Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

17.12 
Dangerous Substances and 
Explosive Atmospheres 
Regulations (DSEAR) 2002
17.12.1 Introduction
These Regulations are designed to implement the safety 
requirements of The EU Chemical Agents and Explosive 
Atmospheres Directives. DSEAR deals with the pre-
vention of fi res, explosions and similar energy releasing 
events arising from dangerous substances. Following the 
introduction of DSEAR the opportunity will also be taken 
to modernize all the existing laws on the use and storage 
of petrol.
In summary the DSEAR Regulations require employ-
ers and the self employed to:
➤
carry out an assessment of the fi re and explosion risks 
of any work activities involving dangerous substances
➤
provide measures to eliminate, or reduce as far as is 
reasonably practicable, the identifi ed fi re and explo-
sion risks
Introduction to Health and Safety at Work
342
17.12 
Danger
ous Substances and Explosive Atmospher
es Regulations (DSEAR) 2002

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➤
apply measures, so far as is reasonably practicable, 
to control risks and to mitigate the detrimental effects 
of a fi re or explosion
➤
provide equipment and procedures to deal with 
accidents and emergencies, and
➤
provide employees with information and precaution-
ary training.
Where explosive atmospheres may occur:
➤
the workplaces should be classifi ed into hazard-
ous and non-hazardous places; and any hazardous 
places classifi ed into zones on the basis of the fre-
quency and duration of an explosive atmosphere, 
and where necessary marked with a sign
➤
equipment in classifi ed zones should be safe so as 
to satisfy the requirements of the Equipment and 
Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially 
Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996, and
➤
the workplaces should be verifi ed by a competent 
person, as meeting the requirements of DSEAR.