DSEAR and ATEX Regulations - ATEX 137
ATEX Advisory Service provides specialist advice for companies who use hazardous atmospheres equipment and for companies who supply equipment for use in hazardous atmospheres. Both are subject to European Directives which have applied from July 2003
This Directive is implemented in the UK by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). As the name suggests these Regulations apply not only to explosive atmospheres but also to dangerous substances. ATEXAS services are applicable to the Regulations to explosive atmospheres. The Regulations place a duty on employers and include requirements to:
- Carry out a risk assessment considering:
- hazardous properties of substances
- information provided by suppliers
- circumstances of work
- activities having high level risks such as maintenance
- the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere occurring
- the likelihood of ignition sources
- the scale of anticipated effects
- fire or explosion
- places where an explosive atmosphere might occur
- other places which might be connected
- safety information needed to complete the assessment
- recording results of risk assessment
- eliminate the risks or reduce them as far as is reasonably practicable.
- classify the places where explosive atmospheres may occur, classify into hazardous zones and use only specified equipment within those zones. It also should be marked with suitable signs. There are also a number of specific requirements related to verification of explosive safety and use of work clothing
- ensure that suitable arrangements are in place for dealing with accidents, incidents and emergencies
- provide employees with the information, instruction and training
- identify containers and pipes for dangerous substances
- co-ordinate with other employers who share the same workplace.
The transitional arrangements for these Regulations are complicated but many requirements are to be met by 30 June 2003 and all measures are required to be met for new workplaces, modifications, extensions or restructuring after 30 June 2003. Other provisions to be met no later than 30 June 2006.
|