DSEAR 2002, UK wide
DSEAR Assessment and Hazardous Area Classification
Where flammable gases, vapours, liquids or combustible dusts are present, you have a legal duty to control the risk of fire and explosion. AL23 Safety carries out DSEAR risk assessments and hazardous area classification across the UK, identifying the dangers on your site, classifying any explosive atmospheres and giving you a clear, practical route to compliance.
What is a DSEAR assessment?
Where can an explosive atmosphere form and how do we stop it?
DSEAR stands for the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. They require employers and the self employed to assess and control the risks to safety from dangerous substances, covering fire, explosion and substances that are corrosive to metals.
A DSEAR assessment is a systematic review of your substances and processes. It works out whether an explosive or flammable atmosphere can form, where it could happen, how it might ignite and what needs to change to keep people safe.
When do you need one?
More common than many businesses realise
If your workplace handles, stores or uses dangerous substances, a DSEAR assessment is a legal requirement.
You should carry out an assessment before a new process starts and review it whenever your substances, equipment or processes change or after an incident or near miss.
Flammable substances
Combustible dusts
What the regulations require
Seven duties, set out plainly
DSEAR sets out a clear set of duties. In summary, you must:
- Reg5
Carry out a risk assessment of any dangerous substances.
- Reg6
Eliminate or reduce the risk as far as is reasonably practicable.
- Reg7
Classify areas where explosive atmospheres may occur and select suitable equipment.
- Reg8
Put arrangements in place to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies.
- Reg9
Provide information, instruction and training to your people.
- Reg10
Identify the contents of containers and pipes that hold dangerous substances.
- Reg11
Coordinate with other employers where you share a workplace.
Hazardous Area Classification
Zoned by how likely and how long
Where an explosive atmosphere can form, the area is divided into zones based on how likely that atmosphere is and how long it could last. The zone determines which equipment is safe to use.
Gases, vapours and mists
Present continuously or for long periods
Likely to occur in normal operation
Not likely and only for short periods
Combustible dusts
Present continuously or for long periods
Likely to occur in normal operation
Not likely and only for short periods
The lower the number, the more often a hazardous atmosphere is expected and the more tightly controlled the area and its equipment must be.
We produce clear zoning drawings so you know exactly where your hazardous areas are and what each one requires.
What our assessment includes
Everything you need to act, not just a report
A DSEAR assessment from us always includes:
- A full site survey carried out by a qualified consultant
- Identification of the dangerous substances on your site
- Assessment of where explosive atmospheres could form and how they could ignite
- Hazardous area classification and zoning drawings where required
- Guidance on suitable equipment and protective systems
- Advice on signage, labelling and control measures
- A prioritised, realistic action plan to bring you into compliance
- A basis of safety for each process
Just as importantly, we do not hand you a list and walk away. We explain what each recommendation means and help you put it into practice.
How it works
Four steps, from first call to action plan
- 1
Talk
We discuss your site, substances and processes. This often clarifies whether a full assessment is even needed.
- 2
Survey
A qualified consultant visits to assess your substances, storage and operations.
- 3
Report
You receive a detailed risk assessment with hazardous area classification.
- 4
Action
We give you a prioritised plan and support you in carrying it out.
Who needs a DSEAR assessment?
A wide range of industries
DSEAR applies across a huge range of industries. If your work involves flammable or combustible materials, it is worth checking whether it applies to you.
Why AL23 Safety
Fire and explosion expertise, not just paperwork
DSEAR sits at the meeting point of health and safety and fire safety, which is exactly where we work. Because we have in-house fire engineering capability, your assessment is carried out by people who understand fire and explosion behaviour, not just the paperwork.
We give you practical, proportionate advice in plain English and we stay with you from the first conversation through to a compliant, safer site. We work with businesses of every size right across the UK.
Talk to us about DSEAR
Not sure whether DSEAR applies to your site?
That is often the first thing we help with. Get in touch and we will tell you what you need, with no jargon and no pressure.
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