DSEAR and ATEX Regulations

What do DSEAR and ATEX stand for?

DSEAR and ATEX are abbreviations for The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) and Explosive Atmospheres Directives 99/92/EC (ATEX 137) and 94/9/EC (ATEX 100) which are enforced by the HSE and Local Authorities, Fire Brigades and Petroleum Licensing Authorities.

What is the significance of the legislation?

DSEAR and ATEX are a set of regulations recently introduced to protect people from fires and similar events arising from potentially explosive atmospheres in the workplace. A legal responsibility has been placed upon employers to provide their workers with protection in line with the details described by DSEAR / ATEX.

When do the regulations come into force?

The regulations came into force in December 2002 and a transitional period commenced on 1st July 2003 and ended on 30th June 2006 as the target date for full compliance.

Who does DSEAR and ATEX affect?

The DSEAR / ATEX regulations apply to any organisation with 5 or more employees.

DSEAR / ATEX is most applicable to industries including chemical manufacture, petrochemical industry offshore and onshore, handling, manufacture and storage of bulk powders, petrol, flammable liquids and other dangerous substances. Mining industries that hold high risk rates in relation to danger from fire, explosive atmospheres and exothermic reactions etc will need to comply with these regulations.

How can PROjEN help you comply with this DSEAR and ATEX legislation?

To help employers and the self-employed assess their compliance needs, PROjEN has introduced a new Business Improvement Product to provide clients with real benefits, which outlines the requirements of the DSEAR and ATEX regulations and the compliance details that relate to your company's needs.

PROjEN have a team of experienced engineers conversant with the requirements of ATEX and DSEAR, and have a track record of making assessments for clients in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Assessments include potentially explosive atmospheres relating to powders, dusts, flammable liquids or vapours.

PROjEN can assist you with DSEAR Risk Assessment Documentation and Records related directly to DSEAR/ ATEX compliance:

• Risk Assessment - Documentation and Records
• Hazardous Area Classification and Drawings
• Advice on Elimination and Mitigation of Risks
• Definition of the Basis of Safety for Potentially Hazardous Processes
• Selection of Equipment According to the Appropriate Standards

Remember - existing workplaces should have met the DSEAR and ATEX requirements by July 2006!

Who enforces DSEAR and ATEX?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces the regulations in Industrial Premises, with the regulations being enacted under the Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1974. Since June 2003 the HSE have issued 19 prohibition notices to companies requiring action to conform to the DSEAR regulations.

Local Authorities, Fire Brigades and Petroleum Licensing Authorities are also be closely involved in ensuring compliance.

Consult with a specialist consultant

PROjEN PLC are a well established project management company recognised as being leaders in the delivery of industrial projects on a stand alone/turnkey basis or working alongside client companies.

As part of our service offering, PROjEN deliver a number of Business Improvement Products which have been carefully selected to add real benefits. These products have their foundation in the successful implementation of projects over the last 30 years, a statement given credence through the recognition of the European Construction Institute’s “Contractor of the Year 2003”, “Project of the Year 2004, 2006 and 2008”, Carbon Trust Accreditation awarded in 2007 and a ‘Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ (RoSPA) Gold Medal in 2008, following seven consecutive Gold Awards.

PROjEN can work independently or alongside the client project owners, providing expert advice from day one. We supply crucial resource when it is needed, control budgets and programmes and ultimately deliver the project as the client originally intended. Our core business is the successful delivery of projects from feasibility, capital justification, front-end engineering, detailed design, through to full turnkey project completion, providing the client with single point responsibility.

In an age of specialisation, PROjEN can also offer a full design responsibility across all disciplines (Process, Control & Instrumentation, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil & Structural) in addition to Construction Supervision, Health and Safety, Procurement and Commissioning. Our extensive experience across a wide range of industries encourages cross fertilisation of ideas and adoption of best practice techniques. Our up to date knowledge and translation of current legislation and DSEAR and ATEX regulations which allows PROjEN to provide practical help and advice at costs sufficient to satisfy current regulations.

Contact PROjEN plc

Head Office: PROjEN PLC, PROjEN House, Wellfield Road, Preston Brook, Cheshire, WA7 3FR
Telephone: 01928 752500
Fax: 01928 752555
Email: enquiry@projen.co.uk

For more information about PROjEN and our services visit www.projen.co.uk