DSEAR Overall Explosion Safety Verification

A requirement of DSEAR Regulation 7(4) is that the overall explosion safety of a workplace should be verified by a competent person. A lot of the verification process is typically carried out during normal commissioning, but certain specific requirements of DSEAR are often overlooked.

The explosion safety verification is similar to a Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR), and can be thought of as a final check before the workplace is operational. It is typically conducted during the commissioning phase and it’s purpose is to confirm that hazards arising from dangerous substances have been identified and suitably mitigated.

Our methodology for explosion safety verification starts with determining where dangerous substances are present and the basis of safety of each process. The typical basis of safety categories we use align with the engineering hierarchy of controls and Regulation 6 of DSEAR:

• Inherently Safe Design

• Prevention of the Formation of an Explosive Atmosphere

• Control of Ignition Sources

• Exclusion of Personnel

• Explosion Mitigation

Documentation which provides evidence that appropriate hazards have been considered and that there is a valid basis of safety are requested and reviewed as part of the process. The findings are systematically recorded in a clear and concise format, with any gaps clearly identified and pragmatic actions to address the gaps provided. The report states whether the workplace can safely operate in accordance with DSEAR.

It is a very useful exercise to ensure the safe start-up and operation of the plant, and provides a final check of DSEAR compliance. The report that is produced can form part of a handover from the designer or installer to the operator / end client to clearly demonstrate compliance.