![\"dsear_precuations\"](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/red_tape.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWorking around explosive atmospheres and hazardous substances can be extremely unsafe \u2013 that\u2019s a given. But simply knowing that they can pose a threat isn\u2019t enough; an awareness alone will not stop one stray spark from igniting something flammable.\u00a0You need to know about the appropriate preventive methods and must be adequately equipped to combat your workplace\u2019s threats. This is why DSEAR exists.<\/p>\n
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DSEAR stands for the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002<\/strong>, which require employers to control the risks that fire, explosive atmospheres, and dangerous substances pose to people\u2019s safety whilst at work. It enables all workplaces to stamp out the embers that are these risks, so they can be confident and careful when carrying out their day-to-day, work-related activities.<\/p>\n All manner of materials can lead to a devastating outbreak of fire or an explosion \u2013 even things you\u2019d probably never deem a hazard. That\u2019s what often makes controlling them not only tricky, but absolutely vital. Whether it\u2019s the most obvious dangers \u2013 such as volatile gases \u2013 or the most seemingly unthreatening component \u2013 such as flour \u2013 all substances which could instigate a fire or explosion should have both eyes closely kept upon them.<\/p>\n Your workplace might contain more dangerous materials and risks than you think. But don\u2019t worry; part of DSEAR\u2019s purpose is to familiarise you with them; to make you alert; to help you deal with them responsibly.<\/p>\n Our DSEAR Training<\/a> provides you with a full introduction to the requirements of the regulations and will ensure you understand the risks from dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres, know how to carry out a risk assessment, and can implement suitable workplace control measures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n If you\u2019ve ever seen the very conspicuous \u2018FLAMMABLE\u2019 label on a can of hairspray or on the side of a paint bucket, then you\u2019ve seen a dangerous substance. There could be copious amounts around workplaces and employees may even handle them on a daily basis.<\/p>\n DSEAR defines dangerous substances as any substance (or mixtures, called \u2018preparations\u2019) that could start a fire or explosion \u2013 when exposed to a source of ignition and air \u2013 and cause people harm.<\/p>\n They come in the form of:<\/p>\n Even if you are not in an industry that directly handles dangerous substances, there will be some all around you. Cleaning chemicals are in virtually every kitchen space; paint is on practically every wall (which will cause fire to spread easily and even release flammable gases when burning); and some form of packaging materials or textiles will be undoubtedly present in 99% of workplaces.<\/p>\n Proper storage and safe handling of such materials is therefore imperative.<\/p>\n When certain dangerous substances mix together in the air, an explosive atmosphere is formed. Once ignition occurs in that atmosphere, combustion will spread to the entire unburned mixture. Simply put, an explosive atmosphere is a room or space filled with combustible gases, vapours, mists, or dusts and a potential source of ignition. It\u2019s an atmosphere that has the necessary components to cause an explosion.<\/strong><\/p>\n It is both difficult but absolutely crucial to control the release or build-up of flammable and combustible materials. DSEAR stipulates that, when workplace activities or the substances handled are likely to create an explosive atmosphere, they must be adequately controlled.<\/p>\n However, as mentioned earlier, you have to do more than simply adopt a one-size-fits-all mentality where control measures are concerned. This is especially true of industries that will deal directly with dangerous substances. A DSEAR risk assessment<\/strong> will help you spot the hazards associated with explosive atmospheres and dangerous substances and should take into account the workplace\u2019s activities, size, location, and other specific details.<\/p>\n If the employer discovers that the workplace contains potentially explosive atmospheres, they must ensure that they are classified into zones<\/strong>. This will help them minimize the risks posed by explosive atmospheres.<\/p>\n Without knowing why your environment is at risk of explosions, how can you hope to prevent it? The purpose of zoning \u2013 also known as area classification \u2013 is to ensure employers thoroughly consider the risks posed by explosive atmospheres in relation to work equipment, sources of ignition, and correct warning signage.<\/p>\n Area classification is a method of analysing and classifying an environment in which explosive gas atmospheres could build up \u2013 which are then labelled as hazardous areas<\/strong>. Hazardous areas are defined by DSEAR as \u201cany place in which an explosive atmosphere may occur in quantities such as to require special precautions<\/strong> to protect the safety of workers\u201d. Such special precautions would be necessary in areas where the use of certain equipment could be extremely dangerous, for example.<\/p>\n After identifying zones, the employer can then properly select and install apparatus that will be safe for use in the explosive atmosphere. They can protect the classified hazard zones from coming into contact with sources of ignition, and can mark the entry points with appropriate warning signage. They can do their absolute best to prevent explosions from occurring and ensure the wellbeing of all their employees.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Our guide outlines DSEAR & its core principles such as DSEAR area classification, which is critical in workplaces where dangerous substances are handled.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":3928,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[84,85],"class_list":["post-3920","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-safety","tag-safety-legislation","tag-site-safety"],"acf":{"schema_disabled":false,"schema_properties_FAQPage_question_answer":null,"schema_properties_HowTo_howto_tools":null,"schema_properties_HowTo_howto_supplies":null,"schema_properties_HowTo_howto_steps":null,"schema_properties_WebPage_cssSelector":null,"schema_sameAs_repeater":null,"schema_custom_json_repeater":null,"schema_custom_json_override":false},"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n![\"expert](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/expert-tip-icon.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/div>\nNeed a Course?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nWhat are Dangerous Substances?<\/h2>\n
![\"fire_explosions_dsear\"](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/fire_extinguisher.jpg\")
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\nWhat is an Explosive Atmosphere?<\/h2>\n
![\"chemical_fire_dsear\"](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/chemical_fire.jpg\")
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\nWhat are the DSEAR Hazard Zones?<\/h2>\n
![\"dsear_hazard_zones_precuations\"](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/biohazard_suits.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe following three zones cover dangerous gases, vapours, and mists:<\/h4>\n
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The following three zone descriptions cover areas where hazardous dusts are present:<\/h4>\n
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\nFurther Resources:<\/h3>\n
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