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Case Studies » IG Doors

The challenge

A visit was made to IG Doors Limited site at Cwmbran in November 2015 to consider compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). They are the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier to the housebuilding industry, with an extensive range of high performance composite external door sets in both steel and glass reinforced polymer.

The site received an improvement notice from the HSE in July 2015, specifically for machinery guarding issues. A corollary of this was an action to implement:

a) DSEAR Risk Assessment; b) Register and inspection for equipment in Hazardous Areas.

The solution provided

Routine operations involve potentially-hazardous substances that involve quite complex processes and phases, these have purpose-designed process controls. There was provision for storage and handling of waste materials. It was found that for the size of the operation, there is proportionally minor dispensing and use of flammable liquid and gas.

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) impose a requirement to eliminate or reduce risks from fire, explosion or other events arising from the hazardous properties of any dangerous substance used in connection with work processes to a safe level. The employer is required to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of risk to employees where a dangerous substance is, or may be, present at the premises.

In working with the company, it was incumbent on us to provide relevant advice to minimise the impact from hazardous substances. Recognised standards and guidance were used in determining the appropriate status and extent of DSEAR Hazardous Areas, or Zones for site operations.

Significant findings from the risk assessment survey were clearly set out in the detailed report provided, along with recommendations to mitigate fire and explosion hazards or support best practice on-site.