The DSEAR Regulations came into force on the 9th December 2002 and complement the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. They are designed to implement the safety requirements of the Chemical Agents and Explosive Atmospheres Directive.

DSEAR deals with any dangerous substance that has the potential to create a risk to persons from energetic or energy releasing events such as fires or explosions. Dangerous substances include petrol, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), paint, solvents and combustible or explosive dust produced in machining and sanding operations, flour mills and distilleries.

Many of these substances will also create a health risk, for example, solvents are toxic as well as being flammable. However, DSEAR does not address the health risk, only the fire and explosion risk. The potential health risk is dealt with under the COSHH Regulations discussed earlier in this Chapter.

The DSEAR Regulations follow the modern risk assessment based approach. Technical and organizational measures are required to eliminate or reduce risks as far as is reasonably practicable. There is a requirement to provide equipment and procedures to deal with accidents and emergencies and also to provide information and training for employees.

So what sort of industries does DSEAR apply to? DSEAR is concerned with the harmful effects from burns, pressure injuries from explosions and asphyxiation arising from fires and explosions. Typical industries might be those concerned with the storage of petrol as a fuel for vehicles, agricultural and horticultural storage and...