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Case Studies » Santa Maria World

The challenge

A visit was made to Santa Maria World UK Limited premises at Milton Keynes, in June 2015 to consider compliance in respect of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). This was requested by Paul Russell as the requirement to update the site DSEAR assessment had been identified during a corporate audit. Additionally site management had identified the importance to confirm compliance with DSEAR particularly in respect to storage and handling of flour based materials.

Bakery facilities include product dispensing, mixing, conveying and oven equipment with flour transferred from external silos. Processes carried out thus involve combustible powders and dusts.

The solution provided

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.

The site has 3 silos; of which 2 contains standard flour and the third contains wholemeal flour. Deliveries are received every 3-4 days and come in bulk tankers supplying 30 tonnes at a time. The site operates robust procedures.

An assessment of the site was been carried out in compliance with the DSEAR regulations 2002 and overall risk deemed as acceptable. However feedback indicated that a number of relevant improvement actions were needed. These were clearly identified in the detailed DSEAR report as was the hazardous area classification requirements.