The original Simple Pressure Vessels Directive (87/404/EC), came into force on the 31st December 1991 (with a transitional period up to 30th June 1992). A codified version of the Directive (2009/105/EC), but this has since been replaced by 2014/29/EC. The new Directive came into force on the 20th April 2016, replacing any previous versions. The Directive applies to;
simple pressure vessels ('vessels'), are vessels which are intended to contain air or nitrogen at a gauge pressure greater than 0.5 bar but less than or equal to 30 bar and not intended to be exposed to flame. They are manufactured in series and are of welded steel or aluminium construction;
relevant assemblies, that is any assembly incorporating a vessel.
The following products are excluded from the scope:
- vessels for nuclear use, where failure may cause an emission of radioactivity,
- vessels intended for installation in or the propulsion of ships and aircraft,
- fire extinguishers.