HSE press release E223:03 - 12 November 2003
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today published four approved codes of practice (ACOPs) supporting the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR).
The four ACOPs are intended to help employers eliminate or reduce fire and explosion risks from dangerous substances. The subjects covered are:
The ACOPs contain updated good practice and effectively replace existing safety legislation on flammable and explosive substances that DSEAR revoked earlier this year. A fifth and overarching ACOP on DSEAR is due to be published in December 2003. All five documents were drawn up in consultation with the Health and Safety Commission's Advisory Committee on Dangerous Substances, which includes representatives from industry, local government organisations and technical experts from HSE. General information on DSEAR can be found on the HSE web site at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/spd/dsear.htm
Design of plant, equipment and workplaces, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, Approved Code of Practice and guidance; Storage of dangerous substances, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, Approved Code of Practice and guidance; Control and mitigation measures, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, Approved Code of Practice and guidance; and Safe maintenance, repair and cleaning procedures, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, Approved Code of Practice and guidance are all available from HSE Books.
1. DSEAR implements two European Union Directives: the safety requirements of the Chemical Agents Directive (CAD) and the Explosives Atmospheres Directive (ATEX 137). The Regulations were laid before Parliament on 15 November 2002 and came into force fully on 30 June 2003 - see press release C052:02, dated 20 November 2002.
2. DSEAR replaced several sets of old legislation and, in order to maintain safety standards and further develop good practice, the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) agreed to the production of a suite of ACOPs designed to help employers meet their statutory duties.
3. ACOPs are approved by HSC, with the consent of the Secretary of State. They give practical advice on how to comply with the law, although alternative methods to those set out in the ACOP may be used in order to comply. The DSEAR ACOPs also contain guidance which is not compulsory and employers are free to take other action.
Copies of Design of plant, equipment and workplaces, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, Approved Code of Practice and guidance, L134 ISBN 0 7176 2199 5, price £9.50, Storage of dangerous substances, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, Approved Code of Practice and guidance, L135, ISBN 0 7176 2200 2, price £9.50; Control and mitigation measures, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, Approved Code of Practice and guidance, L136, ISBN 0 7176 2201 0, price £9.50, and Safe maintenance, repair and cleaning procedures, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, Approved Code of Practice and guidance, L137, ISBN 0 7176 2202 9, price £9.50 are all available from HSE Book.
All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office
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