DSEAR Risk Assessment (UK)

If your work involves flammable, explosive or corrosive substances, from petrol and solvents to gas and combustible dust, you have a duty to assess the risk under DSEAR. This guide explains what a DSEAR risk assessment is and what it must cover.

What DSEAR covers

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, DSEAR, deal with risks from substances that can catch fire, explode or corrode. That includes flammable liquids and gases, solvents, paints, LPG, and dusts from wood, flour or metal that can form an explosive cloud.

When you need one

If a dangerous substance is present or could be present at the workplace, you must assess the risk before work starts. This applies far more widely than people expect, from a garage storing petrol to a joinery shop producing wood dust.

What the assessment covers

1. The dangerous substances present and their hazardous properties.
2. Where explosive or flammable atmospheres could form.
3. The ignition sources that could set them off.
4. The controls: removing or reducing the substance, controlling releases, removing ignition sources, and mitigation such as ventilation.
5. Any zoned areas and the equipment suitable for use in them.

Controls and zoning

Where an explosive atmosphere may occur, areas are classified into zones and only suitable equipment may be used there. Good ventilation, control of ignition sources and safe storage are the usual front line controls.

Record it

Record the substances, the atmospheres, the ignition sources and the controls. Our risk assessment template gives you the structure. This overlaps with chemical safety, so see also our COSHH assessment guide for the health effects of hazardous substances.