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DSEAR Risk Assessment Template

We have noted over the years that many people search for such things as DSEAR risk assessment templates or forms; which we guess are intended to be used to create their own in-house DSEAR risk assessment. Because of this we have decided to provide access to a DSEAR risk assessment example. It provides an insight into the level of detail required to ensure that every risk has been identified, and recommendations made. You'll notice that the report doesn't have all parts completed. This is because we had someone previously try to adapt one of our templates and pass it off as completed by us (as a competent DSEAR organisation). That resulted in the HSE being unimpressed and so we have to produce examples that purely provide a flavour of the depth we go to. Every customer has unique requirements and so the example was relevant to just one customer.

To receive a free copy please complete your details in the contact form.

However, beware …

Although we realise the benefits of not having to start from scratch and that working with a successful approach used by other businesses is highly appealing, there are some pitfalls to be aware of.

In some instances (e.g. for very low risk operations), such forms might successfully be used to create the DSEAR risk assessment and may help to satisfy a third party asking to see your DSEAR assessment. The benefits of completing any risk assessment in-house is that it helps to keep the costs down and of course, those working internally should know the processes.

However there is a big word of caution when it comes to DSEAR, in that whoever undertakes the assessment must be competent to do so. DSEAR can often be complex and requires an in-depth knowledge of the potential risks of explosion. This means that the assessor must be familiar with:

  • The explosive properties of the substances stored/used;
  • The potential sources of ignition;
  • The impact of non-routine tasks;
  • The impact of spillages etc.;
  • What the DSEAR regulations 2002 require;
  • The relevant codes of practice such as BS EN 60079-10-1:2009 Classification of Areas – Explosive gas atmospheres.

Some of this can be learnt by booking staff onto a relevant training course such as provided by SGS Baseefa, who deliver a 2 day ATEX / DSEAR training course. From experience, it’s worth thinking carefully before taking this route as we know that the HSE requires DSEAR assessments to be completed by Competent Persons; and training is only one element of competence.

It’s worth noting that early in 2014 we were approached by an organisation who had decided to take the in-house route and sent their employees to SGS Baseefa. After the training they completed the DSEAR assessment only for the HSE to reject the assessment on the basis that the employees could not be considered as competent. We were then were asked to redo the assessment for the business; which meant they effectively paid twice.

Finally …

Just to clarify – if your operations are low risk and if your staff can be considered as competent to undertake your assessment, then our template will help you to complete a comprehensive assessment. You may though like to look at our page focusing on a DSEAR risk assessment example, as that may help to influence whether you’d be confident to complete your own DSEAR risk assessment, working from a template.

If you are in any doubt at all then why not speak to our experts, who can advise you accordingly. To give you an insight into the huge and varied number of DSEAR risk assessments our experts have undertaken, then please do take a look at our case studies.