Pressure vessels in the workplace?

Pressure vessels are present in many workplaces. A pressure vessel is a receptacle or pipeline containing gas or liquid under pressure. Pressure vessels in workplaces include, for example, air reservoirs, expansion vessels, water heaters, boilers and piping. Pressure vessel accidents can have very grave consequences, and rules therefore exist concerning the procedure for inspecting them.

The Work Environment Authority is empowered to issue a sanction charge order if a pressure vessel is not inspected or if it is being used after having failed an inspection. The sanction charge varies between SEK 1,00 and 10,000, depending among other things on volume, output rating and pressure. If the injunction is accepted by the addressee, the matter need not be taken to court.

Basic rules on sanction charges are contained in Chap. 8, Sections 5-10 of the Work Environment Act.

Sanction charge

This is a charge levied from a party contravening an injunction which carries a sanction charge. The charge is computed on predefined grounds. It is set by an administrative court or through the acceptance of a sanction charge injunction. Sanction charges are usually levied from legal persons but can be imposed on natural persons as well.