About DSEAR Risk Assessments
DSEAR is concerned with protection of all persons at risk of fire, explosion and similar events arising due to use or presence of dangerous substances in the workplace. It embodies the risk assessment concept that underpins European Union driven health & safety legislation to protect workers from potential fire and explosion risks due to the presence of dangerous substances.
Where the likelihood of fire and explosion risk is identified due to use of a dangerous substance, DSEAR requires that a formal risk assessment is then carried out and recorded. It also requires that risk should be eliminated or reduced; that procedures and equipment be available to deal with emergencies; and, that employees be provided with appropriate information and training.
Importantly, this includes classification of areas where hazardous explosive atmospheres may occur into zones - depending upon likelihood of an explosive atmosphere and its persistence. Areas that are classified into zones must be protected from sources of ignition and recognised entry points must be marked with a specified ‘EX’ sign – though this is only appropriate where the ‘EX’ sign is of benefit in reducing the risk.
This includes “materials or preparations that are classified as explosive, oxidising, extremely flammable, highly flammable or flammable in terms of the Chemicals (Hazard Information & Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002 (CHIP)”. Suppliers MUST provide comprehensive safety data sheets & classification for all such hazardous materials.
Hence DSEAR complements general requirements to manage risk under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations and addresses immediate risk to personal safety from dangerous substances, as opposed to potential exposure / health risks addressed by COSHH.
The impact of DSEAR should not therefore be significant where good practices exist but it is concerned with the harmful physical effects from thermal radiation (burns), over-pressure effects (blast injuries) and oxygen depletion effects (asphyxiation) arising from fire or explosion.
Results you should expect
When your company is working with hazardous substances that have a fire or explosion risk, you need to have the confidence that your controls will effectively protect people and your premises. Working with MESH you can be fully assured that the DSEAR assessments produced will identify the necessary protective controls to prevent a fire or explosion occurring, while ensuring full compliance with the DSEAR regulations.
MESH Consultants have used our extensive experience in DSEAR risk assessments to ensure peace of mind for clients in a wide range of industries throughout the UK. For companies also working with other hazardous substances (such as toxic or harmful materials for example), we also provide COSHH risk assessments.
Featured Case Study
Client: Fragrance Oils Limited
Sector: Chemical
The completed DSEAR survey was both accurate and informative and the professional manner by which your company provided this service was superb. I would not hesitate in using your services again in the future.
Graham M Pickwick
Technical/Safety Adviser
MESH was asked to complete an independent DSEAR survey for Fragrance Oils Ltd at their Manchester plant during December 2008 at the request of the Technical Management team. The main purpose of the site survey was to determine whether any areas were subject to risk assessment and the duties contained within the Dangerous Substances Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR) and to comment on the ongoing hazards and control measures.
Through the MESH survey and report we were able to assist the company to understand what they are required to do under what for most is a complex set of regulations. The support provided by our consultant enabled instilled confidence that they were in compliance with the regulations and that only minor adjustments were needed.
Your Options
MESH can offer a full DSEAR compliance survey and associated risk assessment options to organisations throughout the UK:
1. We undertake a full DSEAR survey and produce the relevant DSEAR compliant risk assessments to cover your operations.
2. We undertake a full DSEAR survey, supply the DSEAR assessment format and guide you to undertake the DSEAR risk assessments you would need to produce.
What we provide is legislative DSEAR compliance, which, when adhered to, will keep the HSE from your door.
Costs
Costs of DSEAR risk assessments vary depending on the type and size of organisations, the volume and usage of hazardous substances, and the type of DSEAR assistance you require.
As a guideline, fees for work recently undertaken have ranged from as little as £775 to £2,950 to develop the required level of compliance for individual organisations needs.
Our fees may not be the cheapest, and we would expect you to shop around for quotations, but you can be assured that our consultants are highly qualified and experienced and will ensure your compliance with the DSEAR regulations.
Where we work
MESH carry out DSEAR Risk Assessments for companies in a diverse range of industries throughout the UK.
Our Head Office is in Kent, with regional offices located in London, The Home Counties, The Midlands, and The North East.
