Proposals for the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations

Consultation ended 20 May 2002

1 This consultative document (CD) contains the Health and Safety Commission's (the Commission) proposals to introduce new regulations to control fire, explosion and similar risks from dangerous substances used or present in the workplace.

2 The proposed new Regulations are at Appendix 1. Guidance to the Regulations and related Approved Codes of Practice (ACoP) are at Appendix 2. The new Regulations will:

1. replace over 20 pieces of outdated legislation on flammable and explosive substances and associated hazardous activities;
2. implement the safety aspects of Directive 98/24/EC of 7 April 1998 on the protection of the health and safety of workers from risks related to chemical agents at work (the Chemical Agents Directive - CAD) Ð see appendix 3; and
3. implement Directive 1999/92/EC of 16 December 1999 on minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres (also referred to as the 137 Explosive Atmospheres Directive - ATEX) - see appendix 4. This Directive complements Directive 94/9/EC dealing with equipment and protective systems for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, implemented through the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996.