DSEAR - Compass HSC

Safe Storage of Chemicals: What Every Business Needs to Know

Brian Lambert (CMIOSH-IMaPS) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Safe Storage of Chemicals: What Every Business Needs to Know

Essential guidance for preventing risks and ensuring compliance

Most businesses, regardless of size, use or store chemical substances — from small containers of cleaning agents to large volumes of hazardous materials. The way these chemicals are stored is critical to preventing fires, explosions, and health risks.

If your workplace holds chemicals that are flammable or highly flammable, you have additional legal responsibilities to ensure safe storage and handling. Failure to comply with these standards can result in serious incidents and HSE enforcement action.

Why Chemical Storage Matters

Incorrect storage of chemicals can lead to:

Fire and explosion hazards
Toxic exposure to employees and the public
Environmental contamination from spills and leaks
Criminal liability for company directors and managers under UK health and safety law

HSE Guidance for Chemical Storage

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides clear, detailed guidance for anyone responsible for the storage and handling of dangerous substances. Here are three essential resources:

1. HSG71 – Chemical Warehousing

HSG71: The storage of packaged dangerous substances

For all sizes of storage facilities
Covers warehouses, open-air storage compounds, and chemical production sites
Focuses on control measures to eliminate or reduce risks to people and the environment

2. HSG51 – Storage of Flammable Liquids in Containers

HSG51: Safe storage of flammable liquids

Applies to workplaces storing flammable liquids up to 1,000 litres
Provides practical guidance on container safety, ventilation, and segregation

3. HSG140 – Safe Use and Handling of Flammable Liquids

HSG140: Safe use and handling

For workplaces handling flammable liquids during processing and spraying operations
Explains fire and explosion hazards and how to manage risks effectively

Key Principles for Safe Chemical Storage

No matter the size of your operation, these five rules are essential:

Keep incompatible substances apart
Provide spill containment (bunds, drip trays, etc.)
Remove ignition sources from storage areas
Ensure good ventilation to prevent vapor build-up
Carry out a risk assessment under COSHH and DSEAR regulations

Are You Compliant with COSHH and DSEAR?

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) impose strict requirements on chemical storage and use. Non-compliance can lead to HSE improvement or prohibition notices, fines, and in serious cases, prosecution.

Is Your Chemical Storage Safe and Compliant?

Compass HSC can help you assess your chemical storage arrangements, ensure compliance with COSHH and DSEAR, and protect your people and property from serious risks.

Book a Chemical Storage Audit

About Brian Lambert

Brian Lambert (CMIOSH-IMaPS), the founder of Compass Health & Safety Consultancy (HSC), is a Chartered Member of IOSH and an accomplished IMaPS professional. With decades of industry experience, Brian is dedicated to guiding businesses of all sizes through the complexities of health and safety management.

His approach is built on integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to raising the standard in health and safety. As a trusted advisor, Brian’s insights help organisations enhance compliance, reduce risk, and boost operational efficiency.

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Understanding UK Health and Safety Regulations and Acts

Brian Lambert (CMIOSH-IMaPS) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Many businesses view health and safety laws as restrictive and complex, much like national speed limits—something people ignore until consequences arise. However, compliance is crucial, not just to avoid legal penalties but to protect workers and ensure business continuity.

The Role of Health and Safety Law

Health and safety legislation exists to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. It provides a structured framework to help businesses manage risks effectively. Understanding and applying these laws can enhance productivity, reduce liabilities, and create a safer working environment.

The Foundation: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

At the core of UK health and safety law is theHealth and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA). This legislation sets out employers’ and employees’ responsibilities for workplace safety. From this Act, several regulations have been developed to address specific risks and industries.

Key Regulations Under HSWA

The following regulations stem from the HSWA and apply across various workplace environments:

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations – Governs the use and handling of hazardous substances.
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (WHSW) – Covers workplace conditions, cleanliness, and facilities.
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations – Addresses risks associated with screen use.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulations – Ensures workers have appropriate protective gear.
First Aid Regulations – Specifies employer responsibilities for providing first aid in the workplace.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) – Ensures work equipment is suitable, maintained, and inspected regularly.
Control of Asbestos Regulations – Governs the management and removal of asbestos.
Noise at Work Regulations – Limits worker exposure to harmful noise levels.
Control of Vibration at Work Regulations – Addresses risks associated with hand-arm and whole-body vibration.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) – Ensures health and safety management in construction projects.
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) – Governs the use of lifting equipment.
Ionising Radiations Regulations – Controls exposure to ionising radiation in workplaces.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO) – Outlines fire safety duties for businesses.
Manual Handling Operations Regulations – Sets out requirements to reduce manual handling risks.
Electricity at Work Regulations – Ensures electrical safety in workplaces.
Confined Spaces Regulations – Governs work in confined or enclosed environments.
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) – Mandates reporting of workplace incidents.
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) – Governs the use of flammable substances.
Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations – Regulates the handling of hazardous substances to prevent major accidents.

Why Compliance Matters

Failure to comply with these laws can lead to severe penalties, legal action, and reputational damage. As demonstrated in the ‘In Court’ case studies, businesses that neglect safety regulations risk fines, operational disruptions, and, most importantly, harm to their workers.

How Compass HSC Can Help

Health and safety professionals, like those at Compass HSC, are here to make sense of these regulations and ensure your business stays compliant. Whether it’s conducting risk assessments, delivering training, or providing expert advice, we help you navigate the complexities of workplace safety laws.

📢Do you understand which regulations apply to your business? Contact Compass HSC today for expert guidance and compliance support.

The post Understanding UK Health and Safety Regulations and Acts first appeared on Compass HSC.

Wood Dust: The Silent Killer in the Workplace

Brian Lambert (CMIOSH-IMaPS) — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Wood is an everyday material, used widely in construction, manufacturing, and woodworking. Yet, many workers handle it with little awareness of the long-term health risks associated with wood dust exposure.

Why Wood Dust is a Serious Health Hazard

Regular activities like sawing, sanding, and planing produce fine dust particles that, when inhaled, can lead to severe health conditions, including:
🔴 Occupational asthma
🔴 Chronic bronchitis
🔴 Nasal cancer

Despite these risks, many workers remain unaware or dismissive of the dangers. Until wood dust is treated with the same caution as asbestos, workers will continue to face avoidable health complications.

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)

To control exposure, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has set legal Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for wood dust over an 8-hour period:
✔ Softwood – 5mg/m³
✔ Hardwood – 3mg/m³

How to Protect Yourself and Your Workforce

To reduce exposure and comply with regulations:
✅ Use dust extraction systems – Attach dust bags and collectors to tools where possible.
✅ Vacuum at the source – Use industrial vacuums (not compressed air) to collect dust before it spreads.
✅ Wear proper respiratory protection – FFP3 respirators should be face-fit tested for a secure seal.
✅ Never dry sweep – Always dampen down dust before cleaning and wear a mask.

Conclusion

Wood dust exposure may not cause immediate harm, but the long-term effects can be life-threatening. Employers and workers alike must take proactive steps to control exposure and protect their health.

📢 Need guidance on workplace dust control? Contact Compass HSC today for expert advice on compliance and best practices.

The post Wood Dust: The Silent Killer in the Workplace first appeared on Compass HSC.

Understanding and Managing Dangerous Substances in the Workplace

Brian Lambert (CMIOSH-IMaPS) — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Understanding and Managing Dangerous Substances in the Workplace

We understand the importance of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of all individuals in the workplace. One critical aspect of workplace safety is the proper management of dangerous substances.

These substances, if not controlled effectively, can pose significant risks such as fire, explosion, and corrosion of metal.

In this blog, we highlight key points to focus on when it comes to managing dangerous substances in your workplace.

Identifying Dangerous Substances

Dangerous substances can come in various forms, including flammable liquids, solvents, powders, and dusts. Identifying these substances is essential as they pose significant risks.

If your workplace involves the storage, use, or generation of vapours or dust environments, you likely fall under the scope of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) [^1].�

Legal Obligations as an Employer

As an employer, your first legal duty, defined under the Health and Safety at Work Act and subsequent statutory instruments, is to prioritise the health, safety, and welfare of everyone at work.

The DSEAR regulations specifically require employers to identify all dangerous substances present or used in the workplace. Conducting a risk assessment is essential to evaluate the likelihood of substance release in normal and abnormal conditions, as well as assess the consequences of fire or explosion events.

Discover how to effectively manage dangerous substances in your workplace with a FREE initial consultation.

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The Unique Approach of DSEAR Risk Assessments

DSEAR risk assessments differ from general risk assessments. Their main objective is to protect lives and determine the need for special measures. These assessments require specialist skills and knowledge to understand how chemicals behave under varying conditions.

At Compass HSC, our team possesses extensive experience and expertise in conducting DSEAR risk assessments. We understand the complexities involved and our team can guide you effectively through the process. [2]

Understanding Chemical Characteristics

A solid understanding of key chemical terms is crucial for a competent DSEAR assessment. Important characteristics include vapour density, flash point, boiling point, vapour pressure, and dispersion rate.

Additionally, other factors such as containment, quantity, frequency of use, and usage methods must be considered in the assessment.

Determination of Hazardous Area Classifications:

Carrying out a DSEAR assessment aims to determine the risk of fire or explosion, leading to the implementation of special precautions. The classification of hazardous areas is defined by standards such as BS-EN 60079, which provides detailed information on equipment selection, protection, inspection, and maintenance of electrical installations in hazardous areas [^1].

If you would like more technical information on determining hazardous areas, we have a separate article dedicated to this topic. It covers zone classifications, assessment processes, and factors to consider when classifying hazardous areas. Read our technical article.

Not quite sure where to start? Contact the team for a free consultation!

At Compass HSC Ltd, we have extensive experience and expertise in conducting Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Risk Assessments. With a background in the chemical process manufacturing sector, we understand the complexities involved in managing dangerous substances.

Your Safety is Our Priority: At Compass HSC, we go beyond expectations to ensure your workplace’s safety. With our proven track record and commitment to excellence, you can trust us as your reliable partner in managing health and safety risks. Don’t compromise when it comes to workplace safety.

Choose Compass HSC today and protect what matters most.

Get started with your free consultation. Give us a call or send an email to get started. Our team are ready to help.

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Compass HSC – DSEAR Consulting

Compass HSC – Understanding Hazardous Area Classifications and the DSEAR Assessment Process

[^1]: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR).

[^2]: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – DSEAR risk assessments.

[^3]: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – DSEAR: Understanding the basics.

The post Understanding and Managing Dangerous Substances in the Workplace first appeared on Compass HSC.

Understanding Hazardous Area Classifications and the DSEAR Assessment Process

Brian Lambert (CMIOSH-IMaPS) — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Understanding Hazardous Area Classifications and the DSEAR Assessment Process

Managing dangerous substances in the workplace requires a comprehensive understanding of hazardous area classifications and the DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) assessment process. Proper management of dangerous substances is crucial to mitigate risks such as fire, explosion, and corrosion of metal.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the key aspects of managing dangerous substances in your workplace, focusing on the Determination of Hazardous Area Classifications and the DSEAR Assessment and Determination Process.

Discover how to effectively manage dangerous substances in your workplace with a FREE initial consultation.

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Identifying Dangerous Substances

Dangerous substances can come in various forms, including flammable liquids, solvents, powders, and dusts. Identifying these substances is essential as they pose significant risks.

Understanding Chemical Characteristics

To conduct a competent DSEAR assessment, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of key chemical terms. Some important characteristics include: [3]

Vapour density: The density of a chemical’s vapour compared to the density of air.
Flash point: The lowest temperature at which a substance emits enough vapour to ignite.
Boiling point: The temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid to a gas.
Vapour pressure: The pressure exerted by a substance’s vapour in equilibrium with its solid or liquid form.
Dispersion rate: The speed at which a vapour or dust cloud spreads throughout an area.

In addition to these characteristics, other factors such as the containment of substances in storage tanks, the quantity and frequency of use, and how substances are used must be considered in a suitable and sufficient assessment.

Determination of Hazardous Area Classifications:

The primary objective of a DSEAR assessment is to identify the risk of fire or explosion and implement necessary precautions. Hazardous areas are categorised based on the presence of gases, vapours, mists, or combustible dusts.
These areas are defined by standards such as BS-EN 60079, which provide detailed information on equipment selection, protection, inspection, and maintenance of electrical installations [^1].

Hazardous Area Classification Categories

To determine the hazardous area classification, various factors such as the nature and quantity of the dangerous substances, ventilation, and the likelihood of their release are considered. The classification is as follows:

Gases, Vapours, and Mists:

Zone 0: An area where an explosive atmosphere of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour, or mist is continuously present or present for long periods.
Zone 1: An area where an explosive atmosphere of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour, or mist is likely to occur under normal operating conditions.
Zone 2: An area where an explosive atmosphere of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour, or mist is not likely to occur under normal operating conditions, or if it does, it will only be for a short duration [^1].

Dusts:

Zone 20: An area where an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is continuously present or present for long periods.
Zone 21: An area where an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely to occur under normal operating conditions.
Zone 22: An area where an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur under normal operating conditions, or if it does, it will only be for a short duration [^1]

You can read more about these zones on the British Standard Institution (BSI) website [^1].

DSEAR Assessment Process:

The DSEAR assessment process involves a systematic evaluation of fire and explosion risks associated with dangerous substances. The process can be broken down into the following key stages:

Stage 1 – Assessment Survey: Identify potentially flammable or explosive substances present in the workplace, considering their type, quantity, and characteristics.
Stage 2 -Formation of Flammable Atmospheres: Determine the factors that could lead to the formation of potentially flammable atmospheres under normal and abnormal conditions, including material properties, process conditions, and potential ignition sources.
Stage 3 – Control and Mitigation Measures: Identify and evaluate existing control and mitigation measures in place, such as ventilation systems, isolation procedures, and personal protective equipment.
Stage 4 – Effectiveness of Mitigation Measures: Assess the effectiveness and maintenance of the identified control and mitigation measures, ensuring they are suitable and sufficient for managing the identified risks.
Stage 5 – Dispersion Characteristics: Evaluate the dispersion characteristics of potentially flammable atmospheres, considering factors like ventilation, confinement, and the release rate of dangerous substances.
Stage 6 – Special Precautions: Determine the necessity of any additional special precautions, such as explosion relief venting, inerting, or the use of explosion-resistant equipment.
Stage 7 – Hazardous Area Classification: Establish the hazardous area zone types based on the identified risks and create a hazardous area classification drawing, indicating the extent of each zone.
Stage 8 – Electrical Equipment Protection: Define the level of protection required for electrical equipment installed in hazardous areas, considering factors like motors, junction boxes, lighting, and wiring systems.

You can find more detailed guidance on the DSEAR assessment process on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website [2]

Conclusion:

By following a systematic approach to DSEAR assessments, businesses can effectively manage the risks associated with dangerous substances, promoting a safe working environment for employees.

Understanding hazardous area classifications and conducting thorough DSEAR assessments are essential for managing dangerous substances in the workplace. For expert guidance in navigating these complexities, Compass HSC Ltd, a trusted consultancy with extensive experience in conducting DSEAR risk assessments, can provide practical and reliable advice. Safeguard your workplace by choosing Compass HSC Ltd as your reliable partner in managing health and safety risks [^5].

Not quite sure where to start? Contact the team for a free consultation!

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Compass HSC – DSEAR Consulting

Compass HSC – Understanding and Managing Dangerous Substances in the Workplace

[^1]: British Standards Institution (BSI) – BS-EN 60079: Classification of areas – explosive gas and dust atmospheres.

[^2]: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – DSEAR risk assessments.

The post Understanding Hazardous Area Classifications and the DSEAR Assessment Process first appeared on Compass HSC.