What is BS EN 13445‑5 about?
BS EN 13445‑5 is the fifth part of the unfired pressure vessels series. BS EN 13445‑5 specifies the inspection and testing of individual and serially produced pressure vessels made of steel.
Special provisions for cyclic operation, and vessels or vessel parts working in the creep range are also given in BS EN 13445‑5.
BS EN 13445‑5 describes the level of inspection and testing of serially produced pressure vessels to permit reduced levels of non-destructive testing (NDT) during serial production.
Who is BS EN 13445‑5 for?
BS EN 13445‑5 on unfired pressure vessels is useful for organizations that commission, design, build and maintain pressure vessels, mainly in:
- Oil and gas
- Petrochemicals
- Process plant
- Energy generation (including nuclear)
- Food and drink
Users:
- Mechanical engineers
- Pressure vessels designers and manufacturers
- Inspectors and inspection bodies (notified bodies/approved bodies)
Why should you use BS EN 13445‑5?
If pressure vessels are expected to do their jobs successfully, they need to adhere to the highest quality standards. This keeps their contents intact and ensures the safety of those around.
BS EN 13445‑5 takes into account factors such as inspection and testing activities associated with the verification of the pressure vessel for compliance with the standard. BS EN 13445‑5 also guides you use design reviews by the manufacturer and supporting technical documentation. BS EN 13445‑5 includes information on non-destructive testing and other inspection activities including document control, material traceability, joint preparation, and welding.
BS EN 13445‑5 provides you with tests for pressure vessels with openings of adequate size and number to allow access for internal inspection and cleaning. For pressure vessels where access is difficult because of internals, for example, tubular heat exchangers; other means of ensuring safe conditions of the pressure vessel are specified.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 13445‑5:2021 supersedes BS EN 13445‑5:2014+A1:2018. BS EN 13445‑5:2021 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 13445‑5:2014+A1:2018. These include:
- Modification of Table 6.6.1-1 "Testing groups for steel pressure vessels" on the extent of NDT
- Modification of Table ZA "Relationship between this European Standard and the essential requirements of Directive 2014/68/EU aimed to be covered" to be more accurate

