Explosive atmospheres

The topic of Explosive Atmospheres is concerned with the management, design, installation, operation and maintenance of systems that reduce the risk of electrical ignition sources arising from:

and the mitigation of releases using:

The key benchmark technical standards relating to these sub-topics are listed in the EC&I Operational Delivery Guide.

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require employers to put control measures in place to either remove fire and explosion risks or, where this is not possible, control them. Where explosion risks cannot be removed, electrical sources of ignition should be managed by:

Design of equipment and structures, for example by:

Maintenance and inspection of equipment and structures, for example by:

Technical Standards and Guidance

Regulations

Technical Standards

Refer to the COMAH Competent Authority EC&I Operational Delivery Guide.

Industry Publications

HSE Guidance

HSE Operational Guidance

Other information

Updated: 2021-08-26