DSEAR stands for Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations, which is a UK law that requires employers to assess and manage the risks from dangerous substances in the workplace. These regulations are in place to protect workers and the general public from the risks posed by the storage, handling, and use of dangerous substances, as well as the potential for explosive atmospheres to be created by those substances.

A DSEAR assessment is a systematic evaluation of the risks posed by dangerous substances in the workplace. The assessment should identify the hazardous substances present, the potential risks they pose, and the measures in place to control those risks. The assessment should also consider the potential for explosive atmospheres to be created and the measures in place to prevent or mitigate them.

Whether you own a small business or run a big organization, it is important to keep in mind your workplace’s safety and the employees who are working for you. By following the DSEAR regulations, you can prevent any potential future disaster from dangerous substances. When talking about DSEAR, a dangerous substance can be any substance present at the workplace that has the capacity to create fire or explosion, or corrosion of metal. These substances are inclusive of solvents, paints, varnishes, flammable gases, such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG), dust from machining and sanding operations, dust from foodstuffs, pressurized gas substances corrosive to metal.

Also, as per DSEAR, the workplace must have classification of areas where explosive atmosphere may occur and Employers have duty to provide information, instruction, training to employees about hazards and preventive measures for explosive atmospheres.

Who Can Do DSEAR Risk Assessments?

The assessment should be carried out by a competent person with knowledge and experience of the dangerous substances used in the workplace and should be reviewed and updated, as necessary.

DSEAR assessment can be done by any authorized insurance provider in the UK. We are one of the leading DSEAR risk assessment companies in the UK who can help you get the workplace’s precise safety report. Our DSEAR risk assessment experts team will guide you properly based on the size and complexity of your work premises. Many people think that DSEAR regulations are only for big companies and organizations, but that’s not true; even small and medium-sized companies need it. However, exceptions can be applied to very small businesses by doing a detailed Fire Assessment of their workplace. Suh simple and cost-effective steps will be enough to meet the legal and insurance criteria. We have saved thousands of Euros for one of our clients by performing a thorough and quick assessment of their workplace.

Business owners generally ask us about the importance and requirement of DSEAR assessment and our answers have always been positive, and we justify its significance with appropriate reasons. One of the most important reasons to do the DSEAR assessment is for the safety of your business and employees. Secondly, organizations fail to understand the processes as DSEAR risks are related to maintenance and cleaning. Hence, it is important for businesses to anticipate the significance of controlling such activities. Additionally, businesses also need to be ready for the worse and make plans accordingly for any unexpected and unfortunate events caused by a dangerous substance. One important thing that organizations, especially those who use flammable gases like Acetylene, need to keep in mind is that they should inform nearby fire safety departments about their activities and their risks so they can support them immediately in case of an emergency.

Other than the above-mentioned guidelines, businesses can inform and train their employees on how to deal with and keep a safe distance from dangerous substances. Lack of education and training leads to more vulnerability of business along with their workers; thus, it is essential to train your employees properly. One of the fundamental requirements of DESAR is to recognize and categorize explosive zones of work premises and classify those places as hazardous zones based on the risk of an explosion occurring and prevent such zones from ignition sources by choosing appropriate equipment and protective systems.

Flammable Substances And DSEAR

Flammable substances are materials that can easily catch fire and burn when they come into contact with a source of ignition, such as a flame or spark. Some examples of flammable substances include gasoline, alcohol, and natural gas.

DSEAR sets the flashpoint temperature of 6- Degrees Celsius.

If substance has a flashpoint of 60 degrees Celsius or below, it qualifies under DSEAR. It also applies to substances that have higher flashpoints, however, are heated to within 60 Degrees of the flashpoint. For example, bitumen has a flashpoint of approximately 200 degrees, however, is usually heated to 140 to 170 degrees Celsius to allow for it to be viscous and movable through pipes.

DSEAR stands for the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, which is a law that aims to protect workers from the risks of fires, explosions, and other incidents caused by dangerous substances in the workplace.

The law applies to a wide range of industries and requires employers to assess the risks associated with dangerous substances and put in place appropriate control measures to prevent incidents from occurring. This includes storing and handling flammable substances safely, providing personal protective equipment, and training workers on the risks and how to prevent accidents.

What Substances fall under DSEAR

DSEAR applies to a wide range of dangerous substances, including flammable gases, liquids, and solids; oxidizing substances; toxic and infectious substances; and corrosive substances. The law also applies to hazardous chemicals and explosives.

Examples of flammable substances that may fall under DSEAR include gasoline, diesel fuel, alcohol, and many solvents. Oxidizing substances include materials that can support the rapid and spontaneous combustion of other materials, such as oxygen gas and chlorine. Toxic and infectious substances are materials that can cause harm to people’s health, either by being poisonous or by causing illness. Corrosive substances are materials that can cause severe damage to other materials, such as acids and bases.

DSEAR Assessment Cost

the cost of a DSEAR assessment can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size and complexity of the workplace, the number, and types of dangerous substances present, and the number of assessors needed to complete the assessment.

In general, the cost of a DSEAR assessment can range from a few hundred pounds for a small, simple workplace to several thousand pounds for a large or complex workplace. Some consultant companies could charge more.

The cost of a DSEAR assessment may include the following:

The cost of the assessor’s time, including any necessary site visits
The cost of any testing or sampling that needs to be done
The cost of any equipment or materials needed to complete the assessment
The cost of preparing the final assessment report
The cost of any follow-up work that needs to be done, such as training or implementing new procedures

It is worth noting that cost of an assessment is small fraction of cost if an incident occur, and employer have to bear it. So, keeping the workplace safe and hazard free is always a cost-effective solution.

It is also worth noting that DSEAR is a legal requirement, so employers are legally obliged to carry out a DSEAR assessment and put in place the measures necessary to control the risks posed by dangerous substances in the workplace.

The typical cost of a DSEAR Assessment that we undertake can be in the range of £2200 to £3600 depending upon size and complexity of the facility.

Sampling is not usually required as we either can do the assessments with MSDS information or indeed already have published data to allow us to complete the assessment.

Where sampling is needed, this is typically £500 to £1000 for a yes / No on explosivity or combustibility. For full sampling to establish all specific data such as Pmax, KST Value. LIT etc. this is typically £4000 to £5000 per substance. NOTE – This is not part of the assessment and is exceedingly rare.

If you would like more information on specific costs, please take a look at our DSEAR page

DSEAR Assessment Template

A DSEAR assessment template is a document that can be used to guide the assessment process and ensure that all the necessary information is collected and considered. A typical DSEAR assessment template will include the following sections:

Introduction: This section provides an overview of the DSEAR regulations and the purpose of the assessment.
Site Information: This section provides details about the workplace, including its location, size, and layout. It should also include a map of the site, showing the location of any dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres.
Dangerous Substances: This section provides information about the dangerous substances present in the workplace, including their properties, hazards, and the amount stored or used.
Explosive Atmospheres: This section assesses the potential for explosive atmospheres to be created in the workplace and the measures in place to prevent or mitigate them.
Risk Assessment: This section evaluates the risks posed by the dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres in the workplace. It should include a description of the scenarios that could lead to an incident and the likelihood of it happening.
Control Measures: This section describes the measures in place to control the risks identified in the risk assessment section. It should also include a plan for implementing any new control measures that are identified, as necessary.
Training and Information: This section describes the information, instruction, and training provided to employees about the hazards and preventive measures for explosive atmospheres.
Conclusion: This section provides a summary of the assessment, including any recommendations for further action.
References: Any additional documents or references used in the assessment should be included in this section.

It is good to consult a professional for a DSEAR assessment as it needs experience and knowledge about different dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres and their potential hazard which is not present in a template. It is a mandatory legal requirement, and it is important to comply with it and make workplace safe.

For a good example of DSEAR Assessment templates, please visit our free resources page to view a redacted example of s DSEAR Assessment report – Free Health And Safety Risk Assessment Template

Does Diesel Fall Under DSEAR

Yes, diesel fuel is considered a flammable substance and would fall under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). DSEAR applies to a wide range of industries and requires employers to assess the risks associated with dangerous substances and put in place appropriate control measures to prevent incidents from occurring.

This includes storing and handling flammable substances, such as diesel fuel, safely, providing personal protective equipment, and training workers on the risks and how to prevent accidents.

This may also include measures such as providing personal protective equipment, training workers on how to handle dangerous substances safely, and storing and handling the substances in appropriate containers.

What Dusts Are Explosive

Certain types of dust can be explosive when they are suspended in air and come into contact with an ignition source, such as a spark or flame. This can happen when dust particles are finely ground and are able to create an explosive mixture with the air.

Examples of dusts that can be explosive include:

Metal dusts, such as aluminium, magnesium, and titanium
Coal and other carbon-based dusts
Wood dust
Chemical dusts, such as certain types of pesticides and explosives
Food and agricultural dusts, such as flour, sugar, and grain

It is important to note that not all dusts are explosive. The likelihood of a dust being explosive depends on several factors, including the type of material, the size and shape of the particles, and the concentration of the dust in the air.

DSEAR Zone Classification

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) classifies areas where dangerous substances are present or may be present into different zones, depending on the likelihood and duration of an explosive atmosphere. The zones are used to help employers assess the risks associated with dangerous substances and to determine the appropriate control measures to prevent incidents from occurring.

The zone classification system in DSEAR is based on the European standard EN 60079-10-1, and has three zones:

Zone 0: An area in which an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods.
Zone 1: An area in which an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
Zone 2: An area in which an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, it will only exist for a short period.

What are dust DSEAR Zones

DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002) also classifies areas where explosive dusts are present or may be present into different zones.

In DSEAR, the zone classification system for explosive dusts is based on the European standard EN 60079-10-2, and has two zones:

Zone 20: An area in which an explosive dust atmosphere is present continuously, or for long periods.
Zone 21: An area in which an explosive dust atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally in normal operation.
Zone 22: An area in which an explosive dust atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation, but if it does occur, it will only exist for a short period.

Employers must conduct a risk assessment to identify the zone classification of the area where explosive substances and dusts are present, and take appropriate actions to protect the worker, this may include providing the appropriate equipment, safety measures and training.

It is also important to note that, depending on the specific process or equipment, the zone classification of an area can change over time, and employers must continuously monitor the zone classification and adjust the control measures as necessary to ensure the safety of the worker.

It is important to remember that DSEAR zone classification for dusts are different from the zone classification for gas/vapours, so it is crucial that employers are aware of the differences and apply them accordingly.

DSEAR Ignition Sources

In the context of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR), ignition sources refer to any equipment or activity that has the potential to generate heat, sparks, or flames and could cause a fire or explosion in an area where dangerous substances or explosive atmospheres are present.

Examples of ignition sources that are covered by DSEAR include:

Open flames, such as from welding, cutting, and grinding operations
Hot surfaces, such as from equipment that generates heat or that is at a high temperature
Sparks, such as from electrical equipment, static electricity, and friction
Mechanical impact, such as from machinery and equipment that can cause sparks or generate heat through friction
Electrical equipment, including switchgear, control panels, and lighting fixtures
Smoking materials, including cigarettes, matches, and lighters
Static electricity, which can be generated by the movement of materials, such as dusts, through ducts, hoses, or pipes.

Employers are responsible for identifying and assessing the ignition sources present in their workplace and respond appropriately to prevent incidents from occurring. This can include measures such as providing fire-resistant clothing and equipment, implementing safe work procedures, and providing training on fire safety and the safe use of equipment.

They also have to ensure that the electrical equipment they use is of suitable explosion-proof and flameproof type, or that measures are taken to prevent the ignition of an explosive atmosphere by electrical equipment.

DSEAR Training

Training is an important aspect of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR), as it helps to ensure that workers understand the risks associated with dangerous substances and know how to work safely with them.

Employers are responsible for providing DSEAR training to workers who may be exposed to dangerous substances or explosive atmospheres, including those who handle, store, or produce dangerous substances, as well as those who work in areas where dangerous substances are present.

DSEAR training should cover a range of topics, including:

The properties and hazards of the dangerous substances that workers may be exposed to
The risks associated with working with dangerous substances, including the risk of fire, explosion, and other incidents
The safe handling, storage, and disposal of dangerous substances
The use of personal protective equipment
The emergency procedures to be followed in case of an incident
The procedures to be followed in the event of a fire or explosion
The training should be given in a manner that is appropriate for the workers, taking into account their level of understanding and experience, and should be regularly updated to ensure that workers remain aware of the risks and how to work safely with dangerous substances.

Employers also have to ensure that the training provided is adequate and appropriate for the specific task and hazards and are able to demonstrate the training provided. Also note that in some cases, it may be necessary for workers to be certified or trained to a specific standard, such as those for handling hazardous chemicals.

DSEAR Competence

We are repeatedly asked about competence to complete ATEX installation works and the competence of engineers undertaking works within Hazardous Area Zones.

Although we would recommend any specific training, we have worked with clients that have demonstrated such due diligence with a training programme involving a 3rd party training company.

COMPEX Training

This training is not what we would consider essential for DSEAR Assessments as it will typically offer a general foundation knowledge, however, is valuable for engineers working within zones. This training is referred to as COMPEX.

COMPEX (formerly known as the Ex-Professional body) is a certification program for electrical and instrumentation engineers in the hazardous area industry. The program is designed to provide a structured training and assessment program that covers the design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of electrical and instrumentation equipment and systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

COMPEX certification is based on the international standard IECEx (IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres) and covers several different categories of personnel, including design engineers, installation engineers, inspection and maintenance engineers, and quality system auditors.

The COMPEX training program covers a wide range of topics, including:

Electrical and instrumentation design principles for hazardous areas
Installation and commissioning of electrical and instrumentation equipment and systems
Inspection, testing, and maintenance of electrical and instrumentation equipment and systems
Quality system auditing for hazardous area equipment and systems
The safe use and handling of hazardous materials

The training is typically delivered through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and on-the-job experience, and is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills they need to work safely and effectively in hazardous areas. Upon completion of the training, participants are required to pass an exam in order to be certified.

This training and certification is important for those working with equipment and systems that could be in potentially explosive atmosphere, as it ensures that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and effectively in these environments.

A link to this type of training is here (NOTE – ORBIS has no affiliation with COMPEX) – Qualifications – CompEx (compexcertification.com)

ATEX Inspection Types

ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosibles) is a set of European Union regulations that provide guidelines for the safe use of equipment and protective systems in potentially explosive atmospheres. The regulations cover the design, manufacture, installation, and maintenance of equipment and protective systems that are intended for use in such environments.

ATEX inspection types are a key element of the regulations, and are divided into two categories:

Initial Inspection: an inspection that is carried out when equipment or a protective system is first installed or put into service, to ensure that it complies with the relevant ATEX regulations and is safe to use.
Periodic Inspection: inspections that are carried out at regular intervals (usually every 2 years, or as specified by the manufacturer) to ensure that equipment or protective systems continue to comply with the relevant ATEX regulations and remain safe to use.

During an ATEX inspection, various aspects of the equipment or protective system are checked, including:

Design and Construction: to ensure that the equipment or system is suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and complies with the relevant ATEX regulations.
Installation: to ensure that the equipment or system has been professionally installed, and that all relevant safety measures have been taken.
Markings and Documentation: to ensure that the equipment or system is properly marked and that all relevant documentation, such as user manuals and test certificates, is available and up to date.
Inspection and Maintenance Records: to ensure that inspection and maintenance records have been kept and are up to date.
Safety Devices and Alarms: to ensure that all relevant safety devices, such as alarms and emergency shut-off systems, are in good working order.

ATEX inspection is important as it helps to ensure that equipment and protective systems that are intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres are safe to use and comply with the relevant regulations. This in turn helps to protect the workers and the environment from the hazards associated with explosive atmospheres.

How to arrange a DSEAR Assessment

Arranging a DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) assessment involves several steps, including identifying the dangerous substances present in your workplace, assessing the risks associated with these substances, and putting in place appropriate control measures to prevent incidents from occurring. Here is a general overview of the process of arranging a DSEAR assessment:

Identify the dangerous substances: The first step in arranging a DSEAR assessment is to identify the dangerous substances that are present in your workplace. This includes flammable gases, liquids, and solids; oxidizing substances; toxic and infectious substances; and corrosive substances, as well as hazardous chemicals and explosives.

Assess the risks: Once you have identified the dangerous substances, you need to assess the risks associated with them. This includes identifying the potential sources of ignition, the likelihood and duration of an explosive atmosphere, and the potential consequences of an incident.

Put in place control measures: Based on the risks identified in step 2, you should put in place appropriate control measures to prevent incidents from occurring. This may include measures such as providing personal protective equipment, training workers on how to handle dangerous substances safely, and storing and handling the substances in appropriate containers.

Record and Review: Record all assessment, control measures and trainings. Review them regularly to make sure that they are still relevant and effective and update them, as necessary.

Assessor: Consider hiring a professional assessor with the relevant knowledge and qualifications to conduct the DSEAR assessment. They will be able to provide expert advice on how to comply with the regulations, and they will be able to identify any areas of non-compliance that need to be addressed.

Communication: Communicate the results of the assessment to all relevant parties and ensure that all employees are aware of the dangers and the control measures in place to protect them.

It is important to note that DSEAR compliance is an ongoing process and requires regular review and updating to ensure that all risks are controlled, and all workers are safe.

DSEAR Emergency Procedures

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) require employers to have emergency procedures in place to protect workers in case of an incident involving dangerous substances or explosive atmospheres. These procedures should be tailored to the specific hazards and risks present in the workplace, and should be communicated to all workers, including contractors and temporary workers.

Some of the key elements of DSEAR emergency procedures include:

Identification and Assessment of Hazards: The first step in any emergency is to identify the hazards and assess the risks. This includes identifying the location and type of dangerous substances present, as well as the potential sources of ignition and the potential consequences of an incident.

Alarm and Evacuation: An effective emergency procedure should include an alarm system that can be easily heard and understood by all workers. When the alarm sounds, workers should be trained to evacuate the area immediately, taking the shortest and safest route.

First aid and Medical Treatment: Emergency procedures should also include provisions for providing first aid and medical treatment to workers who are injured or exposed to dangerous substances. This may include providing first aid equipment and personnel and arranging for transport to a medical facility.

Firefighting and Emergency Response: The emergency procedure should include measures to control and extinguish fires, as well as to respond to other types of incidents, such as gas leaks or chemical spills. This may include providing fire-fighting equipment, and training workers on how to use it.

Communication and Coordination: Effective communication and coordination are essential in an emergency. Procedures should be in place for contacting emergency services, and for communicating with workers, supervisors, and other relevant parties to ensure that everyone is aware of the situation and knows what to do.

Drill and Exercises: It is important to conduct regular drills and exercises to test and practice emergency procedures, in order to ensure that workers are familiar with them and know what to do in case of an emergency.

It is important to note that DSEAR emergency procedures should be reviewed and updated regularly, to take into account any changes in the workplace or in the types of dangerous substances present, and to ensure that they are still effective in protecting workers in case of an incident.

What do we need to do next?

The first step is to contact us. Either call the head office line where one of the consultants can answer your questions (we do not use salespeople so you will ONLY talk to a qualified person).

We will then discuss the project in detail and agree a project delivery timescale and take things from there. We would typically lead on these projects to give you confidence things are progressing.

To know more or chat to a consultant, pop an email over to us at [email protected] or call us on – 01656 470044. We will be in touch within 1 hour.

If it is urgent, please email our senior consultant Ryan Lloyd-Davies (CMIOSH) on [email protected]

DSEAR: A Comprehensive Guide for Compliance