Dangerous Substances & Explosive
Atmopheres Regulations (DSEAR)
Policy
Document no:
Revision
Date
Author
1
11/08/2021
Julian
McDonald
Checked
by
Olivier
Vignon
Approved
by
Oliver
Vignon
Stakeholder review required (SRR)
N/A
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres
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Revision
details
Issued for
review
Purpose of SRR
☐
Acceptance
☐
Approval
☐
No Objection
☐
Consent
Relevant Legislation
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002
Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure staff remain safe and healthy in the working environment by
the control of fire and explosion risks arising from the use of dangerous substances.
Policy Statement
_______recognizes its duty under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres
Regulations (DSEAR) 2002.
This policy shall apply to all ___________- workplace activities including research, testing and
operational activities.
DSEAR applies if:
1. a dangerous substance is present (or is liable to be present) at the workplace, and;
2. the dangerous substance could be a risk to the safety of people as a result of fires,
explosions or similar energetic events.
DSEAR is intended to protect not only employees at the workplace, but also any other person
whether at work or not who may be put at risk by dangerous substances. This includes employees
working for other employers, visitors to the site and members of the public. However, when
considering arrangements to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies and the provision of
information, instruction and training, employers only have duties to persons who are at their
workplace.
Implementation
In order to ensure compliance _______is required to:
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Carry out a risk assessment of any work activities involving dangerous substances. This
should include the classification of explosive atmospheres as per schedule 2 of the
regulations:
Identify DSEAR zones as follows;
Zone 0 – An explosive atmosphere (gas, vapour or mist) is present continuously or for long
periods
Zone 1 - An explosive atmosphere (gas, vapour or mist) is likely to occur in normal operations
occasionally
Zone 2 - An explosive atmosphere (gas, vapour or mist) is not likely to occur in normal
operations, but if it does, will persist for short periods only
Zone 20 - An explosive atmosphere in the form of combustible dust in air is present
continuously or for long periods
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Zone 21 - An explosive atmosphere in the form of combustible dust in air is likely to occur in
normal operations occasionally
Zone 22 - An explosive atmosphere in the form of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur
in normal operations, but if it does, will persist for short periods only
Provide technical and organisational measures to eliminate or reduce as far as is reasonably
practicable the identified risks;
Provide equipment and procedures to deal with accident and emergencies;
Provide information and training to employees;
Classify places where explosive atmospheres may occur into zones and mark the zones
where necessary.
N.B.
The impact of DSEAR should be small, as the risks to safety from fire and explosion will in many
cases have been addressed by a general risk assessment of work activities in compliance with the
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and by the Regulatory Reform (Fire
Safety) Order 2005 in respect of proper and sufficient escape routes, provision of fire fighting
equipment, etc, as undertaken by the Site and Safety Management.
Duty Holders
Site Management
Site Management have responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Regulations in general but in
particular that:
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risk assessment is undertaken
any required risk reducing measures, emergency arrangements, etc, are implemented
sufficient information and training is provided,
Safety Manager
The Safety Office has responsibility for:
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providing advice to all parties at their request concerning fire risks arising from processes and
use of buildings or working areas.
providing advice to all parties at their request concerning suitable emergency arrangements.
providing fire training as appropriate.
Monitoring compliance with this policy.
Reviewing and amending the DSEAR policy.
Liaising with regulators such as the Petroleum Licensing Officer, HSE, Environment Agency
and Fire and Rescue Service
Further Information
For further information please refer to:
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Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 - DSEAR
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2776/contents/made
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The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/3242/contents/made
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HSE DSEAR Page:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/dsear.htm
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_______Fire Policy
Policy review
This policy shall be reviewed annually or as changes in work practices or legislation occur.
Signed on behalf of _______
Date: 11th August
2021
JJ _______Managing Director
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