Understanding Air Compressor and Air Receiver Inspection Requirements
Pressure vessels must be designed to AS1210:2010 and inspected and maintained in accordance with AS3788:2006. Table 4.1 in AS3788:2006 lists the recommended external and internal periodic inspection intervals for various pressure vessels.
Air compressor inspection requirements vary slightly depending on whether the compressor / receiver is situated on a mine site or on a WorkSafe site.
Schedule 3 of the Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations – 1995 (MSIR – 1995) outlines the inspection requirements for registrable classified plant (including pressure vessels) that are used on mine sites. Air compressors / receivers with a hazard level A, B, C or D are to be inspected on 3 yearly intervals UNLESS the capacity is below 150 L as marked on the manufacturer’s data report. Air receivers below 150 L do not require third party statutory inspections but should still be cared for under good engineering practice as outlined in AS3788:2006.
When on a WorkSafe site Regulation 4.43 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations – 1996 (OSHR – 1996) outlines the requirements for plant under pressure. As can be seen below, the inspection requirements refer back to AS3788:2006, where Table 4.1 gives the periodic inspection requirements.
If the air compressor / receiver has a PV (design pressure in MPa x volume in L) value below 150 MPaL does not require period external and internal inspections. Vessels with a PV value between 100 – 150 MPaL will still require commissioning inspections prior to use. All vessels below 150 MPaL must be maintained in accordance with Note 14 of Table 4.1 in AS3788:2006 which can be found below.
It is important to pay particular attention to smaller air compressors / receivers that are commonly found in workshops as they are often on the border of needing third party periodic inspections. It is the responsibility of plant owners to ensure that the requirements of the relevant regulations are met.
Are your air compressors and receivers due for an inspection? Contact AME for all your inspection requirements and questions you might have.