Guidance on application of the dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres regulations (DSEAR) 2002 to motor vehicle repair (MVR)

OC 803/71

This 2-part OC provides guidance on the application of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002 to Motor Vehicle Repair (MVR). The Information Document (ID) may be copied and given to interested parties outside the HSE/LAs.

1 Fires and explosions are one of the main causes of deaths and property damage in MVR. Usually, they involve the mishandling of petrol eg when draining fuel tanks and lines, but incidents have also occurred during 'hot work' repairs on vehicle diesel tanks and waste oil storage tanks, during the inappropriate use of paints/thinners/waste petrol to light rubbish fires, and the collection and use of waste engine oil in space heaters.

3 DSEAR came into force in December 2002, updating or replacing existing legislation eg Highly Flammable Liquids Regulations 1972 (HFL). Most of the requirements are not new and there should be little extra work for businesses who were complying with previous legislation.

Further information

4 For further information or technical support, contact your Process Safety Specialist Inspector in the first instance. LA EHOs should go through their Enforcement Liaison Officer (ELO). Additional advice can be obtained through HSE's Manufacturing Sector.

Cancellation of instructions

5 OC 803/58 (including ID HSE 803/58) - Cancel and destroy .

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Updated 2022-11-08