Introduction

This document is a summary of OH&S requirements relating to hydraulic accumulators. Hydraulic accumulators are pressure vessels and as such require statutory regulation.

1. Design Registration

   Hydraulic accumulators with Hazard Levels A, B, C and D (as specified in AS4343) shall have their design registered with NSW WorkCover.

   Design registration is a process of having the design verified by 3rd party and then registering this design with NSW WorkCover. Acceptable pressure vessel design in NSW is AS1210. Overseas designs may be used only if they provide equivalent level of safety as AS1210.

   Imported equipment shall be design registered.

   Older equipment should also be design registered; however, this is not always practical and NSW WorkCover have released a position paper covering this topic.

2. Item Registration

   Hydraulic Accumulators with Hazard Levels A, B and C (as specified in AS4343) shall be item registered with NSW WorkCover. Person responsible for item registration is the owner of the equipment.

   Item registration involves filling out the form with identifying information about the plant (location, serial number, volume, design pressure, etc.).

   Registration fee is $65 and is payable annually.

   Plant owners with multiple accumulators in same location should enquire about "Multiple Registration of Plant Items".

3. In-Service Inspection

   As a risk control measure employer must ensure that pressure equipment is inspected in accordance with AS3788-2001.

   Each owner or controller is responsible for ensuring that the extent and frequency of inspection is appropriate and adequate for the continued safe and economic operation of the pressure equipment. This may require seeking of expert outside advice.

   All Pressure vessel inspections shall be carried out by a competent person, such as a Boiler inspector or Company that specializes in Pressure vessel inspections.

   Plant owners should keep the inspection certificate as a record of inspection.

Nominal Inspection Periods (AS3788)

Relating above table to Olaer standard oil service units rated to 345Bar:

• 1 & 2.5ltr units are not subject to inspections
• 4ltr units are subject to commissioning inspection.
• 10ltr and above are subject to internal and external inspection.

All accumulators used with chemicals that are corrosive or flammable are to be inspected on regular basis. The inspector can grant an extended period for internal inspections if he feels that there is no ground for expecting any corrosion problem after he has done the first internal inspection.

References:
AS4343, AS3788, NSW OH&S Regulation 2001

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this presentation should be used as a guide only.
South West Hydraulic & Pneumatic Services do not accept any responsibility with regard to the accuracy of the content or any legal ramifications which could arise from using of this document.
It is the responsibility of the end user to make sure they comply with their local OH&S state requirements. R&R NSW V1.2