Bonfire night is on the way, and what better reminder to refresh your memory on the law around explosive substances. While it’s unlikely there are any barrels of gunpowder buried under your workplace, other explosive materials are surprisingly common.
So it is good news that there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the danger. Here’s our guide to some of the bigger risks, and the safety precautions that you need to remember (remember).
Which laws apply to explosive substances?
Like most workplace hazards, reducing the risk of explosion falls under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This makes it your responsibility to mitigate all workplace hazards as far as is reasonably practicable.
Explosive substances also fall under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2022. This is a set of guidelines designed to reduce the risk of injury from fires, explosions and the corrosion of metals. DSEAR applies to all employers, regardless of the size or nature of their business.
Which substances are covered by DSEAR?
The HSE defines dangerous substances as “…any substances used or present at work that may, if not controlled, cause harm and injury to people as a result of a fire or explosion”.
This is a broad definition which applies to a wide range of materials. Some are clearly dangerous, but others are less obvious. Common substances that fall under DSEAR include:
- Paints and varnishes
- Solvents
- Liquid petroleum gas
- Flammable gases
- Pressurised gases
- Strong acids and other substances that can corrode metal
- Dust from sanding and other machining operations
- Flour, sugar, dried coffee and any other food-related dusts
Which businesses are most at risk?
Most workplaces will contain at least one DSEAR-controlled substance, but some are more high-risk than others.
You should take particular care if your work involves processes like storing petrol for cars or any other machinery; taking deliveries of petrol from road tankers; welding with flammable gases; using solvents in a laboratory; storing waste dust in bulk; transporting flammable substances; manufacturing chemicals; and handling or storing pressurised gases or corrosive substances.
Most of these activities take place in clearly hazardous environments, but dangerous substances can also be present in more mundane settings. Examples include flour stored in a bakery and paints and varnishes sold in shops.
What can I do to reduce the risk?
As with any workplace danger, your first step should be carrying out a thorough risk assessment. DSEAR requires employers to consider three main questions:
- Are dangerous substances present in the workplace?
- Which activities involve these substances?
- How could these substances cause harm to workers or the public?
If dangerous substances are present, you will need to consider the ways in which the risk can be reduced. If possible, you should try to remove the risk altogether. You can do this by replacing dangerous substances with a safer alternative, or adjusting work processes so that employees don’t come into contact with the substance.
If a risk can’t be eliminated, you should take steps to control it as much as possible. These may include:
- Preparing emergency plans in case of an accident
- Training employees on DSEAR safety, and providing refresher training at regular intervals
- Ensuring that workers have access to all necessary protective equipment
- Identifying areas containing dangerous substances and removing any potential ignition sources
- Separating substances that can react dangerously with one another
- Storing substances in optimum conditions, paying particular attention to temperature and humidity
When it comes to DSEAR the stakes can be high, but there’s no need to be daunted. If you need help creating a risk assessment, or have any other questions about DSEAR, don’t hesitate to ask us for help.
