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Our DSEAR assessment includes:
Full site risk assessment
Identification of dangerous substances that may apply under DSEAR
Hazardous Area Classification drawings (if required)
Advice on area signage, labelling requirements and control measures
Basis of Safety for each site process
A prioritised & realistic action plan to mitigate any risks
Follow-on support such as bespoke DSEAR training courses
DSEAR stands for the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, and it is, in effect, a risk assessment.
Dangerous substances can put people’s safety at risk from fire, explosion and corrosion of metal. DSEAR puts duties on employers and the self-employed to protect people from these risks to their safety in the workplace, and to members of the public who may be put at risk by work activity.
When undertaking a DSEAR Assessment, the following ‘how likely’ questions are usually asked: who could be hurt, how severely, what can be done to prevent it?
If you require a DSEAR risk assessment, please get in touch.
Understanding DSEAR regulations
DSEAR is, in effect, a risk assessment. As part of these assessments, a hazard must be present – this is usually the presence of an explosive atmosphere and an effective source of ignition.
The key requirements for complying with DSEAR revolve around the completion of a thorough risk assessment and the undertaking of a Hazardous Area Classification.
We aim to provide a coherent focus for controlling fire and explosion risks from
substances with flammable, explosive, corrosive and oxidising properties
substances which can create explosive atmospheres
controlling work activities involving other substances that could create a fire, explosion or similar energetic (energy releasing) event e.g. runaway exothermic reactions, decomposition of unstable substances, dust explosions.
to reduce the occurrence of industrial incidents caused by fires and explosions
What areas are considered under DSEAR?
A DSEAR assessment defines a place where potentially explosive atmospheres may or may not occur.
By defining an explosive atmosphere as a hazardous zone, special safeguards can then be created in order to protect business, people, workplace and the environment.
A Hazardous Area Classification is used to identify these places and areas whereby control measures must be put in place (if necessary) and therefore, these classifications make up an integral part of the DSEAR risk assessment.
What dangerous substances are included under DSEAR?
DSEAR regulations aim to limit incidents involving dangerous substances. A dangerous substance, as defined by DSEAR, is any substance in the workplace that could, if not properly controlled, lead to potential hazards when present in explosive atmospheres.
DSEAR compliance, therefore, requires that the risks from such dangerous substances be removed or controlled to protect people from explosions and fire.
Dangerous substances include a wide variety of substances such as flammable gases, mists, vapours or combustible dust. Examples of potentially dangerous substances found at work include:
flammable solvents
- bulk powders
paints
flammable gases
flammable liquids
dust from machining and sanding operations
dust from foodstuffs
pressurised gases
flammable propellants
- flammable wastes and waste dusts
We offer a range of testing services for a variety of potentially dangerous substances, including combustible Dust & Powder testing and flammable Gases & Vapour testing, that can aid you in complying with DSEAR regulations.
How often should a DSEAR risk assessment be undertaken?
A DSEAR assessment should always be reviewed if you believe your current DSEAR may be invalid. Although this could include the standardised 3-5 year time frame, it is recommended that a risk assessment review should occur if you have recently had a near miss or if you have made minor changes to your process.
How can Sigma-HSE support you with DSEAR?
Our consultants undertake DSEAR assessments in a holistic way to cover employees and non-employees across UK sites. Through our actionable insights, we determine what practicable recommendations should be made for your company to optimise safety and reduce the level of risk to people, business, workplace and environment.
The Sigma-HSE Advantage
From Hazardous Area Classifications (HAC) to NEIRAs, Sigma-HSE is your single solution provider for DSEAR risk assessment compliance. Whether it’s a new design, a review of existing processes or a plan to deal with future emergencies involving dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres, our dedicated team of specialist engineers and safety consultants are committed to helping you ensure and maintain compliance without the exorbitant fees and delay to your operations.
We can aid you in complying with the following explosive atmospheres regulations:
- HAC (Hazardous Area Classification)
- Dust Hazard Analysis
- Electrostatic Hazard Analysis
- Emergency Relief Sizing
- Basis of Safety
- Emergency Procedures
- DSEAR management systems - maintenance, training & competence
- Permit to work
- Management of Change
- SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures)
Request a DSEAR Risk Assessment Quote
Ensure adherence with explosive atmospheres regulations with a DSEAR assessment
Complying with DSEAR and other explosive atmospheres regulations is essential to keeping people, businesses and the environment safe from fire and explosions. Learn more about how we can assist you with a DSEAR risk assessment today.
