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Case Studies » Bartholomews - Shoreham Silo Services

The challenge

A visit was made to Bartholomew’s Limited Shoreham Silo Services premises at Shoreham Terminal, Portslade in February 2015 to consider compliance in respect of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). This was requested by the business as it recognised the need to ensure compliance with DSEAR particularly in respect to storage and handling of bulk grains. The silo facilities include receipt of various grain based product; mainly wheat, barley or oats. Dependent upon timings grain may be delivered for storage into the 4 large silos or may be stored in a large purpose designed storage shed.

The solution provided

Because of the nature of the products handled and the processes carried out it was concluded there is a potential for release of dusts generated during storage and transfer operations – plus limited fire and explosion hazard associated with the drying process and site maintenance activity. Grain dusts are combustible & may add to fire and explosion hazard within confined plant particularly. DSEAR imposes a requirement to eliminate or reduce risks to safety from fire, explosion or other events arising from the hazardous properties of any dangerous substance used in connection with a work process. An assessment of the site was completed in compliance with the DSEAR regulations 2002 and overall risk deemed acceptable. Findings indicated a number of relevant actions and some points of particular significance to be addressed. The included: • Combustible dust cloud may be generated from bulk silo or shed filling or cleaning operations etc. • Sparks from metallic object getting into the transfer systems. • Movement of non ATEX rated vehicles in dusty areas. Where an explosive mixture builds-up in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas at concentrations that exceed LEL value, a local dust / vapour cloud may be ignited by a spark, heat or other means. A detailed report covered the key findings, hazardous zoning classification, risk levels and an action plan to bring the business into line with DSEAR compliance.