There are in the UK a set of regulations covering coffee machines which are known as the "Pressure System Safety Regulations 2000".  They cover steam systems in general but also that of steam boilers contained inside most commercial coffee machines.  Anyone with a coffee machine on a commercial premises needs to adhere to these regulations in order to safely operate a coffee machine.  The HSE are asking business owners for proof of a current boiler certificate showing that the inspection has been carried out.  We at the AIEE have been able to secure a very competitive rate with a national inspection company details of which can be obtained from your nearest AIEE engineer.  Failure to comply with the regulations can be dangerous and may even void your insurance cover so please look into this before you get caught out.  As with any equipment in daily use you should maintain it to a safe level and the work should be carried out by competent engineers,  the PSSR is equivalent if you like to an MOT for your coffee machine - it is there to ensure no one gets hurt.  Please do not avoid having it done as you may well regret it should something go wrong due to a boiler failure.  The recent events at a Sainsbury store have ignited the health and safety world and we are seeing the regulation being enforced more than ever before.

You can get some further information here:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2000/128/made?view=plain

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg261.pdf

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l122.pdf

To put it briefly the procedure must be carried out every 12 months and requires an approved boiler inspector and a competent engineer to attend site at the same time.  To answer a question commonly asked,  a competent engineer cannot carry out the inspection as normally he would be reporting on the standard of his or her own work!  It must be carried out by an qualified and unbiased third person to ensure there are is no conflict of interest.  The engineer will strip the machine while the boiler inspector will check the condition of the pressure system,  the engineer can in most cases repair or replace any items the inspector is not happy with.  Should the machine pass the test a certificate is issued and you can continue using the equipment.  If it does fail however it must not be used until the inspector is satisfied or you could be liable for a large fine.  The inspection normally will take no longer than an hour and a half this can of course vary from machine to machine.