DSEAR Assessment
Do you use or produce flammable liquids, gases or dusts?
DSEAR - Dangerous Substances Explosive Atmospheres Regulations require that an employer carry out a risk assessment where there is potential for an explosive atmosphere to be present in the workplace. Not unlike a Fire Risk Assessment this independent assessment looks more closely at the substances and processes in use and identify the risks and required mitigation measures to reduce the risk of fire and explosion occurring. DSEAR is often overlooked and can leave a company liable to prosecution should the worst happen!
DSEAR encompasses a range of substances including gases, dusts and flammable liquids and vapours. The regulations will apply where these are present. In addition the regulations covers such areas as:
- Steam boiler plant
- Bulk gas storage
- Compressed gases (flammable or not) such as LPG, Oxygen etc.
- Battery charging (forklifts and alike)
- Storage and use of corrosives, oxidisers and fine powders
- Woodworking operations
- Ammonia refrigeration plant
- Flour and fine foodstuffs such as potato starch
Learn More
DSEAR assessments are a legal requirement where substances are present that could cause harm. It's a complex subject, but out easy to follow reports make compliance easy to achieve.
Case Studies
Food Manufacturing
Food manufacturers especially those using flour or powdered ingredients in bulk will often have areas which fall under DSEAR. This often includes areas such as mills and mixing areas but also extends to flammable ingredient use such as flavourings and spices where these are decanted.
Woodworking Operations
Caravan manufacturers, wood yards and saw mills producing wood dust often have local dust extraction systems and cyclone separators. There is the potential for dusts to be suspended in air and be fine enough to pose an ignition or explosion risk.
Packaging Manufacture
Packaging Manufacture
Packaging Manufacture
Packaging manufacturing often involves the use of solvents and printer inks, some of which are flammable and produce volatile vapours. These vapours can accumulate and pose an explosion risk. The storage of printing chemicals, their handling and use may fall under DSEAR.
Refrigeration Plant
Packaging Manufacture
Packaging Manufacture
Refrigeration plant used in the food manufacturing industry often employs Anhydrous Ammonia NH3. Although a generally low risk substance it can form an explosive atmosphere when in gas form. This type of plant must be assessed under DSEAR.