DSEAR – Industry Codes of Practice

November 2006

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), which implement two European Directives: the safety aspects of the Chemical Agents Directive 98/24/EC (CAD) and the Explosive Atmospheres Directive 99/92/EC (ATEX 137), apply to landfill and non-landfill based environments that could in some circumstances exhibit potentially explosive atmospheres. DSEAR sets out requirements for risk assessment, area classification, use of suitable equipment, provision of PPE as well as provision of information, instruction and training.

The Regulations came into force on 30 June 2003 from which time all new workplaces should comply from the date they are first used.  Pre-existing workplaces are required to comply by 30 June 2006.

ESA, with the support of the HSE, is preparing a number of Industry Codes of Practice (ICoP) to help operators comply with DSEAR including: