Rank: Forum user 
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Would I be right in saying, if your Site may be affected by the DSEAR's, then you must carry out an Assessment, regardless if you already have taken steps to protect against explosion???
And, how does a ATEX assessment differ???
I've read up on both, but its likely im not understanding it correctly
thanks
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Rank: Forum user
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the way i understand it is i would personally have a DSEAR assessment for large quanities of explosive chemicals/liquids (petrol, propane) regardless if i have control measures in place, unless of course the quantities were low (i think less than 10 litres), but again depending on the substances.
However there is a wood work shop at my place of work and although wood dust is highly combustible and definantly explosive due to the shop instructor having housekeeping spot on i have not completed a DSEAR assessment for this.......someone may tell me i'm wrong.
always looking to improve on this field personally. Just been on HSE and will have a good look next week
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Super forum user
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In short-
European Directives - ATEX>Workplace Directive>Chemical Agents Directive>Product Directive=
UK - Essential Product Safety Requiremnts (EPSR)>DSEAR
Born from ATEX 137 (Explosion & Zoning) and ATEX 95 (Equipment specification).
As part of your risk assessment you will Need to ensure that Equipment in the zoned Areas is compliant which is where ATEX 95 Comes in...
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Rank: Super forum user 
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jon joe wrote:Would I be right in saying, if your Site may be affected by the DSEAR's, then you must carry out an Assessment, regardless if you already have taken steps to protect against explosion???
And, how does a ATEX assessment differ???
I've read up on both, but its likely im not understanding it correctly
thanks 1) how do you know what steps to take unless you have carried out a sufficient assessment? DSEAR - are the UK regulations under which you must carry out this risk assessment - or record your findings, as it sounds like you might have carried out an assessment already (DSEAR provides additional duties to Reg3 MHSWR) http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l138.pdf - pg 39 - 154 tell you what you might like to record ATEX consists of two EU directives that outline the standards for equipment to be used in an explosive atmosphere - this is often seen as a yellow Ex symbol on the equipment. Then things get very complicated. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATEX_directiveSo you're assessment might identify a gas with an ignition energy of X - this might be present sporadically - creating a zone 2 (http://www.hse.gov.uk/comah/sragtech/techmeasareaclas.htm) So your control would be a Ex rated appliance that produces less energy X (or can contain this energy) that is suitable for use in a zone 2.... Does that help? ATEX is
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Rank: Forum user 
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From my point of view the main difference between DSEAR and ATEX assessments can be put simply as follows
DSEAR - relates to assessments to how people may be affected by dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres
ATEX - relates to assessments associated with the equipment that will be used in areas that may be affected by dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres
Also, I would always record your assessment even if it just to state the fact that all your arrangements are in place to render the area low risk
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Rank: Forum user 
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My question is who is qualified to write and approve these assessments?
Is there registered certification?
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Rank: Forum user
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My question is who is qualified to write and approve these assessments?
Is there registered certification?
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Rank: Super forum user
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There is no specific requirement to be certified to be able to complete DSEAR assessments.
AN understanding of the underlying science/chemistry and relevant standards is a good guide.
DSEAR can be quite easy or quite involved if, for example, ventilation needs to be assessed or extents of hazardous areas has to be calculated.
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Rank: Forum user
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Guyzy1982 wrote:the way i understand it is i would personally have a DSEAR assessment for large quanities of explosive chemicals/liquids (petrol, propane) regardless if i have control measures in place, unless of course the quantities were low (i think less than 10 litres), but again depending on the substances.
However there is a wood work shop at my place of work and although wood dust is highly combustible and definantly explosive due to the shop instructor having housekeeping spot on i have not completed a DSEAR assessment for this.......someone may tell me i'm wrong.
always looking to improve on this field personally. Just been on HSE and will have a good look next week Sorry I'm not trying to hijack the original thread but I thought Guyzy1982 might be interested that I know of two woodworking companies that have been asked for their DSEAR assessment this year during their insurance inspections. As for the original thread I agree with Teh boy. DSEAR is for the assessment of a dangerous substance (gas, liquid, dust etc.) and ATEX provides guidance on the type of equipment you should use in each area once you have classified them as the result of an assessment.
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Rank: Super forum user
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In most cases DSEAR/ATEX assessments are the Domain of Process safety and most inclduing myself are registered with TUV for hazardous Areas risk assessment.
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Rank: Super forum user
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It depends upon what industry / company you work for - some design company's in oil & gas consider DSEAR to be process safety, others consider it to be Design Safety/Technical Safety.
The TUV bit is a bit of a red herring - there are plenty of 'certification' companies out there - Lloyds/DNV/BS/SIRA/Bureau Veritas - non have any more 'authority' than any other - just another scheme.
The main point is to understand the technical standards and the science/engineering practices associated with DSEAR/Hazardous areas. Also to show competence and understanding.
Some DSEAR assessments can be straight forward - follow HSE guidance etc.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Read the post it says most...of course there are other bodies...it is a key requirement for functional/process safety processionals.
Not to be dismissed..nor classed as a 'red herring'
Yes some are simple but competency is the key...it isn't just a case of reading...
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Rank: Super forum user
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Its a red herring in the sense there is no legal requirement to be 'authorised' by any of these organisations.
Personally I gained my experience via the major oil and gas design agencies/companies - all provide training just as good as the mentioned organisations, with rigorous company standards and requirements - following recognised international/industrial practice.
Completion and sign off of DSEAR/HAC assessments is only permitted at a suitable grade of engineer.
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