DSEAR Reports

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) apply to any industrial premises handling or storing flammable, explosive or corrosive substances. These are substances that could, if not properly controlled, cause harm to people as a result of a fire or explosion, asphyxiation or corrosion of metal. They can be found in nearly all workplaces and include such things as solvents, paints, varnishes, flammable gases, including liquid petroleum gas (LPG), dusts from machining and sanding operations, dusts from foodstuffs, pressurised gases and substances corrosive to metal.

Compliance with the Regulations is a legal requirement and imposes several duties on employers to achieve full compliance.

 

Service Overview

DSEAR reports focus on identifying where fires, explosions or similar events could occur because of dangerous substances used or produced in your processes. For powder handling and bulk materials plants, this typically includes combustible dusts, solvents, flammable gases and vapours associated with pneumatic conveying, milling, sifting and storage operations. Rospen works with clients in sectors such as food, chemical, plastics and minerals to assess these risks and translate findings into clear, practical documentation.

 

What a DSEAR Report Includes

The results of risk assessment are recorded in a DSEAR report, which must be produced in accordance with the regulations and describes the storage, handling, processing, and control of dangerous substances on-site.

Our reports satisfy Regulation 7 paragraph 1 (ATEX 137 article 7) and Regulation 5 paragraph 2 (ATEX 137 Article 4). These Regulations require that Hazardous Area Classification (Reg 7) and a suitable and sufficient Risk Assessment (Reg 5) are performed

 

Zoning of Hazardous Areas and ATEX Alignment

As a subset of the DSEAR work, it is possible to define or revise hazardous areas (zones) within areas where an explosive atmosphere might arise from powders, dusts, or vapours. These zoning tests help ensure the correct specification of ATEX-certified equipment, including Rospen ATEX-certified process machinery and control panels, so that the equipment installed can be used in the identified zones. The possibility of ignition sources from dust clouds or flammable atmospheres in the areas could be minimised through clear zoning and the selection of equipment.

 

Interconnection With Current Systems and Tests

DSEAR reports overlap with Rospen’s electrical control and hazardous area services, including the design of ATEX panels and CompEx inspections conducted by certified engineers. This implies that the risk controls recorded in the DSEAR assessment can be directly linked to observed controls in the plant, including equipment improvements, control system interlocks, and maintenance processes. Where a DSEAR evaluation identifies areas of weakness, Rospen may offer recommendations for corrective measures and assist in implementing them.

 

Social Gains to the Operators and Stakeholders

A formal DSEAR report presents to regulators, insurers, and internal stakeholders clear evidence that the location has evaluated and is addressing fire and explosion risks associated with dangerous substances. For operators, it provides a path for improvements and continuous control measures that protect people, maintain plant and production continuity, and demonstrate compliance with UK law. Change management is also facilitated by regularly updated reports to account for changes to case processes, materials, or layouts.