Time is running out to avoid an explosive future

Citation

(2004), "Time is running out to avoid an explosive future", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 33 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2004.12933dab.005

Time is running out to avoid an explosive future

Time is running out to avoid an explosive future

Keywords: Health and safety, Hazardous materials, Regulation

The new Health and Safety Executive's Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR) apply to all sites using dangerous substances and presenting explosive atmospheres. What is more, the absolute deadline by which full compliance needs to be in place is 2006 and it is July 2003 that new sites needed to be inspected and classified to ensure compliance in time. While some companies may already have this underway, it is the small companies and the self employed that may not be aware of the fact that they are legally required to comply.

Addressing this issue, Sira has launched a number of “off-the-shelf” packages to help the self-employed, small and medium-sized companies comply with DSEAR for diverse sectors such as petrochemical, oil and gas, manufacture of fabricated metal products, automotive, retail petrol stations, docklands and landfill sites (Plate 1).

Plate 1 DSEAR services offered by Sira

Steve Lower, Business Director at Sira's Safety Compliance business, comments “Many businesses are still unaware that they need to comply with these regulations, although we are getting more and more enquiries as the “drop dead” date looms closer. We have designed cost-effective packages to specifically meet the needs of these customers offering a complete solution in line with the DSEAR requirements, thereby ensuring that clients will meet the regulations with a high degree of confidence”.

DSEAR is a set of regulations concerned with protecting people from fire, explosions and similar events arising from dangerous substances used in the workplace. The regulations apply to both employers and the self-employed. The health and safety executive (HSE) has produced an approved code of practice and guidelines, which provide details on how to comply with these regulations.

Sira is an independent ATEX Notified Body accredited by UKAS for its test and certification activities, heavily committed to providing customers with an informed and flexible route to certification. For more information on the DSEAR services offered by Sira, please contact Andy Allen or Adam Garner at the Hazardous Area Centre. Tel: +44 (0) 1244 670900; E-mail: exhazard@sira.co.uk