The Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016

[F1 Quality system E+W+S

59.— (1) The manufacturer shall lodge an application for assessment of their quality system with the approved body of their choice for the pressure equipment, or assembly, concerned.

(2) The application shall include—

(a) the name and address of the manufacturer and, if the application is lodged by the authorised representative, their name and address as well;

(b) a written declaration that the same application has not been lodged with any other approved body;

(c) all relevant information on the pressure equipment, or assembly, type envisaged;

(d) the documentation concerning the quality system; and

(e) the technical documentation referred to in paragraph 57.

(3) The quality system shall ensure compliance of the pressure equipment, or assembly, with the requirements of these Regulations that apply to it.

(4) All elements, requirements and provisions adopted by the manufacturer shall be documented in a systematic and orderly manner in the form of written policies, procedures and instructions. This quality system documentation shall permit a consistent interpretation of the quality programmes, plans, manuals and records, including—

(a) the quality objectives and the organisational structure, responsibilities and powers of the management with regard to the quality of the pressure equipment or assembly;

(b) the corresponding manufacturing, quality control and quality assurance techniques, processes and systematic actions that will be used, particularly the procedures used for the permanent joining of parts as approved in accordance with paragraph 21 of Schedule 2 to these Regulations;

(c) the examinations and tests that will be carried out before, during and after manufacture, and the frequency with which they will be carried out;

(d) the quality records, such as inspection reports and test data, calibration data, reports concerning the qualifications and approvals of the personnel concerned, particularly of those of the personnel undertaking the permanent joining of parts and the non-destructive test in accordance with paragraphs 21 and 22 of Schedule 2 to these Regulations; and

(e) the means of monitoring the achievement of the required quality and the effective operation of the quality system.

(5) The approved body shall—

(a) assess the quality system to determine whether it satisfies the requirements referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) and (4);

(b) presume conformity with those requirements in respect of the elements of the quality system that comply with the corresponding specifications of the relevant designated standard;

(c) provide a team with experience in quality management systems; and

(d) ensure that the audit—

(i) is carried out by a team containing at least one member with experience in the relevant pressure equipment, or assembly, field and pressure equipment and assembly technology concerned, and knowledge of the applicable requirements of these Regulations;

(ii) includes an inspection visit to the manufacturer's premises; and

(iii) reviews the technical documentation referred to in paragraph 56, to verify the manufacturer's ability to identify the relevant requirements of these Regulations and to carry out the necessary examinations with a view to ensuring compliance of the product with those requirements.

(6) The decision shall—

(a) be notified to the manufacturer;

(b) contain the conclusions of the audit; and

(c) contain a reasoned assessment decision.

(7) The manufacturer shall undertake to fulfil the obligations arising out of the quality system as approved and to maintain it so that it remains adequate and efficient.

(8) Where the manufacturer intends to change the quality system—

(a) the manufacturer shall inform the approved body that has approved the quality system informed of the intended change to the quality system;

(b) the approved body shall evaluate the proposed changes and decide whether the modified quality system will continue to satisfy the requirements referred to in sub-paragraph (5) or whether a reassessment is necessary;

(c) the approved body shall notify the manufacturer of its decision; and

(d) the notification shall contain the conclusions of the examination and the reasoned assessment decision.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Sch. 1A inserted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 24 para. 44 (with Sch. 24 para. 41) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)