WHO NEEDS THIS LETTER?

This letter is required for a person who has been appointed as the Competent Person or Firm for the Testing and Examination of Pressure Equipment in the workplace. They will be responsible for ensuring all boilers or pressure vessels are regularly inspected (internally and externally) and pressure tested to ensure they remain in good condition and are safe to use.

WHAT IS THIS LETTER FOR?

This letter shows that a Competent Person or Firm for the Testing and Examination of Pressure Equipment has been appointed to ensure that all boilers or pressure vessels are maintained, inspected and pressure tested regularly to ensure that they are suitable for safe use in the workplace, according to the requirements of the OHS Act. The letter allows these persons to act under the authority of the 16(2) in order to ensure that all boilers or pressure vessels remain in good condition and are suitable for safe use.

WHY IS THIS LETTER IMPORTANT?

This letter shows that a responsible person has been appointed to ensure that all boilers or pressure vessels are regularly inspected and pressure tested so they are safe to use. This provides evidence to an inspector that a basic structure is in place to ensure that all boilers or pressure vessels remain safe for use. This letter is relevant under section 11(1)(a) of the Pressure Equipment Regulations of the OHS Act and its availability shows that the employer is taking steps to comply with these Regulations in respects of ensuring all pressure equipment is inspected and tested regularly by a competent person or provider. 

VALIDITY

This letter needs to be signed by the 16(2) (as the appointer) and by the appointee, dated and kept on record where it can be accessible to an inspector. A time period must be included for the appointment. Each appointee must have the relevant experience or accredited qualification in order to be competent to perform these duties or the assignee must be a competent person who represents an external pressure equipment service provider which is accredited to perform these duties.

HOW DOES THIS WORK AS A CONTROL MEASURE?

In the hierarchy of controls this letter forms part of the administrative control measures which should be in place to ensure that all boilers or pressure vessels are regularly inspected and pressure tested. This letter ensures that a responsible person is appointed to ensure all boilers or pressure vessels are regularly inspected and pressure tested in order to ensure their safe use in the workplace.