Dangerous Substances Explosive Atmospheres
Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) Report

Dangerous substances are present in almost all workplaces and include flammable liquids such as solvents, fuels and paints, flammable gases, organic and metallic dust clouds, compressed gas cylinders and corrosive substances. Working in an environment in which these substances are present poses inherent risks, with the potential to cause harm to people if the dangerous substances are not risk assessed and properly controlled. Employers who use or store significant quantities of substances that may form an explosive or flammable atmosphere have a duty to protect the safety of their employees and the public by adhering to the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. This requires them to assess the risks from the dangerous substances and take actions to eliminate, reduce and control them. This responsibility, which is also a requirement for the self-employed, includes:

• The identification of the dangerous substances
• Risk assessing the nature of the hazard, the environment in which dangerous substances are stored and used
• Subsequent elimination of the risk or the implementation of measures to reduce and control the risk
• Reduction of the harmful effects of an incident, should one occur
• Robust training for employees and contractors

If there are more than five employees in the workplace, any findings of significance will need to be recorded. A DSEAR assessment is a comprehensive report which should be conducted by a trained, competent and knowledgeable person. Chubb is a leading provider of safety and environmental assessments, with expert consultants trained to consider and evaluate risks, producing DSEAR compliant reports and guidance. These DSEAR assessments should then be incorporated into the company’s Health and Safety Risk Assessment.

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