Pressure Equipment Register

Educational guidance on registers and logs — what each records, who maintains it, what it typically contains and how long it is generally kept. Informational only — template examples, not official documents or legal advice; a register documents activity, it does not by itself prove compliance, and employers remain responsible.

What a pressure equipment register is

A pressure equipment register is a controlled list of pressure systems and vessels — air receivers, compressors, boilers and associated pipework — recording their identification, examinations and condition.

This page is an educational overview with a simplified example of what such a register usually contains. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides what their pressure-system records must cover, and examinations are a competent-person task carried out under a written scheme where required.

Purpose

• Identify each pressure system or vessel and its key details.
• Track examinations against the written scheme of examination.
• Show what is in date and what is due or overdue.
• Help ensure unsafe or overdue equipment is taken out of service.

Who completes it

• A competent person carries out examinations and issues reports.
• A maintenance or engineering coordinator usually keeps the register.
• Operators report obvious faults and do routine checks separately.
• It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure examinations are by a competent person.

When it is used

• When a pressure system or vessel is installed or added.
• Each time an examination under the written scheme is carried out.
• When a defect is found or a report is received.
• On a review cycle to confirm nothing is overdue.

Typical fields

• System or vessel ID, type and key parameters.
• Written scheme reference and last examination date.
• Next examination due date and current status.
• Defects found and action taken.
• Location and responsible person.
• These are example fields only — adapt them to your systems and the applicable law.

Common mistakes

• Operating a system whose examination is overdue.
• No written scheme of examination where one is required.
• Report references and actions not recorded against the system.
• A register that does not include all pressure systems on site.

Document workflow

A pressure equipment register works with the plant register that lists the systems, the maintenance log for repairs, and the relevant operating procedures. An overdue or failed examination should remove the system from service; the register tracks it back once a satisfactory report is received.

See the related documents below for what is commonly used before, alongside and after a pressure equipment register.

Retention (high level)

Employers generally keep examination reports and records for as long as the system is in service and for a period afterwards, in line with their obligations. Specific retention periods vary by jurisdiction.

This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.

Completing and sharing as a PDF

Pressure equipment registers and examination reports are commonly stored and shared as PDFs for audit and traceability. Exporting to PDF supports documentation; it does not make the register official or guarantee compliance.

Employer checklist

• List all pressure systems and vessels with their key details.
• Have a written scheme of examination where required and follow it.
• Remove overdue or defective systems from service.
• Keep the register aligned with the plant and maintenance records.

Worker notes

• Follow the operating procedures for pressure equipment.
• Do not use a system marked overdue or out of service.
• Report leaks, unusual noise or suspected faults immediately.

Country considerations

Requirements for examining pressure systems vary by country, including written schemes and competence, and the official authority differs. This page is high-level and general — it is not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee that a register is valid anywhere.

Always confirm the current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.

Who is responsible

The employer is responsible for ensuring pressure systems are suitable, examined under a written scheme where required, maintained and safe, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not determine what your register must contain, does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.