DSEAR Assessment (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) compliance services & consultants
DSEAR Assessment support from EXSolutions helps any business on their journey to DSEAR compliance (UK implementation of the ATEX Directives). We support the risk assessment process, hazardous area classification, provide engineering solutions to ensure compliance or at least a plan and pathway to compliance.
DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) is a set of UK regulations that aim to protect workers from the risks of fires, explosions, and other dangerous incidents that may occur because of the storage, handling, or use of dangerous substances in the workplace.
DSEAR assessments are required for all workplaces where dangerous substances are present.
Our DSEAR Risk Assessments are carried out by competent consultants with significant hazardous area and DSEAR / ATEX experience.
Service delivered by Pyroban’s EXSolutions team:
Richard Ellis – EXSolutions
“We work closely with clients in partnership to ensure workplace safety is the number one priority, providing peace of mind and demonstrable DSEAR compliance.”
DSEAR Assessment
A DSEAR Risk Assessment is a review of a process, and any substances in the operation, against specific criteria. The aim is to determine if the workplace poses a risk to the employees or assets; how to eliminate ignition sources to prevent fire and / or explosions. It includes hazardous area classification, control measures and consideration of the impact and severity of potential explosions. Some of the factors we review in a DSEAR Risk Assessment:
- Hazardous substances and materials
- Handling and use of dangerous substances
- Housekeeping and storage arrangements
- Operational and Emergency procedures
- Hazardous Area Classification (HAC)
- List of equipment for area classification (LEAC)
- Extraction and ventilation
- Equipment rating within Zoned areas
- Sources of ignition left exposed (Read about equipment conversion)
- Inspection and maintenance
- Control measures
- Management of waste substances
- Fire risk assessment and firefighting arrangements
- Operator training
We help implement change for any of the items listed that ensures safety and DSEAR compliance. Our service includes a thorough DSEAR Risk Assessment document, coupled with straight forward recommendations and specific actions (practical solutions). The actions can be taken by you if the resources are available, or completed by EXSolutions to achieve DSEAR compliance efficiently and with the least amount of disruption to your organisation. We also help you plan the implementation, so a road map and strategy can be developed where necessary.
What’s considered a dangerous substance under DSEAR?
Under DSEAR, a dangerous substance is anything hazardous to health. Often defined as a substance that is flammable, with less than 60degC flashpoint, or is stored within 60degC of its flashpoint. Some examples include:
Flammable gases (LPG)
Solvent based paints, varnishes or cleaners
Fuels
Foodstuffs including ingredients such as flour
Ethanol / alcohols
Wood dusts
Flammable chemicals
Hydrogen
DSEAR Risk Assessments – Frequency, duration and cost
The UK HSE recommends that DSEAR Risk Assessments should be updated every 3-5 years if everything is in compliance. But it depends on the operation, and should be conducted every six months to a year if there are failings that need to be addressed. If the operation changes with new processes or substances, this could trigger another review or “Gap analysis”.
The cost and duration of a DSEAR Risk assessment depends on the size and complexity of the workplace and the volume of dangerous substances present. It could therefore take a day or several weeks to complete to determine a true picture of all activities and the risk profile. But it doesn’t stop there. Remember, it’s a continual process and should be reviewed and updated regularly.
DSEAR Hazardous Area Classification & Zones
EXSolutions can provide hazardous area classification support / consultants to help define ATEX Zones.
Find out more about our Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) support / consultants.
Tell us about your operation / area for DSEAR assessment
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