Better inspections save both time and money
The Swedish Work Environment Authority’s regulations for use and inspection of pressurised devices, AFS 2017:3, specifies requirements for creating good work environments and avoiding accidents. FVB has good experience working with the regulation and can support all or part of the process.
– Vi har en gedigen erfarenhet av att arbeta med AFS 2017:3, säger Aksel Holmberg, på FVB.
AFS 2017:3 was created to collect all requirements for how to use and inspect pressurised devices in one regulation. If the requirements are not met, the Swedish Work Environment Authority has the right to impose penalty fees or stop operations, which can lead to significant costs for the company. In the worst-case scenario, shortcomings can lead to serious accidents in the workplace.
“We have solid knowledge and good experience working with AFS 2017:3, but also with adjacent legislation,” says Aksel Holmberg, investigator at FVB.
“There is also very good process engineering expertise at FVB. This means that we can assist the customer with drawings, risk assessments, classification, and design calculations. These are things that may be needed to complete the documentation. We have also been part of the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s inspections and understand the requirements placed on employers.”
FACTS ABOUT AFS 2017:3
- The regulation “Use and inspection of pressurised devices” took effect December 1, 2017.
- Pressurised devices are used in heating and CHP plants, sawmills, paper mills, and breweries.
- Examples of pressurised devices are boilers for power and heat production, pressurised containers for various processes, pipelines, storage tanks for gas, cisterns for storing liquid fluids, and compressed air containers.
- The regulation contains stricter requirements for risk assessment, procedures, instructions, ongoing supervision, documentation, and recordkeeping.
- There are also new requirements for certification of boiler operators and monitoring of boilers and other devices.
- The new regulations make it possible for companies to self-assess the appropriate intervals for inspections and operational testing.
Action list
The most common approach is for FVB to be commissioned to conduct a feasibility study. A present situation is established based on this and documentation, procedures, and instructions will be explored during FVB’s visit with the customer. After the visit, an action list is created.
“We then divide the actions into different work stages where the customer decides whether we will assist with some parts or all of it,” says Aksel.
When the work is complete, the operation and maintenance work will be easier within the concerned areas.
“The result is that information on the facility will become more accessible and well-documented.
This saves both time and money for the customer and also reduces the risk of future errors when making interventions in the facility,” says Aksel.
More information:
Aksel Holmberg, +46 (0)21 81 80 45
