I have searched the forum but cannot find anything directly related to this scenario. Has anyone any experience in carrying out a DSEAR assessment for this type of operation and if so can they point me in the direction of any useful guidance? The woodworking shop has a variety of machines most of which are connected to a workshop LEV system (others have their own individual LEV systems) which collects the wood chippings and blows them back to a silo, from which they are then screwed into the boiler system, generating any heating/hot water required in the building. Any advice gratefully received. Regards Lucy

lucy, My understanding is yes they do, as do all locations if they have the risk of any dangerous substances or explosive atmospheres being present. The crux of the matter is how much and how often? This is down to that old chestnut, risk assessment. This is also a specialist area. I don’t post many answers to questions on the forum as I have a very specialist area of expertise, mechanical & electrical engineering, machinery safety, machine guarding, and I work a LOT in the wood working sector. I don’t have an answer to this one per se. However, I have discussed this with the Hazardous Areas expert at the NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors), and we were both of the opinion that this industry is the next step! You need to be aware that should you classify a wood working shop as a hazardous area under DSEAR the cost implications to the electrical installation alone could put the company out of business! There are already special considerations under BS7671:2008 The 17th Edition of the IEE wiring regulations for such areas and I have yet to see a location which meets these even though they have been in place for nearly 10 years now and I include new builds in this. It is my opinion that this area is one which is just totally misunderstood, misinterpreted and so cost driven you would not believe! I have recently posted a question on the IOSH forums with regard to DSEAR zoning and automotive repair, and had some very helpful advice which I believe is exactly correct, however, my customer (I was NOT acting as a H&S consultant) declined it as did their insurer. I believe that it could be easily possible for a wood working shop to be a Zone 22 area, and quite possibly even a Zone 21. However this is not strictly my area of expertise, as it is a specialist area which requires an extremely detailed knowledge of the legislation and the technical requirements of the equipment under consideration. I am looking into ATEX training for electrical installations for myself at the moment. I saw a document within the last few days when doing some research into the required engineering competencies in this area, but do you think I can find it now!!! It covered in detail the requirements for designers, installers, commissioners, maintainers and inspectors! IF I find it I’ll post a link if anyone else does please post the link! Sorry, this probably does not help. Paul

BSEN1127 series gives guidance on dust and ignition risks