What is DSEAR?
DSEAR stands for Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations. The regulation sets out the frameworks of how to protect people from dangerous substances. The onus is on the employer to assess the risk, classify high risk areas and implement controls to minimise the risks.
DSEAR requires businesses to:
- Identify dangerous substances and associated risks
- Assess the risks of fires and explosions
- Put controls in place to reduce or remove risks
- Add measures to reduce the effects of any incidents involving dangerous substances
- Inform and train persons on site
- Prepare emergency plans
- Classify higher exposure risk areas
Is a DSEAR assessment a legal requirement?
In the UK, a DSEAR assessment is a legal requirement. DSEAR requires any employers (or self-employed people) who store hazardous substances to assess and control the risks.
A DSEAR assessment should be carried out either:
- Every 3 to 5 years
- When there is a significant change to materials or processes
- Following an incident or near miss
What happens during a DSEAR assessment?
A DSEAR assessment involves a thorough assessment of a workplace to identify and evaluate potential risks from hazardous substances, such as flammable liquids, gases, vapours and combustible dusts. This is done by reviewing storage, handling procedures, potential ignition sources, ventilation and control measures.
An assessment typically includes a site visit from trained engineers, who review current practices and arrangements, and then create a risk assessment that includes hazardous area classification.
A DSEAR inspection reviews safety procedures, equipment and control systems are in place to minimise the risk of fires and explosions.
How Electroserv can support your organisations DSEAR compliance
We can help your organisation comply with DSEAR guidance and minimise the risks associated with dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres. We specialise in providing DSEAR assessments and periodic & initial inspection services across the UK to a wide range of industrial sectors. We are also highly experienced in the installation, maintenance and inspection of electrical equipment in hazardous areas.
Our engineers are CompEx trained (EX01-04 + Ex05-06 + Ex11) to complete inspections to BS EN60079-17 and rectification works where required.
Our internal instrumentation & control team can source or design your instrumented systems, meaning we can see the project through from inception to completion.
We can provide third party auditing on existing assessments and inspections to ensure the assessments/inspections are compliant with DSEAR regulations, ICoPs and the BS EN 60079 series of standards. We then provide a comprehensive report and recommendations, if required, ensuring the highest standards of compliance are achieved. This service has proved invaluable to clients who complete the assessments/inspections in house.
Services we offer
- DSEAR GAP analysis
- DSEAR Risk Assessment
- DSEAR Hazardous Area Classification Assessment
- Equipment Specification / Verification
- BS EN 60079-17 DSEAR Inspections commonly known as ATEX Inspections / CompEx Inspections
- Retrospective Documentation Collation
- Bespoke DSEAR Awareness Courses
- Project Management / Consultancy
What is ATEX Directive?
ATEX refers to two EU Directives, one for the user of explosion protection equipment and one for the supplier.
The ATEX 2014/34/EU Directive, equipment directive, (also known as ATEX 95 or ATEX 114) is for companies who manufacture equipment for use in hazardous areas.
The ATEX 1999/92/EC Directive, workplace directive, (also known as ATEX 137 or ATEX 153) is for employers that use dangerous substances. DSEAR Is the UK version of the ATEX workplace directive.
What are ATEX zones?
ATEX zones are area classifications under the ATEX directives where an explosive atmosphere can occur. They are split into gas and vapours areas (zones 0 – 2) and dust areas (zones 20 –22).
Gas and vapours
ATEX zone 0
An area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods – typically >1000h/yr
ATEX zone 1
An area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation – typically >10<1000h/yr
ATEX zone 2
An area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation and, if it occurs, will only exist for a short time. Typically <10h/yr
Dusts
ATEX zone 20
An area in which an explosive dust atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods – typically >1000h/yr
ATEX zone 21
An area in which an explosive dust atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation – typically >10<1000h/yr
ATEX zone 22
An area in which an explosive dust atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation and, if it occurs, will only exist for a short time. Typically <10h/yr
What is a CompEx / ATEX / BS EN 60079-17 inspection?
An inspection to the BS EN 60079-17 standards is commonly known as an ATEX Inspection or a CompEx Inspection.
The inspection is completed to BS EN 60079-17 standards where specific checks are completed to ensure the equipment used within a zoned area is fit for purpose and installed correctly.
Periodic inspections are complete for the whole plant – not exceeding three years from previous inspection, with a combination of ‘Detailed’, ‘Close’ & ‘Visual’ grade of inspections.
Initial inspections are completed for the newly installed equipment prior to being brought into service. An initial inspection requires a full detailed grade of inspection.
In the UK, CompEx Is the widely recognised scheme for competency to work in these areas but there are others accepted too. Our engineers hold CompEx Ex 01-06, which permits working in gas, vapour and dust hazardous areas.
