Case Studies » Sharpak Yate
The challenge
A visit was made to the Bristol site of Sharpak Yate Ltd to consider compliance in respect of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). The DSEAR regulations came into force in the UK in 2003 and adopt a risk-based approach to protect personnel against fire and explosion hazard.
We met with site management, who described processes and procedures used and guided us around the site. Sharpak Yate manufactures food trays for food industry customers.
The site uses mains gas, compressed gases as well as a number of flammable products. Additionally on site are bulk silos.
DSEAR focus for this assessment was the storage, movement and use of gases and other flammables across the site operations.
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 solution provided
An assessment of compliance with the DSEAR regulations 2002 was carried and overall risk deemed acceptable, when some actions related to explosion protection and procedures are implemented.
These actions included areas such as:
- Improving controls around gas cylinders & flammable storage
- Implemetation of hazardous area classifications identified in the report
- Improving controls around mains gas
- Additional controls to dust extraction systems
- Implement routine earthing checks
- A review of procedures and training
- Signage and other procedural controls.
The above were clearly laid out in a detailed report for management to implement improvements in line with the priorities identified in the action plan.