DSEAR Assessments (Explosion Protection Document)

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR) was developed in 2002 to ensure all employers are keeping their dangerous substances, fire and explosion risks as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) to ensure the safety of people, equipment and the environment. To ensure these risks are managed a variety of steps are required which include carrying out a Hazardous Area Classification (HAC), identifying ignition sources, and creating a risk assessment.

This leads to the additions to emergency plans, systems of work and practises to ensure the risks are appropriately controlled. All this information is collated, which in Europe is called an Explosion Protection Document (EPD).

When are DSEAR assessments needed?

DSEAR assessments/Explosion Protection Documents (EPD) are required whenever there are potential explosive/flammable substances either vapour/gas, liquid or solids which may become dusts on site. It is a legal requirement for a site with flammable/explosive substances to have a DSEAR assessment completed. These substances can be LPG, natural gas, hydrogen, flammable dusts like flour, sugar and wood.

Finch’s approach to DSEAR

Finch employs a bespoke standard Explosion Protection Document (EPD) tool which is a proven method for risk assessment and management of DSEAR. This approach allowed us to visually map out the potential causes and consequences of identified hazards and to pinpoint critical control measures required to keep the client safe. The following steps are carried out to ensure a great experience for Finch’s clients.

1. Initial Consultation:

General relevant information from the client about the processes and equipment which is on site with the relevant personnel.

2. Site Visit:

Explore each area looking for key processes where there are flammable gases, liquids and dusts.

3. Rick Assessment:

Hazard identification of all the fire and explosion hazards.
Safeguards in place to prevent the fire and explosion.
Other Actions/recommendations to ensure the risks are as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

4. Hazardous Area Classification (HAC):

From the identified hazardous areas, identify the zoning area around the hazardous substance potential release points.
Map out the extent of the zoning distance area around the potential release point.

5. Ignition Hazard Assessment (IHA):

Identify the potential ignition sources on site.
The measures applied to prevent ignition sources becoming effective.

6. Hazardous Area Classification drawings (optional):

Mark up the hazardous area zones on the site maps to show where all the hazardous zoning is.

7. Review Management Controls:

A review of the emergency plan and safe systems of work to ensure that suitable management controls are in place to control the risks.

8. Continuous support once the EPD is complete:

Finch supports the client with their actions/recommendations and provide suggestions on how to close the gaps and ensure their risks are managed effectively.

Typical industries Finch can support

The typical industries that undertake DSEAR assessments are chemical, manufacturing, schools/colleges, food & drink, mining, nuclear, oil & gas and pharmaceuticals to ensure their sites are as safe as possible and the risk of a high-risk event is as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

Outcome

The Explosion Protection Document (EPD) provided is clear and easy to understand and visualise the risks and control measures associated with each of the fire and explosion risks on site. It also acts as a single document of compliance, in this case of an audit by a health and safety regulator or insurer. By employing the DSEAR assessment analysis, Finch Consulting enable the client to gain a thorough understanding of their risks and establish a strong basis of safety for fire and explosion prevention. This facilitates safer operations but also ensures they remain legally complaint under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR).