DSEAR Compliance is a Journey, not a Destination
Introduction to DSEAR risk assessments
The question is no longer whether I have to adopt, but how can I make it work?
When it comes to DSEAR regulations, we’ve come a long way, as most organisations now realise that DSEAR may apply to them if they handle dangerous substances in an explosive atmosphere.
DSEAR risk assessments require an assessment of fire and explosion risks in the workplace. As with all risk assessments, there must be a hazard present.
For fire and explosive risks, the presence of dangerous substances, potentially explosive atmospheres and effective ignition sources are usually these major hazards.
Under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), it is the specific duty of an operator to ensure that such hazards are identified, that measures are implemented to control the risks of fire and explosion, and that these measures are consistently and robustly maintained to ensure effectiveness.
When present in explosive atmospheres, a dangerous substance that is incorrectly stored or used could generate risk if not effectively controlled.
In order to safeguard workers and the general public from explosions and fire, it is necessary to eliminate or control such risks posed by a dangerous substance in a potentially hazardous area. This will, in effect, enable a company to comply with DSEAR.
Current best management practice requires that process performance indicators are adopted. These indicators should be routinely examined and control measures put in place to protect people, the environment, the workplace and members of the public.
We recently produced a one-page document that provides a brief overview of the questions that should be asked during and when reviewing DSEAR risk assessments.
Whether you’re just getting started with DSEAR assessments or have had this health and safety policy in place for some time, it’s important to remember that complying with DSEAR is a journey and having a policy in place doesn’t mean that your risk assessment is complete.
Download your one-page DSEAR risk assessment document for FREE
Fill out the form below to get your copy of our one-page document, and find out how your business can benefit from implementing a holistic DSEAR risk assessment journey and mitigate risk from fires and explosions.
We aim to help you control and prevent dust explosions and other hazards related to industrial processing, so you can focus on the safety of your people, workplaces and the environment.
