DSEAR Risk Assessment Auditing Service

Aims & Objectives

A DSEAR risk assessment is now typically undertaken in some depth. It requires the assessor to examine the seven groups of products defined as a "dangerous substance", and then the processes through which those substances are used, including any applied pressures or temperatures.

A DSEAR risk assessment is an HSE mandatory requirement under legislation (Statutory Instrument 2002 No. 2776) wherever dangerous substances are present. Our service provides a thorough, structured assessment of your site, identifies the risks, and sets out prioritised recommendations to help you achieve and demonstrate compliance.

Suitability

Requirements

What is a "dangerous substance"?

A dangerous substance is defined as:

1. Any flammable, highly flammable, extremely flammable, oxidising or explosive material
2. Any chemical, or formulation of chemicals, that — in the way it is used within the workplace - could create a risk to persons
3. Any dust or powders (this includes shotblasting)
4. All substances corrosive to metals
5. All gases under high pressure, defined as greater than 0.5 bar
6. All liquids under pressure - and, as of October 2024, this includes flammable and non-flammable liquids such as hydraulic systems, with significant impact on area classification documents
7. Any substance or product - such as lithium batteries - that can create or release any form of energetic event

A DSEAR risk assessment is a mandatory legal requirement should any of the above apply.

Syllabus

Section 1 — Company Support Data

• Brief description of projects, processes or activities
• Employee data
• Infringements
• Support documentation appraisal
• Overview of site safety

Section 2 — Hazards

• Safe storage principles
• Gases
• Liquid chemicals: flashpoint > 60°C
• Liquid chemicals: flashpoint < 60°C
• Liquid chemicals: flashpoint < maximum ambient temperature
• Flammable corrosives
• Corrosives
• Oxidisers and explosives
• Flammable powders and dust

Section 3 — Storage and Segregation

• Flammable chemicals (FP < max ambient) — storage, with maximum ambient as the operational temperature basis of safety
• Flammable chemicals (FP > max ambient) — storage
• Segregation distances for flammable liquids

Section 4 — Basis of Safety

• Fire danger element control
• Critical failure safety systems

Section 5 — Additional Control Measures

• Additional control measures for consideration

Section 6 — Permits to Work (where applicable)

• Permits to work in operation
• Permits to work in respect of contractors

Section 7 — Extraction / Ventilation

• LEV test reports
• Secondary mechanical extraction for areas (where applicable)
• Fume cabinet reports

Section 8 — Process Conditions

• Temperature control
• Pressure control

Section 9 — Pressure Safety System Regulation

• Fixed pressure safety systems
• Portable pressure safety systems
• Preventative maintenance programme

Section 10 — Sources of Ignition

• General conditions
• Sources of ignition to be eliminated where ATEX equipment is not used
• Installation and annual CompEx certification

Section 11 — Ex Zones

• Zoning and control of explosive atmospheres
• Number of zones established or required
• Document control

Section 12 — Safe Operating Procedures

• SOP control
• SOP review
• SOP training
• SOP default to "stop"

Section 13 — Transportation of Dangerous Substances

• Whether dangerous substances are transported around the site — pipe, carry frame, trolley, FLT etc.

Section 14 — PPE & RPE

• PPE and RPE control
• PPE issued
• RPE issued

Section 15 — Dangerous Substance Waste Control

• Waste types
• Documentation and compliance
• Waste collection
• Solvent contamination

Section 16 — Training

• Ex zone specific training
• Documented records

Section 17 — Emergency Procedures

• Process applications
• Externally influenced emergencies
• Fire precautions
• Fire alarm and equipment
• Extinguisher media types
• Fire response procedures
• Chemical spills

Section 18 — First Aid

• First aid equipment
• First aid personnel
• Specialist rescue equipment and requirements

Section 19 — Frequency and Severity

• Frequency
• Persons put at risk

Section 20 — Scoring the Level of Risk

• Risk scoring across the assessed areas

Section 21 — Identified Risks, Severity and Recommendations

• Identified risks, severity ratings and recommendations, with priority of work required

Notes

This service is delivered on site and scoped on a site-by-site basis. Following the assessment you will receive a full report identifying risks, severity and prioritised recommendations.

Certification

This service is based on a site-by-site dimension and is quoted on application. On completion you will be issued with a full DSEAR risk assessment report detailing identified risks, severity and prioritised recommendations.