What is DSEAR verification and what common mistakes are made?

DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002) verification is required by regulation 7(4) and is carried out before facilities that handle with dangerous substances are bought into service.

The purpose of the DSEAR verification is to ensure that the design and construction of facilities handling dangerous substances, comply with the requirements set by DSEAR and other relevant standards.

What are some of the common mistakes that are made?

1. Lack of Experience or Expertise: DSEAR project verification requires a competent person with specialised knowledge and expertise in the field of dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres. Appointmenting of individuals who lack the required experience or expertise to conduct the verification, leading to inaccurate or incomplete assessments.

2. Inadequate Risk Assessment: Thorough risk assessment is a critical aspect of DSEAR compliance. The failure to identify all potential hazards or to adequately assess the risk associated with hazardous substances, leading to an incomplete or inadequate verification process.

3. Inaccurate or Incomplete Design: The design and construction of the plant must be evaluated to ensure that it can safely handle the dangerous substances involved. A common mistake is not verifying the design before construction leading to inaccurate or incomplete designs, resulting in the implementation of inadequate safety measures.

4. Poor Documentation: Adequate documentation of the DSEAR verification process is essential to demonstrate correct installation and compliance with the regulations. Not maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation, leading to difficulties in verifying compliance throughout the life of the plant.

5. Inadequate Training and Competence: The DSEAR regulations require that all personnel involved in the design installation, operation and maintenance of the plant are adequately trained and competent. The failure to provide adequate training or to ensure that personnel are competent in handling dangerous substances, resulting in increased risk of accidents, fires, and explosions.

6. Insufficient Review: verification should be conducted at various stages of the project, including during the design, construction, and commissioning phases. Failure to conduct adequate reviews at each stage, leading to incomplete, inefficient, or inadequate verification processes.

To avoid these mistakes, it is essential to engage experienced and qualified professionals who have specialised knowledge in the field of dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres.

Why is DSEAR verification required?

DSEAR requires employers to assess the risk of fires and explosions that may occur due to the presence of dangerous substances in the workplace and implement control and mitigation measures to reduce the likelihood of fire or explosion and reduce the residual effects.

Verification is required to ensure that these measures are implemented and effective.

ACOP L138 - “Before a workplace containing places classified as hazardous pursuant to paragraph (1) is used for the first time, the employer shall ensure that its overall explosion safety is verified by a person who is competent in the field of explosion protection as a result of his experience or any professional training or both.”

The verification must answer 5 key questions:

1.????What are the hazardous properties and quantities of the dangerous substances used?

2.????Are the plant, equipment and protective systems selected suitable for operating in explosive atmospheres?

3.????Are work processes, operating procedures, and systems of work adequate to ensure the safety of personnel, operating, cleaning, and maintaining the plant?

4.????Are the control measures applied effective in:

a.????Preventing the formation of explosive atmospheres?

b.????Controlling the risks from explosive atmosphere?

c.?????Mitigating the effects of an explosion?

5.????Are the emergency arrangements in place effective?

The verification process involves a thorough review of the design, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance including risk assessments and hazard analysis. The competent person will also review the safety systems, equipment and processes that are in place to control the risks associated with dangerous substances.

The process plays a critical part in ensuring that sites where dangerous substances are present are safe for workers, the public, and the environment. By verifying that the design and construction comply with the DSEAR regulations and other relevant standards, it helps to reduce the risk of accidents, fires, and explosions, and ensures that the site can be operated safely.

Author: Graham Doggett