The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) a key part of the legal framework protecting workers and others from fire, explosion, and related risks arising from dangerous substances in the workplace.
These regulations apply widely: wherever an employer or self-employed person carries out work involving substances that could create risks from fires, explosions, similar energetic events, or (since 2015 amendments) gases under pressure and substances corrosive to metals.
Dangerous substances under DSEAR include flammable liquids (such as solvents, paints, and petrol, FLT battery acids), flammable gases (including LPG), combustible dusts (from wood, foodstuffs, metals, or machining), pressurised gases, oxidising materials, and substances that can create explosive atmospheres when mixed with air.
They appear in manufacturing, chemical handling and storage, construction, workshops, garages, laboratories, food processing, warehousing and many other settings: not just high-hazard petrochemical sites.
What DSEAR Requires of Employers
Employers must:
- Identify dangerous substances present or liable to be present and assess the risks of fire, explosion, or similar events.
- Eliminate risks where reasonably practicable, or reduce and control them.
- Implement measures to mitigate the effects of any incidents.
- Prepare emergency plans and procedures.
- Provide employees with appropriate information, instruction, and training.
- Classify areas where explosive atmospheres may occur (hazardous area classification/zoning) and control ignition sources in those zones.
A suitable and sufficient DSEAR risk assessment is the foundation.
Employers with five or more employees must record the significant findings. The assessment informs control measures, zoning, equipment selection (including ATEX considerations where relevant), emergency arrangements, and training needs. It should be reviewed regularly, particularly when processes, substances, or the workplace change.
Your Health & Safety Advisor at Safety Services Direct will be able to guide you on your DSEAR Risk Assessments, and ensuring your business is fully compliant.
DSEAR: Risks To Your Business
Workplace fires and incidents involving hazardous substances remain a significant concern.
In England, fire and rescue services recorded around 6,665 fires in non-residential (workplace) buildings in 2024/25, with industrial premises accounting for a substantial share.
RIDDOR data has shown hundreds of injuries each year linked to exposure to or contact with harmful substances; in one recent reporting year, nearly 60% of such injuries were chemical burns.
While overall long-term trends in some areas have improved, recent upticks in certain injury categories and ongoing enforcement activity underline that complacency is not an option.
Proper risk assessment, control measures, and competent training directly reduce the likelihood and severity of these events.
Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or local authorities, including improvement or prohibition notices, prosecutions, and significant fines, plus the human and business costs of incidents.
The Importance of DSEAR Training
Training, as part of delivering appropriate instruction and information, is a requirement under DSEAR. Workers need to understand the risks associated with the substances they work with or near, the control measures in place, hazardous zones, ignition source controls, and what to do in an emergency. Managers and those responsible for risk assessments need a clear grasp of the regulations’ scope and practical application.
Safety Services Direct’s online DSEAR training course provides a practical, accessible overview designed for employees at all levels in relevant industries.
It covers the purpose and scope of the regulations, the importance of risk assessment, control measures to reduce risk, and emergency planning and procedures relating to hazardous substances and explosive atmospheres.
Key features include:
- CPD-certified (claim points based on duration, typically around 35–40 minutes).
- Fully online and accessible 24/7 on desktop, laptop, or tablet.
- Instant digital certificate on successful completion.
- Suitable for new starters and as a refresher for existing staff.
- Competitive pricing, with bulk discounts available
The course supports compliance by helping organisations meet the training element of their DSEAR duties and demonstrates a proactive approach to safety.
Take Action Today
Do not leave DSEAR compliance to chance. A robust risk assessment paired with effective training protects people, supports legal compliance, and helps safeguard your business.
Enrol in the online DSEAR training course now.
For bulk orders, questions about the course, support with DSEAR risk assessments, or wider health and safety consultancy needs, contact the Safety Services Direct team on 0121 348 7828.
