DSEAR, or the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (2002) require all employers to control the risks of fire, explosions and substances corrosive to metals within their workplace to protect themselves, their staff and members of the public.
DSEAR applies to any substance or preparation (mixture of substances) with the potential to create a risk to persons from energetic (energy-releasing) events such as fires, explosions, thermal runaway from exothermic reactions etc. Such substances, which are known in DSEAR as dangerous substances, include; petrol, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), paints, varnishes and certain types of combustible and explosive dusts produced in, for example, machining and sanding operations.
Fires and explosions create harmful physical effects, such as thermal radiation, oxygen depletion and overpressure effects; causing injury to persons and damage to equipment or structures. Substances corrosive to metal may increase the risk of loss of containment from pipework or storage containers.
Failure to address the necessary legislation could lead to prosecution and civil claims if an explosion causes injury to an employee or the public.
What Does DSEAR Require?
According to the HSE, all employers must ensure that they:
- find out what dangerous substances are in their workplace and what the risks are
- put control measures in place to either remove those risks or, where this is not possible, control them
- put controls in place to reduce the effects of any incidents involving dangerous substances
- prepare plans and procedures to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies involving dangerous substances
- make sure employees are properly informed about and trained to control or deal with the risks from the dangerous substances
- identify and classify areas of the workplace where explosive atmospheres may occur and avoid ignition sources (from unprotected equipment, for example) in those areas
How Can A DSEAR Risk Assessment Protect Your Business?
Our expert DSEAR qualified consultants can carry out a DSEAR compliance review for you, ensuring that you are fully compliant to DSEAR legislation. The review will contain a DSEAR risk assessment and hazardous area classification as well as an evaluation of the procedural measures and training provision in place.
Our consultants will find out what dangerous substances you work with and recommend any control measures, plans and procedures to put in place. This shall be presented in a comprehensive report with a prioritised actions list contained.
To learn more about DSEAR Risk Assessments, please visit https://www.safetyfirstgroup.co.uk/services/dsear-risk-assessment/ . Alternatively, please call 0845 004 2133 or email enquiries@safetyfirstgroup.co.uk .
