The flash point update reflects research indicating that substances at or below 55°C can pose risks of flammable vapour formation, even under ambient conditions. For diesel, this means more workplaces must assess their storage, handling, and operational practices to ensure they meet DSEAR requirements, specifically where diesel could reach or exceed this flash point threshold.
Area Classification Requirements for Diesel
DSEAR outlines area classifications to manage explosive atmospheres by creating specific “zones” based on the likelihood of a hazardous atmosphere. Diesel-handling areas may require such classification depending on conditions:
- Zone 0: Areas where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods. Diesel storage areas generally do not fall into this category, but confined spaces with mist or atomised diesel might.
- Zone 1: Locations where an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur during normal operations. Examples include pressurised diesel systems or spray applications in enclosed areas.
- Zone 2: Locations where an explosive atmosphere is unlikely in normal operation but possible for short periods. Areas adjacent to diesel handling equipment, where vapour may occasionally escape, would fall here.
This classification process requires employers to assess each area where diesel is used, stored, or processed to determine if it presents a risk and to apply the appropriate safety protocols.
Safety and Control Measures for Diesel under DSEAR
DSEAR compliance requires workplaces to implement control measures to prevent ignition and minimise explosive risks. Typical risk assessments and safety measures for diesel include:
- Ventilation: Ensuring adequate airflow to dilute any vapours or mists that could form.
- Leak Detection: Installing sensors and alarms to detect diesel leaks or vapour build-up.
- Safe Handling and Storage: Using spill containment measures, proper containers, and securing diesel storage tanks to prevent accidental release.
- Employee Training: Training employees on the risks associated with diesel and the importance of adhering to DSEAR protocols in relevant areas.
- Emergency Preparedness: Establishing procedures for handling leaks or fires and equipping areas with appropriate fire suppression systems.
These measures are particularly essential in industries like transport, construction, and manufacturing, where diesel is widely used and can present varying degrees of risk.
Examples
To illustrate the points covered in this article, consider a double-skinned Diesel storage tank which has no use cases, with adequate vents, and no means to increase the temperature to 55°C. In this scenario, the hazard posed by potential explosive atmospheres from diesel is minimal and can be considered as a “Safe Area”. However, this is never the case on any site as diesel will be stored on site for a reason. The use case therefore may generate these hazards. Some common examples are diesel-powered fire water pumps or emergency generators, and diesel dispensing pumps. These examples introduce the additional complexity such as pressurisations or potential to increase temperatures to generate potentially explosive atmospheres.
These examples demonstrate how DSEAR applies to everyday scenarios involving diesel, underscoring the importance of compliance for workplace safety.
Conclusion
In summary, diesel comes under DSEAR because it can pose a fire and explosion risk in specific conditions, requiring risk assessments, appropriate handling and storage, and protective measures to ensure workplace safety. Therefore, DSEAR requires that facilities handling diesel consider these risks and classify areas where these conditions could occur. This classification approach helps ensure that adequate measures are in place to control ignition sources and manage potential risks associated with diesel handling in specific operational scenarios.
