Fire and explosions in the workplace

Remember, remember the 5th of November. Gunpowder, treason and plot.

Seared into our memory from a young age, Guy Fawkes’ failed plot to blow up Parliament on 5th November 1605 is still celebrated each year. Just as it has done for over 400 years, with bonfires, burning the effigy of the Guy and firework displays lighting up the skies.

Fire and explosion risks are not limited to one day of the year, however, and while some businesses are more at risk and subject to special regulation (DSEAR), any business could face hazards.

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What are the main causes?

The five main causes of fires at work are:

1. Electrical hazards – Whether its faulty wiring, overloaded circuits or substandard equipment, this is the primary cause of fires in the workplace, and could affect any business.
2. Machinery and equipment – Mechanical failures and overheating equipment pose significant fire risks
3. Hot work – Work that creates sparks or produces an open flame can be a major cause of fire in the workplace
4. Combustible dust – Lots of industrial processes generate dust, which becomes highly combustible. Dust builds up inside machinery, or settles on surfaces. When it's disturbed and becomes airborne, it can create an explosive atmosphere.
5. Flammable liquid and gases – Whilst these are standard in many industrial processes they carry a high risk of fire and explosion. As vapours accumulate, the hazard of an ignition source can lead to the risk of fire or explosion.

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In the news

In September, a Scottish chemical company was fined ￡40,000 after it was found they had breached health and safety regulations that caused an explosion in their factory in 2020.

The blast was likely to have been caused by chemicals overheating. A massive fireball engulfed the factory, and the ensuing fire caused damage to surrounding buildings.

The company pled guilty to lapses during the process of distilling pentane, which allowed highly flammable vapour to escape into the atmosphere, which was then ignited when a worker switched on a ventilation system.

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Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations

If your profession deals with dangerous substances then you should be aware of the requirements of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). Since June 2015 DSEAR also includes gases under pressure and substances that are corrosive to metals.

As an employer you are required to protect your workers from explosion and fire risks. DSEAR aims to protect people from risks related to dangerous substances and potentially explosive atmospheres. If you are self-employed but your work activities potentially pose a risk to others, DSEAR should also be followed.

Dangerous substances are classed as any substances that could, if not properly controlled, cause harm to people as a result of a fire, explosion or similar. Many workplaces will have these substances as they include things such as:

• Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
• Paints
• Varnishes
• Solvents
• Flammable gases
• Dusts from machining and sanding operations
• Dusts from foodstuffs

Whether you are an employer or self-employed, you have a duty to assess and remove or reduce risks from dangerous substances so far as is reasonably possible.

To fulfil these regulations you should:

• Assess the risks
• Eliminate or reduce the risks from dangerous substances
• Provide information, instruction and training for workers
• Prepare for accidents, incidents and emergencies

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Here to help

However you plan to celebrate the 5th of November, remember that fire and explosions are a risk all year to your business and we have the expertise to help you conform to DSEAR as well as more general health and safety laws.? Contact us today to discuss your business needs.