Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002
SI 2002/2776•Status:CurrentAt a Glance
- Date Enacted
- 9 November 2002
- Enforcing Body
- HSE / Local Authority
- Maximum Penalty
- Unlimited
- Jurisdiction
- England, Wales, Scotland
- Citation
- SI 2002/2776
- Status
- Current
What This Means for You
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) (SI 2002/2776) aim to protect people from fire and explosion risks related to dangerous substances in the workplace. These regulations implement the European Directives 99/92/EC (ATEX 137) and 92/58/EEC (Safety Signs Directive). DSEAR requires employers to assess the risks of dangerous substances, eliminate or reduce those risks, and put control measures in place. This includes proper storage, handling, and use of dangerous substances, as well as preventing or controlling releases of dangerous substances. A crucial aspect of DSEAR is the requirement for appropriate safety signage to warn employees and others about the presence of dangerous substances and the associated hazards. This signage must be clear, visible, and easily understood. DSEAR applies to virtually all workplaces where dangerous substances are present or may be present, regardless of the quantity. The regulations place a duty on employers to identify hazardous zones where explosive atmospheres may occur and to mark these zones with specific ATEX 'EX' signage. The impact of DSEAR on workplace safety signage is significant, mandating the use of standardized symbols and colors to communicate hazards effectively and contribute to a safer working environment.
Key Provisions
Regulation 7Places where explosive atmospheres may occurZones must be marked with specified 'EX' sign
Zones must be marked with specified 'EX' sign
Regulation 7 - Places where explosive atmospheres may occur
Zones must be marked with specified 'EX' sign
Signage Requirements
- Hazard signs indicating the presence of dangerous substances (e.g., flammable liquids, oxidizers, explosives). These signs must comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.
- Prohibition signs prohibiting actions that could increase the risk of fire or explosion (e.g., no smoking, no open flames).
- Warning signs indicating areas where explosive atmospheres may occur (ATEX 'EX' signage).
- Mandatory signs indicating actions that must be taken to prevent or control risks (e.g., wear appropriate PPE).
- Emergency escape and first-aid signs indicating escape routes and the location of emergency equipment.
- Signs indicating the location of fire-fighting equipment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failure to conduct a suitable and sufficient DSEAR risk assessment.
- Inadequate or missing signage indicating the presence of dangerous substances and hazardous zones.
- Using incorrect or outdated signage that does not comply with current standards.
- Poorly maintained or obscured signage that is difficult to see or understand.
- Failure to provide adequate training to employees on the meaning of safety signs and the associated hazards.
Practical Next Steps
- 1Conduct a thorough DSEAR risk assessment to identify all potential hazards and risks associated with dangerous substances.
- 2Develop a comprehensive signage plan that addresses all identified hazards and ensures that appropriate signs are placed in the correct locations.
- 3Regularly inspect and maintain safety signs to ensure they are clean, visible, and in good condition.
- 4Provide adequate training to employees on the meaning of safety signs and the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.
- 5Consult with a qualified safety professional to ensure compliance with DSEAR and other relevant regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What substances are covered by DSEAR?
What is an explosive atmosphere?
Official Resources
Related Regulations
Safety Signs Regulations 1996
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
The core signage regulation. Requires employers to provide safety signs where risks cannot be avoided or controlled by other means.
L64Safety Signs and SignalsView Full DetailsFire Safety Order 2005
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Primary fire safety legislation for non-domestic premises. Requires fire safety signs for escape routes and equipment.
View Full DetailsFire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Post-Grenfell regulations requiring wayfinding signage in high-rise residential buildings.
View Full DetailsGB CLP Regulation
Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (retained EU law)
UK's implementation of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for chemical classification and labelling.
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