FAQ

DSEAR stands for the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002.

DSEAR assessments are important to ensure safety when dealing with substances that could potentially cause fires or explosions in the workplace. DSEAR puts duties on employers and the self-employed to protect people from these risks to their safety in the workplace, and to members of the public who may be put at risk by work activity. The regulations apply to a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, food production, and any sector where hazardous substances are used or produced.

DSEAR assessments are necessary for the following reasons:

Identifying Hazards: DSEAR assessments identify dangerous substances and processes in your workplace that could pose fire or explosion risks, such as flammable gases, solvents, and dusts. Recognising these hazards helps in creating a safer environment.
Risk Management: After the assessment has been carried out, you will be provided with a detail plan on how to mitigate any risks, such as installing appropriate ventilation.
Legal Compliance: In the UK, DSEAR assessments are required by law. Failure to carry out these assessments can result in penalties.
Protection: A thorough DSEAR assessment will help to protect both employees and assets from incidents that may result in in injuries or financial losses.
Emergency Preparation: By carrying out a DSEAR assessment, you are ensuring that you are prepared for any future incidents. By identifying potential accidents, you can make sure the right procedures, equipment, and training are in place for effective emergency response.

What are the key components of a DSEAR assessment?

Put simply, a DSEAR risk assessment includes identifying dangerous substances, evaluating their associated risks, implementing measures to eliminate or reduce risks, establishing emergency procedures, and providing training and information to employees.

A thorough DSEAR assessment will typically involve a site inspection, to cover areas where dangerous substances are stored, handled, processed, or disposed of. Areas within the workplace will be split into zones, depending on their potential for explosive atmospheres.
Zone 0: Continuous presence of an explosive atmosphere.

Zone 1: Likely presence of an explosive atmosphere during regular operations.

Zone 2: Unlikely presence of an explosive atmosphere, but may occur briefly.

After the assessment, appropriate modifications should be recommended, such as safer operating procedures or improved ventilation.

PRR Safety helps clients adhere to all safety regulations, including those laid out by DSEAR. Contact us today to schedule an assessment.

Do I need a health and safety policy and what should be included?

If your business employs 5 or more people, you are legally required to have a written health and safety policy in the UK.

Your policy should set out your general approach to health and safety and should include clear guidelines that demonstrate how you are managing any potential risks. The policy should be split into three areas:

Statement of intent
Responsibilities for health and safety
Arrangements for health and safety

Your health and safety policy should be regularly reviewed and updated, especially if incidents have occurred. At PRR Safety, we provide effective, professional and affordable services to assist with your business’s health and safety compliance requirements. Whether you need health & safety advice, assistance with training your staff members or with making health and safety plans, our NEBOSH qualified team is here to help.

Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement? Who needs one?

Yes, in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, completing a fire risk assessment for your premises is a legal requirement if you are responsible for a building that is not a ‘single private dwelling’.

Unfortunately, assessments are often overlooked, which can lead to buildings being exposed unnecessarily to fire risk, sometimes with the potential for loss of life. There are some legal guidelines around fire risk assessments, which are as follows:

Your fire risk assessment must be regularly reviewed, either at annual intervals following the initial assessment or if the building and its occupancy has changed.
If the premises holds more than 4 people at any one time, the risk assessment must be written down.
The fire risk assessment must firstly assess the fire safety of the premises, followed with a list of recommendations which should be acted on for the building to be fire safety compliant.

Every assessment is different, but common factors to consider include the layout and use of the building, the need for storage solutions for flammable liquids, the use of emergency lighting and any fire hazards introduced by building works or outside contractors.

PRR Safety can help you comply with the guidelines of the RRFSO Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. We provide fire assessments that are carried out by NEBOSH fire-trained personnel. After completing our fire risk assessment, we will provide a report and detailed review. Our inspection will include an assessment of fire risk based on hazards, likelihood of a fire and control measures that may be required.

What common issues are found during LEV inspections?

Health and safety law says you must assess the risks to your workers from hazardous substances – dusts, fumes, vapours, etc. – and decide what measures to use to protect their health. If the measures you adopt include extraction systems (LEV) to remove the dusts, fumes, vapours etc. produced by your work processes or activities, then you must maintain the LEV in efficient working order. LEV inspections often reveal common issues that can impact the effectiveness of these systems, including:

Blocked or damaged ducting: Dust, debris, or other contaminants can accumulate in the ductwork over time, obstructing airflow and reducing the system’s efficiency. Damaged ducting, like cracks or holes, can also leak hazardous substances back into the workspace.
Lack of maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for LEV effectiveness. Filters and fans need regular inspection and cleaning, as accumulated dust or debris can reduce system performance.
Issues with parts: Moving parts like fans, belts, and filters degrade over time. Worn or broken components can reduce the system’s efficiency or cause complete failure, allowing contaminants to escape into the work environment.
Lack of training: For maximum effectiveness, employees need training on how to use LEV systems correctly, including positioning hoods, recognising airflow issues, and reporting malfunctions.
Poor record keeping: Documentation of LEV assessments, maintenance, and performance testing is often overlooked. Without proper records, it’s challenging to verify compliance and track maintenance or repairs.

PRR Safety can arrange, design, supply, and install systems, along with LEV testing, assessment, examination, and certification of relevant plant, to achieve COSHH compliance.