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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: eddy orr on July 30, 2005, 08:48:52 AM

Title: DSEAR Regs applicability
Post by: eddy orr on July 30, 2005, 08:48:52 AM

Could anyone advise on wether or not the DSEAR regulations are applicable to a machinery space in which there is a pressurised hydraulic system (around 200 bar).  The system has mechanical couplings which could leak to produce a  fine mist. The hydraulic oil used is classed as highly flammable (no further details on the flammability, at present). Any precedents, past experience of like scearios would be gratefuly appreciated. Thanks

Title: DSEAR Regs applicability
Post by: colin todd on July 30, 2005, 04:50:15 PM

You sure the hydraulic oil is highly flammable? Whats its flashpoint.

Title: DSEAR Regs applicability
Post by: SaxonX on August 01, 2005, 11:42:47 AM

Eddy, If the hydraulic oil is classed as a dangerous substance or if it becomes dangerous through use - i.e. when ejected as an aerosol it's flammability is increased it will be subject to DSEAR.

I'm not sure though as to how far an enforcing authority (in this case the HSE) would/should go in putting control measures in place for "what if" scenarios - I guess it will depend on the potential for injury in each case?

Title: DSEAR Regs applicability
Post by: Paul on August 01, 2005, 02:04:44 PM

Eddy,

I guess that given it is only ever likely to form an explosive atmosphere when an uncrotrolled release occurs, and as SaxonX says, becomes an aerosol, then you could classify the localised area a zone 2, under DSEAR, but this may require that other equipment in that loacised area needs to be at least of an IP 4 or 5 rating, obviously a very costly exercise!!

Personally I believe that if taken as read, the DSEAR regs can be a little misleading, for example, would you classify a small highstreet bakery as a Zone 21 or 22??  this would propably put most of them out of business, I think not!!  However if you take the guidance word for word then youy clearly would, and I think the HSE are now starting to appreciate this type of scenario.
Hope this helps

Paul

Title: DSEAR Regs applicability
Post by: eddy orr on August 10, 2005, 10:09:13 AM

Thanks for the replies very helpful,
Will carry out a RA, identifying potential harm and frequency of occurence If tolerable will record findings, if not, Ill try to mitigate the risk to a tolerable level, if I can't I'll have to classify the area as a zone 2 or 22.

Title: DSEAR Regs applicability
Post by: Paul on August 10, 2005, 10:42:55 AM

Eddy,

Zone 22 is only applicable for Dusts.