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Case Studies » O&S Doors

The challenge

A visit was made to the O&S Doors site at Dungannon to consider compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), after the site’s insurer required them to have a DSEAR risk assessment carried out. They are the one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of kitchen and bedroom doors to the building industry.

The solution provided

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.

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. Potentially dangerous substances used and produced by the manufacturing operations included flammable gases, liquids and mists, plus combustible dusts, and their collection systems.

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 address fire and explosion hazards and support best practice on-site to demonstrate DSEAR compliance going forward.