DSEAR Guidance 2014

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres
Regulations (DSEAR)
HEALTH & SAFETY UNIT SPRING 2014

DSEAR Guidance
Introduction
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR)

require employers to assess the risks of fires and explosions that may be caused by
dangerous substances in the workplace and then eliminate or reduce these risks as
far as is reasonably practicable. The Regulations clarify the existing requirements to
manage fire and explosion risks which are set out in the Management of Health and
Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
What is DSEAR ?
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere 2002. (DSEAR) is principally

concerned, with the safe use of substances that can create thermal radiation effects
(burns) and over-pressure effects (blast injuries). DSEAR has replaced a number of
older regulations dealing with flammable substance safety. DSEAR applies to
workplaces where dangerous substances are present, used or produced. Dangerous
substances are substances or mixtures of substances that could create risks to
people’s safety from fires, explosions or similar events. In summary, a dangerous
substance is any natural or artificial substance, which is explosive, extremely
flammable, highly flammable or flammable, including liquids, vapours, gases, dust;
and equipment that might leak or generate a dangerous substance. Such substances
that are bought in commercially will be recognised by the standard pictograms on the
container.
What is Dangerous Substances ?
Dangerous substances or mixtures that could create risks to people’s safety from fires
and explosions or similar events such as chemical Exothermic reaction, liquids,
gases, vapours and dust that may be found in the workplace can all be dangerous
substances.
 Substances or mixtures of substances classified as Explosive, Oxidising,

Flammable, Highly Flammable or Extremely Flammable come under the CHIP
Regulations.
 Any kind of dust that when spread in air to form a cloud can explode e.g. dust
from milling and sanding operations
 Any substances or mixtures of substances, which because of their physical
properties if present in the workplace can create a risk to safety and explosions,
but which may not be covered by CHIP. For example high flashpoint liquids
present in the workplace at elevated temperatures.
Dangerous substances can be found in varying quantities in most workplaces.

What is Explosive Atmosphere ?
An explosive atmosphere is an accumulation of gas, mist, dust or vapour , mixed with

air, which has the potential to catch fire or explode. An explosive atmosphere does not
always result in an explosion, but it catches fire the flames would quickly travel through
it and if this happened in a confined space (e.g in plant or equipment) the rapid spread
of flames or rise in pressure could also cause an explosion
Types of activities, plant, equipment and locations likely to present an explosion

hazard include:
• Using explosives, flammable liquids or flammable gases
• Flammable liquid or flammable gas stores
• Pouring or handling flammable liquids such as solvents (including wastes)
• Paint spraying
• Flammable vapour extraction
• Dust extraction (e.g. from woodworking)
• Hot work on tanks that have contained flammables
• Activities that could release naturally occurring methane
Duty holders must classify where explosive atmospheres may occur into defined
zones and mark the zones where necessary, and carry out a risk assessment of any
work activities involving dangerous substances (regardless of the quantity) taking
account of such matters as:
• The hazardous properties of the substances, preparations or articles
• The way they are stored or used
• The possibility of explosive atmospheres occurring
• All potential ignition sources
• Non-routine activities such as maintenance work
• Adverse conditions and unplanned events such as accidental releases or

exceeding the limits of temperature or other control settings
• Measures to eliminate or reduce risks as far as is reasonably practicable
• Provision of equipment and procedures to deal with accidents and emergencies
• Provision of information, instruction and training
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (the Management
Regulations).
The Management Regulations require employers, amongst other things, to:
 assess the general risks to health and safety arising from their work activity
 identify the preventive and protective measures that need to be taken to control
the identified risks
 introduce procedures for serious and imminent danger
 to provide information and training for employees.
Where dangerous substances are present or used at the workplace the more specific
provisions of DSEAR will apply to work with those substances. For example, an
assessment of the risks from dangerous substances carried out under DSEAR will not
need to be repeated for The Management regulations, and in many cases will be
incorporated into the more general MHSW assessment. Similarly, the provisions in
DSEAR concerning arrangements for emergencies involving dangerous substances
will generally be sufficient to fulfil the corresponding general requirements for such
procedures in the Management regulations.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
Health risks from substances are controlled primarily by the Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).
The definitions of “dangerous substance” and “substance hazardous to health”

contained in DSEAR and COSHH respectively, cover a wide range of substances. As
a result, some substances that may be dangerous to safety could also present a health
risk.
For example, certain gases (e.g. hydrogen, methane, propane, etc) are extremely
flammable and come within the scope of DSEAR. However, the gases themselves can
also act as asphyxiants, reducing the quantity of oxygen present in a workplace to the
extent that life can be put at risk. As a result, they will also satisfy the definition of a
substance hazardous to health for the purposes of COSHH. Therefore, where
substances that could result in a risk to both safety and health are present, employers
have duties to control the risks from those substances under both sets of Regulations.
As most, but not all, dangerous substances present a health risk as well as a safety
risk most of them will have already been identified and will be dealt with in the usual
COSHH risk assessment for hazardous substances. It may therefore be prudent and
less time consuming to address the hazards of fire and explosion at the same time as
undertaking the COSHH risk assessment, by completing the DSEAR Pre
Assessment Form (Appendix 1) . Where hazard of fire and or explosion risk has
been identified, it will be necessary to complete the full DSEAR Risk Assessment
form. (Appendix 2)
When Does DSEAR Apply?
 When a dangerous substance is present (or is liable to be present) at the

workplace;
 the dangerous substance could be a risk to the safety of people as a result of
fires, explosions or similar energetic events.
Fires and explosions create harmful physical effects - thermal radiation, overpressure
effects and oxygen depletion. These effects can also be caused by other energetic
events such as runaway exothermic reactions involving chemicals or decomposition
of unstable substances such as peroxides.
The following examples illustrate the type of activities covered by DSEAR:
 Storage of petrol and LPG as a fuel for cars, boats, horticultural machinery
etc.;
 Use of flammable gases, such as acetylene, for welding;
 Handling and storage of waste dusts in woodworking shops;
 Handling and storage of flammable wastes including fuel oils;
 Hot work on tanks or drums that have contained flammable material;
 Work activities that could release naturally occurring flammable substances
such as methane
 Use of flammable solvents in laboratories
 Storage of flammable goods, such as paints, solvents, reagents;
 Storage, use and handling of flammable gases, including LPG;
 Transport of flammable liquids in containers around the workplace;
 Chemical or gas manufacture resulting from research or teaching
DSEAR applies to workplaces where dangerous substances are present, used, or

produced. Workplaces are any premises or parts of premises used for work. This
includes places such as industrial and commercial premises, land-based and offshore
installations, mines and quarries, construction sites, vehicles and vessels, etc. Places
such as the common parts of shared buildings, private roads and paths on industrial
estates and road works on public roads are also premises, as are houses and other
domestic premises, if people are at work there.
How to I comply with DSEAR?
When working in any industry DSEAR places duties on the employers to assess and
eliminate or reduce risks from dangerous substances and to comply with DSEAR,
means the employer needs to assess any risks thereby preventing or controlling risks
using;
You must:
 carry out a risk assessment of any work activities involving dangerous

substances;
 provide measures to eliminate or reduce risks as far as is reasonably
practicable;
 provide equipment and procedures to deal with accidents and emergencies;
 provide information and training to employees;
 classify places where explosive atmospheres may occur into zones and mark
the zones where necessary
Assessing risks
Before work is carried out, the fire and explosion risks that may be caused by
dangerous substances must be assessed. This should be an identification and careful
examination of:
 the dangerous substances in the workplace;

 the work activities involving those substances; and
 the ways in which those substances and work activities could harm people.
The purpose is to help employers to decide what they need to do to eliminate or reduce
the risks from dangerous substances.
If there is no risk to safety from fires and explosions, or the risk is trivial, no further
action is needed. If there are risks then employers must consider what else needs to
be done to comply fully with the requirements of DSEAR. If an employer has five or
more employees, the employer must record the significant findings of the risk
assessment.
Preventing or controlling risks
Control measures must be put in place to eliminate risks from dangerous substances,
or reduce them as far as is reasonably practicable. Where it is not possible to eliminate
the risk completely, measures must be taken to control risks and reduce the severity
(mitigate) the effects of any fire or explosion
The best solution is to eliminate the risk completely by replacing the dangerous
substance with another substance, or using a different work process. For example,
replacing a low flashpoint liquid with a high flashpoint one.
Control measures
Where the risk cannot be eliminated, DSEAR requires control measures to be applied
Eliminating a hazardous operation, material or condition
 Substituting non-flammable for flammable solvent

 reduce the quantity of dangerous substances to a minimum;
 avoid or minimise releases of dangerous substances e.g. via the use of fully
contained systems such as welded pipework;
 control releases of dangerous substances at source;
 prevent the formation of a dangerous atmosphere e.g. operating below
flashpoint of a dangerous substance;
 collect, contain and remove any releases to a safe place (for example, through
ventilation);
 avoid ignition sources;
 avoid adverse conditions (for example, exceeding the limits of temperature or
control settings) that could lead to danger;
 keep incompatible substances apart.
 Providing clothing that does not create risk of electrostatic discharge
 Local exhaust ventilation – this must meet HSE recommended air flow rates
and have various safety features such as explosion relief venting and earth
bonding (applicable to dust or vapour)
 “Explosion proof” equipment – the level of protection will depend on the zoning;
DSEAR specifies which types of protection are acceptable for which level of
zoning
 Safe systems of work, including Hot Work permits
 Separating fuels from sources of heat and ignition
 Controlling releases at source, and collecting, containing and removing them
 Avoiding adverse conditions that could lead to danger
 Information, instruction and training
These control measures should be consistent with the risk assessment and
appropriate to the nature of the activity or operation.
Mitigation
In addition to control measures, DSEAR requires mitigation measures to be put in

place. These measures should be consistent with the risk assessment and appropriate
to the nature of the activity or operation and include:
 reducing the number of employees exposed to the risk;

 providing plant that is explosion resistant;
 providing explosion suppression or explosion relief equipment;
 taking measures to control or minimise the spread of fires or explosions; e.g.
firefighting equipment
 providing suitable personal protective equipment.
Arrangements to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies
DSEAR requires that employers make arrangements to protect employees (and others
who are at the workplace) in the event of accidents etc. The provisions build on existing
requirements in Regulation 8 of the Management Regulations and require employers
to make arrangements including:
• Suitable warning (including visual and audible alarms) and communication

systems
• Escape facilities - if required by the risk assessment
• Emergency procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency
• Equipment and clothing for essential personnel dealing with the incident
• Practice drills
• Making information on the emergency procedures available to employees
• Contacting the emergency services to advise them that information on

emergency procedures is available (and providing them with any information
they consider necessary)
The scale and nature of the emergency arrangements should be proportionate to the
risks.
However it should be noted that these requirements clarify what already needs to be
done in relation to the safety management of dangerous/hazardous substances in
existing legislation e.g. the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
1999, the Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, the Fire
Precautions (Workplace) Regulations1997/99, the regulatory reform (Fire Safety)
Order 2005, and the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and associated Codes of Practice, and
therefore should not require any additional duties to those already present in
complying with this existing legislation.
Information, instruction and training
Employers are required to provide employees and other people at the workplace who
might be at risk with suitable information, instruction and training on precautions and
actions they need to take to safeguard themselves and others, including:
• Names of the substances in use and risks they present
• Access to any relevant safety data sheet
• Details of legislation that applies to the hazardous properties of those

substances
• The significant findings of the risk assessment
• Suitable information, instruction and training on precautions and actions to be

taken by employees to safeguard themselves and others.
Employers should also make information available to employee representatives.
Information, instruction and training need only be provided to non-employees where it

is required to ensure their safety. Where it is provided, it should be in proportion to the
level and type of risk.
Recording the significant findings of the risk assessment
DSEAR requires that the significant findings of the risk assessment are recorded. The
detail should include:
• The measures (technical and organisational) taken to eliminate and/or reduce

risk,
• Sufficient information to show that the workplace and work equipment will be
safe during operation and maintenance including:
i details of any hazardous zones
ii any special measures taken to ensure co-ordination of safety measures

and procedures, when employers share a workplace
• Measures taken to inform, instruct and train employees.
DSEAR is enforced by:
HSE or local authorities depending on the allocation of premises under the Health and
Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998. In the main, HSE will enforce at
industrial premises and local authorities (environmental health officers) elsewhere eg
in retail premises;
fire authorities at most premises subject to DSEAR in relation to general fire
precautions such as means of escape.
Places where explosive atmospheres may occur (‘ATEX’ requirements)
DSEAR places additional duties on employers where potentially explosive

atmospheres may occur in the workplace. These duties include:
 identifying and classifying (zoning) areas where potentially explosive

atmospheres may occur in accordance with Schedule 2 to the Regulations;
 controlling ignition sources in zoned areas, in particular those from electrical
and mechanical equipment
 where necessary, identifying the entrances to zoned areas;
 providing appropriate anti-static clothing for employees
Once zoned, an area must be protected from sources of ignition. The points of entry
to zoned areas should be marked with a specified “EX” sign where necessary for safety
and employees working in zoned areas must be provided with appropriate anti-static
clothing.
New electrical and mechanical equipment and protective systems used in a zoned
area must comply with the DTI’s EPS Regulations (although equipment already in use
prior to July 2003 can continue to be used so long as it is safe to do so, i.e. explosion
protected). Before areas zoned under DSEAR are brought into operation the
effectiveness of the overall explosion protection measures to each areas must be
formally verified
Ex zoning
Hazardous places are classified in terms of zones on the basis of the frequency of the
occurrence of an explosive Atmosphere created by gases, vapours, mists and dusts.
For gases, vapour and mist the zones classifications are:
Zone 0 - A place in which an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for

long periods.
Zone 1 - A place in which an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal

operation occasionally.
Zone 2 - A place in which an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal
operation, but if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.
Dusts zones:
Zone 20 - A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of

combustible dust in air is present continuously, or for long periods or frequently.

combustible dust in air is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.

combustible dust in air is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur,
will persist for a short period only.
Appendix 1
DSEAR 2002 –Pre Assessment

This form may be considered an addendum to the University COSHH risk assessment
Name of Substance(s) / Process.
Location of substance /process
Faculty / Building /
Department room no.
Manufacturers Safety Data Sheet(s) available

Yes ☐
No ☐ (substance is produced as a result of an in house process, or as a bi-product of such a
process)
is the substance
(X in box):-
Flammable ☐ Highly Flammable ☐ Extremely Flammable ☐ Explosive ☐ Oxidising ☐
If one of the above applies is the substance;
Gas ☐ Liquid ☐ Powder ☐ Solid ☐
Substance has a flash point below 32oC
Yes ☐ No ☐
If NONE of the above applies, you may finish at this point. Otherwise Please Complete the full
DSEAR RA
Name of assessor
Signature
Date
Appendix 2
DSEAR 2002 – Risk Assessment

This form may be considered an addendum to the University COSHH risk assessment form
or a stand-alone DSEAR risk assessment under the Management of Health and Safety at
Work Regulations 1999.
Faculty / Building /
Department room no.

Yes ☐
process)
Are any of the substance(s)

(X in box):-
Flammable ☐ Highly Flammable ☐ Extremely Flammable ☐ Explosive ☐ Oxidising ☐
Gas ☐ Liquid ☐ Powder ☐ Solid ☐
Yes ☐ No ☐
Note here how a system of work, or activity could fail and give rise to fire or explosion. Also note any
sources of ignition
Control Measures (mark X as appropriate)

Yes No N/A
Has the quantity of the substance been reduced to a minimum?
Have steps been taken to avoid or minimise releases (intentional or unintentional)?
Have steps been taken to prevent the formation of an explosive atmosphere?
Have steps been taken to collect, contain and remove any releases to a safe place
(e.g. ventilation)?
Have steps been taken to avoid adverse conditions (e.g. exceeding temperature
limits or other control settings)?
Are incompatible substances kept apart in storage and, so far as is practicable, in
use
(e.g. oxidisers and combustibles)?
Has the number of people exposed to the substances or the explosive atmosphere
been reduced to a minimum?
Have adequate measures been taken to control or minimise the spread of fire or
explosion?
Has suitable personal protective equipment been provided and have staff been
trained how to wear it properly?
Have appropriate safe systems of work or other required procedural systems of
organising work been developed and communicated to all persons who might need
to know, either by way of this form or another document?
Is a permit to work scheme required for working with the substance(s) or in the work
area, and are these strictly enforced?
Emergency Procedures
Yes No N/A
Have suitable emergency procedures been developed and communicated to
personnel to deal with adverse process conditions (e.g. exceeding limits of
temperature, or other control settings)?
personnel to deal with fire and evacuation?
personnel to deal with the spillage of dangerous substances?
Waste Disposal
Yes No
Have suitable emergency procedures been developed and communicated to personnel to
deal with the safe transport and disposal of dangerous substances?
Information, Instruction and Training

Yes No
Has appropriate information, instruction and training commensurate with the hazard potential
of the dangerous substances, or process, been provided to personnel with regard to product
detail, hazard, risk reduction methods to be employed, management systems to be followed,
emergency systems etc.?
Where any questions relevant to a dangerous substance being used, produced handled or stored has a ‘No’
response, the subject area should be revisited to ensure that all required and reasonably practicable risk
reducing methods have been implemented.
Conclusion
The risk(s) from the hazard potential of the dangerous substances and/or explosive atmospheres identified in this
risk assessment must be reduced to the lowest possible level reasonably practicable.
Is this the case? ☐ Yes ☐ No
Name of assessor
Signature
Date
Date review required
Safe System of Work (DSEAR)

List the substances within your procedure/ experiment that require a SSOW to comply DSEAR regulations
Describe the SSOW that would ensure compliance with the regulations, (including handling, storage and their
potential to produce an explosive atmosphere).
(Continue on another sheet if required)

In the event of an emergency, actions laid out in the safe system of work that are designed to minimise damage
to equipment or property should be undertaken only if this does not put yourself or others at risk: personal safety
and that of others must take priority.
I have read and understood the above safe system of work.
Signature Date
Appendix 3
DSEAR 2002 – Risk Assessment

A study of oxidation-reduction reactions
Faculty / SCHOOL OF SCIENCE & THE Building /

T605
Department ENVIRONMENT room no.

Yes ☒
process)
Are any of the substance(s)

(X in box):-
Flammable ☐ Highly Flammable ☐ Extremely Flammable ☐ Explosive ☐ Oxidising ☒
Gas ☐ Liquid ☐ Powder ☐ Solid ☒
Yes ☐ No ☒
If NONE of the above applies, you may finish at this point. Otherwise Please Continue.
sources of ignition
Contact with combustible material may cause fire

Yes No N/A
Has the quantity of the substance been reduced to a minimum? 
Have steps been taken to avoid or minimise releases (intentional or unintentional)? 
Have steps been taken to prevent the formation of an explosive atmosphere? 

(e.g. ventilation)?

use 
Has the number of people exposed to the substances or the explosive atmosphere

been reduced to a minimum?

explosion?

Have appropriate safe systems of work or other required procedural systems of
organising work been developed and communicated to all persons who might need 
to know, either by way of this form or another document?
Is a permit to work scheme required for working with the substance(s) or in the work

area, and are these strictly enforced?
Yes No N/A
personnel to deal with adverse process conditions (e.g. exceeding limits of 


Waste Disposal
Yes No


Yes No

Conclusion
Is this the case? ☒ Yes ☐ No
Name of assessor
Signature
Date

List the substances within your procedure/ experiment that require a SSOW to comply with DSEAR regulations.
Ammonium cerium (IV) nitrate

Cerium (III) nitrate (hexahydrate)
Describe the SSOW that would ensure compliance with the regulations, (including handling, storage and their
potential to produce an explosive atmosphere).
Retrieve and return chemicals to appropriate storage location

Quantities are clearly specified and minimised to comply with DESEAR
Regulations
Attached methodology has been considered and constructed in line with the
DSEAR Regulations

Signature Date
16/06/2014
Appendix 4
DSEAR 2002 – Risk Assessment (Handling and storage)

Faculty /
Building
Department
names of the products being handled, stored or produced.
If a proprietary product, does the Material Safety Data Sheet or labelling on the product packaging
indicate that it is
(X in box):-
Explosive
Oxidising
Extremely Flammable
(Or has a flash point lower than 320C. Or that release of vapour or gas may produce an
explosive atmosphere)
Highly Flammable
Flammable
If the substance is produced as a result of an in house process, or as a bi-product of such a process,

is that substance
(X in box):-
Explosive
Oxidising
Extremely Flammable
(Or has a flash point lower than 320C. Or that release of vapour or gas may produce an
explosive atmosphere)
Highly Flammable
Flammable
sources of ignition

Yes No N/A
Has the quantity of the dangerous substance held or used been reduced to a
minimum?
Have steps been taken to avoid or minimise releases (intentional or unintentional)?
Have steps been taken to control release at source?
Have steps been taken to prevent the formation of an explosive atmosphere?
(e.g. ventilation)?
use
Has the number of people exposed to the dangerous substances or the explosive
atmosphere been reduced to a minimum?
Is plant in use that is explosion resistant?
Is explosion suppression or relief provided on equipment?
explosion?
Workplace or process and management systems, where appropriate to the nature of the activity or
operation.
Yes No
Is the workplace designed, constructed and maintained so as to provide adequate fire
resistance and/or explosion relief?
Is any assembly, construction, installation, rig, plant, equipment, protection system etc.
designed in such a manner as to minimise the risk of fire and/or explosion?
Is any assembly, construction, installation, rig, plant, equipment, protection system etc. used
in such a way as to minimise the risk of fire and/or explosion?
Have appropriate safe systems of work or other required procedural systems of organising
work been developed and communicated to all persons who might need to know, either by
way of this form or another document?
Is a permit to work scheme required for working with the substance(s) or in the work area,
and are these strictly enforced?
Zoning and control of explosive atmospheres (if not applicable, mark X here and proceed to next
section)
Yes No N/A
Have all such areas been classified into zones in accordance with schedule 2 of the
regulations?
Where necessary, have such classified zones been marked at their entry points with
the specified ‘EX’ hazard warning signs?
Are all classified zones appropriately protected from sources of ignition, through the
selection of equipment and protective systems compliant with the Equipment and
Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres
Regulations 1996?
Are people working in zoned areas provided with clothing that does not create a risk
of electrostatic discharge?
Before their first operation, have areas where explosive areas may be present been
verified as being safe by a competent person?
Storage
Yes No N/A
Are all flammable substances kept in suitable fire resistant storage?
Are all quantities of flammable substances in excess of 50L kept in dedicated and
appropriately protected flammable stores?
Are incompatible substances stored apart (e.g. flammables, oxidisers, combustibles,
flammable gases and LPG)?
Where appropriate, have storage areas been designed to provide explosion relief or
resistance?
Yes No N/A
personnel to deal with adverse process conditions (e.g. exceeding limits of
Waste Disposal
Yes No

Yes No
Conclusion
Is this the case?
Yes
No
Name of assessor
Signature
Date

As a result of the risk assessment under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations of
the work process involving the following dangerous substance(s).
This includes their handling, storage and ability, in the form they present in the work situation, to result in an
explosive atmosphere, the following safe system of work (rules of work) must be observed and adhered to at all
times.

Signature Date

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Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres

HEALTH & SAFETY UNIT SPRING 2014

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR)

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere 2002. (DSEAR) is principally

What is Dangerous Substances ?

 Substances or mixtures of substances classified as Explosive, Oxidising,

Dangerous substances can be found in varying quantities in most workplaces.

An explosive atmosphere is an accumulation of gas, mist, dust or vapour , mixed with

Types of activities, plant, equipment and locations likely to present an explosion

• Using explosives, flammable liquids or flammable gases

• Flammable liquid or flammable gas stores

• Pouring or handling flammable liquids such as solvents (including wastes)

• Flammable vapour extraction

• Dust extraction (e.g. from woodworking)

• Hot work on tanks that have contained flammables

• Activities that could release naturally occurring methane

• The hazardous properties of the substances, preparations or articles

• The way they are stored or used

• The possibility of explosive atmospheres occurring

• All potential ignition sources

• Non-routine activities such as maintenance work

• Adverse conditions and unplanned events such as accidental releases or

• Measures to eliminate or reduce risks as far as is reasonably practicable

• Provision of equipment and procedures to deal with accidents and emergencies

• Provision of information, instruction and training

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

The definitions of “dangerous substance” and “substance hazardous to health”

 When a dangerous substance is present (or is liable to be present) at the

The following examples illustrate the type of activities covered by DSEAR:

DSEAR applies to workplaces where dangerous substances are present, used, or

How to I comply with DSEAR?

 carry out a risk assessment of any work activities involving dangerous

 the dangerous substances in the workplace;

Preventing or controlling risks

Eliminating a hazardous operation, material or condition

 Substituting non-flammable for flammable solvent

In addition to control measures, DSEAR requires mitigation measures to be put in

 reducing the number of employees exposed to the risk;

Arrangements to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies

• Suitable warning (including visual and audible alarms) and communication

• Escape facilities - if required by the risk assessment

• Emergency procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency

• Making information on the emergency procedures available to employees

• Contacting the emergency services to advise them that information on

• Names of the substances in use and risks they present

• Access to any relevant safety data sheet

• Details of legislation that applies to the hazardous properties of those

• The significant findings of the risk assessment

• Suitable information, instruction and training on precautions and actions to be

Employers should also make information available to employee representatives.

Information, instruction and training need only be provided to non-employees where it

Recording the significant findings of the risk assessment

• The measures (technical and organisational) taken to eliminate and/or reduce

i details of any hazardous zones

ii any special measures taken to ensure co-ordination of safety measures

• Measures taken to inform, instruct and train employees.

DSEAR is enforced by:

Places where explosive atmospheres may occur (‘ATEX’ requirements)

DSEAR places additional duties on employers where potentially explosive

 identifying and classifying (zoning) areas where potentially explosive

For gases, vapour and mist the zones classifications are:

Zone 0 - A place in which an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for

Zone 1 - A place in which an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal

Zone 20 - A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of