Druckgeräteverordnung

The Druckgeräteverordnung, often abbreviated as DGRL or PED from its English equivalent Pressure Equipment Directive, is a European Union directive that sets out essential safety requirements for pressure equipment placed on the EU market. Its primary aim is to ensure a high level of safety for individuals, property, and the environment by harmonizing the standards for the design, manufacture, and conformity assessment of pressure equipment across member states.

This regulation applies to pressure equipment with a maximum allowable pressure exceeding 0.5 bar. This includes a wide range of items such as boilers, vessels, piping, safety accessories, and pressure accessories. The DGRL does not specify detailed technical standards but rather lays down essential safety requirements that manufacturers must meet.

Manufacturers are responsible for demonstrating compliance with these requirements. This typically involves a conformity assessment procedure, which may include third-party inspection depending on the hazard category of the equipment. Once conformity is established, the equipment can be CE marked, allowing for free movement within the European Economic Area. The Druckgeräteverordnung is a crucial piece of legislation for ensuring the safe use of a vast array of industrial and domestic equipment.