A Guide to the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR)

DSEAR regulations require employers and self-employed contractors to identify risks presented by explosive or flammable substances in the workplace. They must take steps to safeguard workers against the hazards they present. Compliance with Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations is a legal requirement. This article summarises the regulations but if they apply to you, it would be advisable to review them in detail. 

What are dangerous substances?

In the context of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (2002), dangerous substances are defined as substances that may cause fire, explosion, or corrosion of metal. The forms they take include gas, vapour, mist, or combustible dust.

You may be surprised to discover that these substances are present in nearly all workplaces. However, the risks they present vary depending on context. For example, a high street retailer selling paint, varnish, or common solvents has a relatively low risk profile while a manufacturer of these products would have a higher risk profile. The steps taken to mitigate the hazards of dangerous substances present would therefore depend on the level of risk.

Examples of contexts where DSEAR applies 

DSEAR applies to a wide range of industries ranging from factories to mines, workshops, and retail. Examples include:

• Fuel storage across industries.
• Storage of flammable waste products. For example, used engine oil.
• Storage and handling of waste dusts. For example, sawdust.
• Use of flammable gases: For example, acetylene used in welding.
• Work that may lead to the release of methane. For example, coal mining.
• Use of flammable solvents. For example, in laboratory work or spray painting.
• Storage or display of flammable products. For example, retail display and storage of paint or varnish. 
• Filling, storage, or handling of flammable propellants such as LPG.
• Transport or delivery of flammable liquids and dusts.
• The manufacturing, processing, or storage of flammable chemicals or dusts.

Requirements for employers

Employers and self-employed contractors are required to undertake a risk assessment and ensure that hazards are addressed before work involving dangerous substances begins. The risk assessment should be conducted by a qualified person and the HSE can assist in this regard. Based on this risk assessment employers:

• Take technical or organisational measures that limit risk.
• Provide details pertaining to hazard zones.
• Specify how safety measures and procedures will be coordinated.
• Capture the emergency measures to be implemented in case of accidents or incidents.
• Indicate how staff will be trained to work safely and respond to accidents or incidents.
• Verify that the measures taken are fit for purpose by consulting a suitably qualified person. This can be an employee with appropriate training or an external DSEAR consultant.

As previously noted, the measures taken depend on risk. To help classify risk levels and determine appropriate safety measures, risk assessors indicate where risks are present. The level and type of risk zone indicates the extent and nature of the dangerous substances hazard. 

Zones 0 to 2 are used to denote areas where flammable or explosive mist, gas or vapour may be present with Zone 0 indicating continuous, lengthy, or frequent presence of explosive atmospheres. A Zone 2 designation means that the presence of explosive atmospheres would be unlikely and the explosive atmosphere would quickly dissipate. 

Zones 20 to 22 indicate the presence of flammable or explosive dust with the designation depending on whether explosive atmospheres are persistent or rare and transitory. 

Examples of technical or organisational measures implemented

Obviously, completely eliminating the presence of dangerous substances in the workplace is the ideal, but it is not always possible. Alternatives include substituting a very hazardous substance for a less dangerous one or designing processes to reduce danger. For instance, employers can try to design processes so that the amount of dangerous substances present is kept to an absolute minimum at any given time. Limiting the number of employees present in the hazardous environment is an additional safety measure. Examples of other technical and organisational measures to reduce risk could include:

• Equipment design features to avoid or minimise the release of dangerous substances
• Using controls like emergency shutdown valves
• Improving ventilation to reduce the concentration of dangerous substances
• Eliminating possible sources of ignition such as sparks from devices or tools and preventing the buildup of static electricity
• Workplace design, construction and maintenance measures
• Implementing appropriate work systems and procedures
• Labelling and warning signage to indicate containers or pipework with hazardous contents
• Training and information practices

Emergency measures may include:

• Alarms and communications systems
• Means of escape and emergency drills
• Specialised equipment for personnel responding to incidents
• Other measures recommended by emergency services or consultants

How to ensure compliance

Compliance begins with risk assessment and recommendations designed to minimise risk. The next step is the implementation of recommendations and employee training. All of this should occur before work commences. If new processes or hazards are introduced, it will be important to consider how they impact the risk assessment and whether new safety measures should be introduced. 

Staff training should be ongoing, and there should be measures to ensure that the safest possible work methods are implemented. Throughout, documentation, records, and periodic reviews indicate what is being done to minimise risk. 

How Radiocoms can help

In a hazardous workplace, communications are vital. They help to coordinate activities, allow supervisors to check the wellbeing of at-risk employees, and are used to sound alarms and activate emergency procedures if potential hazards are spotted. However, electronics can be a source of ignition, so it will be important to select intrinsically safe devices. 

Radiocoms recommends Motorola Solutions MOTOTRBO DP4401EX ATEX, MOTOTRBO DP4801 ATEX, MTP8500Ex TETRA ATEX, and MTP8550Ex TETRA ATEX two-way radios for use in workplaces where dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres are present. They combine the best in two-way radio technology and software and are rated for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Request a quote or discuss your workplace communications requirements with us today. Regardless of the environment in which your people work, we have the right communication systems to suit their needs. 

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