Form is successfully submitted. Thank you!
The purpose of this document is to ensure that all applicable substances, materials or processes are reviewed and assessed in compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere regulations (DSEAR) 2002, and that appropriate arrangements and measures are in place to ensure the associated risks are effectively controlled.
In extension to the DSEAR Requirements, additional applicable compliance to ATEX and BSEN 60079 are also considered.
What is DSEAR?
DSEAR stands for the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002.
Dangerous substances can introduce challenges and risks from fire, explosion, over pressurisation and corrosion of metal.
DSEAR puts duties on the employers to protect people from these risks including employees, contractors, Sub-contractors and members of the public who may be put at risk by work activity.
What are Dangerous Substances?
Dangerous substances are any substances used or present that could, if not properly controlled, cause harm to people because of a fire or explosion or corrosion of metal.
They can be found in nearly all workplaces and include solvents, paints, fuels, varnishes, flammable gases, dusts, pressurised gases, and substances corrosive to metal.
Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres (DSEAR)
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) are concerned with protection against risks from fire, explosion and similar events arising from dangerous substances used or present in the workplace.
DSEAR applies to substances that are stores, handled or used that allow said substances to reach within 55 Degrees Celsius of their flashpoint. This includes Diesel and other fuel oils at ambient temperature as well as more volatile substances in chilled environments. It also applies where substances with high flashpoints are heated to within 55 Degrees Celsius of the flashpoint such as thermal fluids if applicable.
Substances included within the scope of DSEAR are Fumes, Vapours, Powders and dusts as well as liquids that can evaporate a flammable vapour.
Where such substances are identified, appropriate Explosion protection, suppression and mitigation such as venting is considered.
Given the nature of the work undertaken, there is a possibility that an explosive atmosphere may develop during normal working activities.
In order to assess and control the level of risk to appropriate levels, a DSEAR Risk Assessment has been undertaken which identifies the zoned atmospheres and arrangements in place to manage such risk.
Additional control measures are considered as the outcome of this assessment and are detailed within the DSEAR Assessment Document.
Electrical Equipment, Tools and plant as well as mechanical and product transfer plant are considered within the DSEAR Zoned areas and must be of the correct rating (ATEX) standard and suitably marked to operate in that environment.
Work equipment will be suitably maintained to ensure the safety of operatives working in zoned areas.
Training
Employees working within zoned areas shall undergo DSEAR Awareness training in the form of a toolbox Talk to ensure staff are familiar with the hazards, control measures and avoidance of introducing ignition sources.
Staff with a responsibility of introducing new plant and equipment shall undergo awareness and management of change training to ensure suitably rated and appropriate equipment is installed within zoned areas, ior indeed to abvoid electrical equipment where possible by increasing the distance from the source of the substance when installing plant and equipment.
Responsibilities
It will be the responsibility of the Director Responsible for Health and Safety to ensure any actions required to reduce the level of risk to the lowest level possible are acted upon and maintained.
The Director Responsible for Health and Safety will ensure that the necessary resources (time and money) will be made available to provide for any additional training, instruction, supervision and information identified as required by employees. Training requirements for all employees will be reviewed on a regular basis and updated where necessary.
It is the responsibility of all employees to cooperate with the company regarding all Health and Safety matters to ensure the company complies with its statutory duty and follow any given instruction to ensure the safety of themselves and their colleagues. The DSEAR Assessment will be reviewed on a regular basis and updated where necessary
Responsible Person – Duty Holder
The appropriate person with responsibility for Health and Safety is designated as the DSEAR responsible person as identified as a requirement under Regulation 11.
Until the designated person has received appropriate awareness training, the Consultants undertaking the DSEAR Assessment shall act as the interim DSERAR Responsible contacts.
Quick Enquiry
