Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR)



DSEAR require employers and the self-employed to control the risks, as far as is reasonably practicable, to safety within the workplace, of employees and members of the public who may be affected by hazards posed by work processes that may result in fire, explosions or the corrosion of metals.

The applicable legislation that places this duty on employers and the self-employed is the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002.

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002 apply to the majority of workplaces, including moveable structures, outdoor areas and domestic premises, where: –

  • Work is being carried out by an employer or self-employed person
  • A dangerous substance is present (or is likely to be present or generated) at the workplace
  • A potentially explosive atmosphere may occur
  • The dangerous substance and/or a potentially explosive atmosphere could be a risk to the safety of people as a result of fires, explosions or similar energetic events

For example, DSEAR covers the following scenarios:

  • storage and use of flammable liquids including paints and inks, cleaning products, and fuels
  • storage and use of LPG
  • storage and use of oxygen
  • storage and transport of powders in pharmaceutical and food industries
  • storage and display of flammable goods, such as paints in shops
  • handling and storage of flammable waste materials
  • welding or other ‘hot work’ on tanks and drums that have contained flammable material
  • use of flammable gases, such as acetylene, for welding or flame cutting
  • use of flammable solvents or other substances in laboratories
  • transport of flammable substances in containers around a workplace
  • deliveries from road tankers, such as flammable liquids, gases and bulk powders
  • chemical manufacturing, processing, and warehousing
  • Distillation of alcohol products
  • Creation of dusts during work processes such as wood cutting
  • Charging of electric FLT
  • Storage and use of Substances corrosive to metal
  • The use of gas appliances designed for use in industrial processes on industrial premises and appliances that heat water to a temperature greater than 105 °C

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Safety, Health and Wellbeing Professional

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