How to stay safe from an explosion
A statement from the Irish factories Act in 1955 sets out its legal position on dust explosions:
“In the case of a process giving rise to dust of such a character and to such an extent as to be liable to explode on ignition, then, unless the plant is so constructed as to withstand the pressure likely to be produced by any such explosion, all practical steps shall be taken to restrict the spread of the effects of such an explosion by the provision, in connection with the plant, of chokes, baffles, and vents, or other effective appliances."
This is a very simple statement of fact which is still true today but now we have a dearth of legislation which attempts to harmonise the activities of EU member states and specify the minimum EHSR (essential health and safety requirements) of the process, its equipment and protective measures employed in it.
The harmonisation trend started in the early 1990’s with the Machinery Directive,which included Fire and explosion safety in construction and design of machinery.
ATEX 100A or more recently called ATEX 95 Directive 94/9/EC followed. This harmonises the sales of equipment and protective systems (i.e. vents, isolation valves, instruments etc) intended for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere. ATEX 95 Guidance & ATEX Standardization.
If you design and test equipment in the e.g. the UK and you are selling it to another EU member state, we are all singing from the same hymn book, then another EU member cannot refuse to accept this equipment.
If the manufacturer is responsible for the quality of the sale then the user should be responsible for the proper use of the equipment. This resulted in the ATEX 137 Directive 1999/92/EC minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres. ATEX137 Non-binding Guide of Good Practice
All businesses are required no matter what size to comply with the above. The ATEX 137 has been brought into legislation in the UK by the Dangerous Substances and Explosives Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002 No. 2776, DSEAR.
There is a very good short guide to the DSEAR see “Safe Handling of Combustable dusts"
This leaflet provides practical advice to employers (particularly those with small and medium-sized businesses), and the self-employed, about the basic requirements of the DSEAR 2002.
If you want to ensure you are in compliance with DSEAR in the UK, the HSE has issued a set of Approved Codes of Practice ACOP's insert DSEAR to order the book(s) on line, These have a special legal status and if you are prosecuted for a breach of Health and safety and you have not complied with these ACOP’s, then the court will find you at fault!
