Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002

[redbadge]

Can anyone assist in explaing the requirements of these along with the HSE guidance / rules, in particular with regard to:

The need to compartmentalise an area and to what level of performance

Air filtering and source

Escape routes - distance from fire exits etc.

The area I have in mind is a spray shop where flammable liquids are applied which is segregated currently by a not fire resistant albeit air filtering shutter set in a 220 block work wall capable of 60 minute performance.

[PhilB]

As far as the Order is concerned there is only a need to separate the areas of higher risk if the 'general fire precaution' would be inadequate without such separation....determined by risk assessment carried out by a person with the relevant competence to assess this situation.

A bit wooly I know but there are no hard and fast rules. Creaking Jim will tell you to read the latest guide.

[Philip2]

My comments for what they are worth

DSEAR concerns potential flammable atmospheres. Should ignition occur then you have a flash fire / explosion. A person in the vicinity cannot outrun an explosion or flash fire. Where a potential flammable atmosphere exits then the risk assessment should follow the elimination, prevention, protection, and isolation route.

With a FRA you are looking at the means of detection & escape etc as people can retreat from the fire.

I am probably saying nothing you don't know but I now do DSEAR and FRO assessments separately because of the above distinction. (I have in the past tried to combine the two).