Case Studies » Closed Loop Recycling
The challenge
A visit was made to the Closed Loop Recycling site at Dagenham in July 2014 to consider compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). The Dagenham site provides commercial waste management services to a range of clients – and uniquely recycles mixed plastic bottle waste that would otherwise be exported for recycling or sent to landfill.
Operations involve potentially-hazardous substances but are not especially complex and mostly have purpose-designed process controls. We found an extensive provision for storage and handling of waste materials though no significant dispensing of flammable liquid or gas applies on-site. However it was considered that accumulation of some combustible / flammable particulate plastic materials, including waste, may add slightly to the residual DSEAR hazard at the premises.
The solution provided
An assessment of the site was carried out in compliance with the DSEAR regulations 2002 and we were able to confirm to the business that the overall risk was deemed as acceptable. However we also indicated a number of relevant actions should be considered as a number of areas of particular significance were noted
Closed Loop Recycling were supplied with a detailed report that focused upon identification of hazardous substances and potential release sources; whilst also evaluating whether existing control measures were sufficient to limit the likelihood of fire and / or explosion incident.
In working with the company, it was incumbent on us to provide advice on remedial actions to minimise the impact from hazardous substances. Recognised standards and guidance are used in determining the appropriate status and extent of DSEAR hazardous zones for site operations.
Significant findings from the survey were clearly set out in the report issued along with recommendations to mitigate fire and explosion hazards or support best practice on-site. Key issues to address were around suitability of storage, removing sources of ignition e.g. static and electrical and also ventilation.
Hazardous area classification was applied to those areas where a flammable atmosphere may persist either briefly or for longer periods of time as outlined in the regulations – specifically within confines of equipment or e.g. in / around flammable handling or storage locations.
