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Discover DSEAR and how it helps keep your workplace safe from hazardous materials.
Published 29 Mar 2023
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002 is a UK legislation that applies to any workplace where flammable substances are present. It requires employers to inspect the premises regularly, assess all potential risks from hazardous chemicals or combustibles in the workplace, report accidents and incidents, and draw up emergency plans. Moreover, it also includes training obligations for everyone working with hazardous materials. Employers are expected to do their utmost to ensure all regulations are met at all times to safeguard their employees and property.
DSEAR and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) Regulations 2002 require employers to assess and control the hazards associated with handling, storing, using, and transporting hazardous materials. Here’s how they differ.
DSEAR places certain obligations upon employers to protect employees and the public from dangerous substances.
COSHH, conversely, ensures the safe use and control of hazardous substances. Employers are required to ensure that anyone attending their worksite is protected from substances that could be harmful to their health.
Managing hazardous substances in explosive atmospheres reduces the risk of fires and explosions for employees and the public. DSEAR compliance requires the elimination or control of these risks.
Many dangerous substances include flammable gases, mists, vapors, and combustible dust. There are several examples found in workplaces, including:
Eliminate manual tasks and streamline your operations.
Under DSEAR regulations, workplaces can encompass industrial and commercial properties, land and offshore operations, construction sites, vehicles, common areas in shared buildings, private and public roads, and domestic properties (when utilized for work).
It’s important to note that some requirements of DSEAR may not apply to specific industries within a specified area. For instance, offshore oil production would not need to comply with the regulations. If there is any uncertainty regarding whether your workplace must adhere to DSEAR regulations, it is advisable to consult a competent individual to ensure that all legal requirements are met.
The DSEAR regulations apply to you if:
DSEAR requires employers must do the following:
DSEAR has 5 main regulations that employers need to be aware of:
Performing a DSEAR risk assessment involves the following steps:
The DSEAR regulations are a legal requirement that employers and self-employed must follow to eliminate the risk of fires and explosions at work. DSEAR requires employers to assess all sites with hazardous environments (dangerous substa
DSEAR assessments should be updated and reviewed regularly, as with all other risk assessments and inspections. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) generally recommends that DSEARs be updated every three to five years, depending on the risk levels of the operation.
ATEX is a set of two EU directives that describe safety requirements for explosive atmosphere work environments and equipment. Meanwhile, DSEAR is a UK law that covers both elevated temperatures and pressures. In most cases, explosive atmospheres result from combustible substances escaping unintentionally.
A DSEAR regulation implements requirements from 2 European Directives: the Chemical Agents Directive (98/24/EC) and the Explosive Atmospheres Directive (99/92/EC). It also replaced several older regulations dealing with flammable substances safety.
A DSEAR risk assessment can identify potential risks in the workplace and aid businesses in attaining compliance to show diligence if an incident occurs. SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) is a cloud-based inspection platform that makes it easy to carry out and track inspections, with built-in reminders to keep up with regular reviews. With SafetyCulture, you can do the following.
Rob Paredes
Rob Paredes is a content contributor for SafetyCulture. He is a content writer who also does copy for websites, sales pages, and landing pages. Rob worked as a financial advisor, a freelance copywriter, and a Network Engineer for more than a decade before joining SafetyCulture. He got interested in writing because of the influence of his friends; aside from writing, he has an interest in personal finance, dogs, and collecting Allen Iverson cards.
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