What is a DSEAR dangerous substance?

A DSEAR dangerous substance is defined as “any substance or preparation which, because of its properties or the way it is used, could cause harm to people from fires and explosions”. Dangerous substances include those with the potential energy for releasing events, corrosion, and exothermic thermal runaway reactions.

Examples of common dangerous substances include:

• Petrol and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)

• Diesel and hydraulic oil (can form a flammable mist if pressurised)

• Methane (can be generated from waste)

• Solvents (paints, thinners, varnishes, cleaning materials)

• Alcohol (grain spirit, flavourings)

• Aerosols

• Combustible dusts (most organic or metallic dusts are combustible)

• Hydrogen released during battery charging (FLT charging, UPS systems)

Wherever a dangerous substance is present in the workplace, it must be considered under DSEAR. The first step is to determine if it is capable of creating an explosive atmosphere, and conducting a risk assessment so that appropriate measures and safeguards can be implemented to mitigate the hazard.