirement in paragraph (1) does not apply in cases where—

(a)the conformity assessment procedure followed in accordance with regulation 42 is either module A2, C2, F or G; and

(b)the conformity assessment procedure has been carried out by a user inspectorate.

(3) Where [F21paragraph (1A) does not apply and] it is not possible or warranted, on account of the nature of the equipment or assembly, to affix the [F16UK] marking in accordance with paragraph (1), the [F16UK] marking must be affixed to—

(a)the packaging; and

(b)the accompanying documents.

(4) At the time the [F16UK] marking is affixed, the item or assembly referred to in subparagraph (1)(a) or (b) must be—

(a)complete; or

(b)in a state permitting final assessment as described in paragraph 25 (Final assessment) of Schedule 2.

(5) Individual items of pressure equipment already bearing the [F16UK] marking when incorporated into an assembly must continue to bear that marking, but the [F16UK] marking need not be affixed to each additional item of pressure equipment making up an assembly.

(6) The [F16UK] marking must be followed by the identification number of the [F22approved] body which carried out the relevant conformity assessment procedure for the pressure equipment or assembly, where that body is involved in the production control phase.

(7) The identification number of the [F22approved] body must be affixed—

(a)by the [F22approved] body itself; or

(b)under the instructions of the [F22approved] body, by the manufacturer or his authorised representative.

(8) The [F16UK] marking and, where applicable, the identification number of the [F22approved] body may be followed by any other mark indicating a special risk or use.

Extent Information

E8This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Scotland only; a separate version has been created for Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

CE markingN.I.

49.—(1) Before placing on the market, the CE marking must be affixed visibly, legibly and indelibly to the following:

(a)any item of pressure equipment referred to in regulation 6 or its dataplate; and

(b)any assembly referred to in regulation 7 or its dataplate.

(2) The requirement in paragraph (1) does not apply in cases where—

(a)the conformity assessment procedure followed in accordance with regulation 42 is either module A2, C2, F or G; and

(b)the conformity assessment procedure has been carried out by a user inspectorate.

(3) Where it is not possible or warranted, on account of the nature of the equipment or assembly, to affix the CE marking in accordance with paragraph (1), the CE marking must be affixed to—

(a)the packaging; and

(b)the accompanying documents.

(4) At the time the CE marking is affixed, the item or assembly referred to in subparagraph (1)(a) or (b) must be—

(a)complete; or

(b)in a state permitting final assessment as described in paragraph 25 (Final assessment) of Schedule 2.

(5) Individual items of pressure equipment already bearing the CE marking when incorporated into an assembly must continue to bear that marking, but the CE marking need not be affixed to each additional item of pressure equipment making up an assembly.

(6) The CE marking must be followed by the identification number of the notified body which carried out the relevant conformity assessment procedure for the pressure equipment or assembly, where that body is involved in the production control phase.

(7) The identification number of the notified body must be affixed—

(a)by the notified body itself; or

(b)under the instructions of the notified body, by the manufacturer or his authorised representative.

(8) The CE marking and, where applicable, the identification number of the notified body may be followed by any other mark indicating a special risk or use.

Extent Information

E16This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

[F23UK(NI) indicationN.I.

49A.(1) Where the CE marking is affixed on the basis of an assessment or a certificate issued by a notified body established in the United Kingdom, a UK(NI) indication must be affixed in relation to the pressure equipment or assembly, in accordance with this regulation.

(2) The UK(NI) indication must be affixed—

(a)visibly, legibly and indelibly; and

(b)before pressure equipment or an assembly is placed on the market in Northern Ireland.

(3) The UK(NI) indication must accompany the CE marking, wherever that is affixed in accordance with regulation 49.

(4) The UK(NI) indication must be affixed by—

(a)the manufacturer; or

(b)the manufacturer's authorised representative.

(5) When placing pressure equipment or an assembly on the market in Northern Ireland, an importer must ensure that the manufacturer has complied with their obligations under this regulation.

Register of notified bodies established in the United KingdomN.I.

49B.(1) The Secretary of State must ensure that—

(a)each notified body established in the United Kingdom is assigned an identification number; and

(b)there is a register of—

(i)notified bodies established in the United Kingdom;

(ii)their notified body identification number;

(iii)the activities for which they have been notified;

(iv)any restrictions on those activities.

(2) The Secretary of State must ensure that the register referred to in paragraph (1) is maintained and made publicly available.

(3) The Secretary of State may authorise the United Kingdom Accreditation Service to compile and maintain the register in accordance with paragraph (1)(b).]

[F24European approval for materialsU.K.

50.(1) For the purpose of this regulation, an issuing body is a body which has been notified under regulation 55 (notification) specifically in relation to the activity of issuing European approval for materials.

(2) European approval for materials must be issued, at the request of one or more manufacturers of materials or equipment, by an issuing body.

(3) The issuing body must determine and perform, or arrange for the performance of, the appropriate inspections and tests to certify the conformity of the types of material with the corresponding requirements of these Regulations.

(4) In the case of materials recognised as being safe to use before 29 November 1999, the issuing body must take account of the existing data when certifying such conformity.

(5) Prior to issuing a European approval for materials, the issuing body must inform the other [F25relevant states] and the Commission by sending them the appropriate information.

(6) Where, within three months of being informed by the issuing body, a [F26relevant state] or the Commission provides comments with reasons, the issuing body must take those comments into account before issuing the European approval for materials.

(7) A copy of the European approval for materials must be sent to the [F27relevant states], the bodies notified under regulation 55 and the Commission.

(8) The issuing body must withdraw its approval if it finds that it should not have been issued or that the type of materials is covered by a harmonised standard.

(9) If an issuing body withdraws approval for materials under paragraph 8, it must immediately inform the other [F28relevant states] and the bodies notified under regulation 55 of that withdrawal.]