Lately, many clients have approached us with questions regarding DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) risk assessments.
In particular, we have been asked to help understand why these DSEAR Assessments are needed, and why.
Clients have been prompted to seek these assessments due to various factors, including fire risk assessments, insurance audits, or visits from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). However, there seems to be a lack of clarity regarding why a DSEAR assessment is needed in these situations.
Here, we aim to shed light on when and why a DSEAR risk assessment is required, explore the key factors that trigger the need for such an assessment and provide case study examples to illustrate real-world scenarios.
Understanding DSEAR Risk Assessments:
To clarify, DSEAR regulations are supported by code of safe practice Part 15: Area classification for installations handling flammables, published by the Energy Institute.
This standard specifies capacity thresholds beyond which area classification becomes necessary.
Here’s a simplified summary:
- Between 25 and 50 litres of flammable liquids
- More than 5 litres of flammable gas
- Between 200 and 1000 litres of flammable substances
- 100 litres of liquefied flammable gas
Exceeding these quantity thresholds mandates a DSEAR risk assessment and Hazardous Area Classification.
Important tip – when you do ask for a supplier to complete the DSEAR Assessment, it should ALWAYS have the Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) included. We commonly see lower cost assessments not including this.
Case Study 1: The Diesel Tank Dilemma
A client had a day tank storing 600 litres of diesel fuel, primarily used to feed a sprinkler system. The tank was located indoors.
Our task was to determine if the client needed a DSEAR risk assessment.
We assessed the situation and found that, indeed, a full DSEAR assessment was necessary due to the quantity and indoor storage of flammable liquid.
The client complied with the regulations by conducting the assessment, ensuring safety, and demonstrating compliance to relevant authorities. Because they only just fit into this category, we are able to reduce the cost significantly as the level of risk and complexity is reduced, so should the cost.
Case Study 2: The Chemical Storage Complex
A manufacturing facility stored flammable chemicals in a cabinet, with quantities typically below 50 litres. Additionally, they had gas cylinders, some of which were stored inside.
We reviewed the facility over video call with the client and came to the conclusion together that, after a thorough evaluation, the small cabinet storage did not necessitate a full assessment. However, the gas cylinders stored inside, particularly in a cage with 15 cylinders, did require a comprehensive DSEAR assessment.
By understanding the requirements, the client ensured their compliance and safety in accordance with DSEAR regulations.
Case Study 3: Acids and Alkaline substances in a Production Plant
A production plant dealt with water and steam-based products, occasionally adding small quantities of flammable chemicals, including acetic acid. They used both 20-liter containers for storage and hand pouring transfer into the wash baths.
We reviewed the process with the client in person and provided clear advice and instruction to reduce the maximum volume of storage inside the facility to less than 50Kg and have external flammable storage of less than 1000Kg.
This was achievable from the clients perspective as they did not need to hold more than this volume for 2-3 weeks’ worth of operations and the deliver process was 2-3 days meaning they can reduce their storage and use to this volume comfortably.
Although this in effect was the initial DSEAR Risk Assessment, no Hazardous area classification was required and the client had no challenges in ensuring ATEX Rated equipment was needed.
In addition, we captured these findings within an inspection report providing the client with demonstrable evidence should they be asked or challenged in the future for a similar requirement.
Conclusion:
In summary, understanding when and why a DSEAR risk assessment is necessary is vital for ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
Whether your situation is straightforward or complex, consulting with experts in the field can help you meet your safety and regulatory requirements while minimizing complexities and costs. We are not advocating that the Insurers, Fire Risk experts or HSE are giving incorrect guidance, more so that with the right expert, you can have help navigating these areas to have all of the information available to you to make the best decision for your business.
If you have any doubts about whether your site qualifies for a DSEAR assessment, it’s always advisable to seek professional guidance to ensure you’re on the right track. Safety and compliance should remain top priorities.