TSA Insight Magazine Issue 26 - Magazine - Page 30
HAZARDOUS AREA
C L A S S I F I C AT I O N
IS NOT ENOUGH:
TA K I N G A H O L I S T I C
APPROACH TO
DSEAR
At RAS, we work
closely with clients
across the tank
storage, energy and
chemical sectors to
develop pragmatic,
proportionate
solutions that reflect
their specific hazards
and operational
challenges.
he UK’s tank storage
sector plays a critical
role in handling and
storing
flammable
liquids, combustible products and
other dangerous substances. From
fuel terminals and chemical storage
facilities to biofuels, SAF and emerging
energy carriers, operators face
increasing pressure to demonstrate
safe,
compliant
and
resilient
operations.
T
When discussing compliance with
the Dangerous Substances and
Explosive Atmospheres Regulations
2002 (DSEAR), many organisations
immediately think of hazardous
area classification (HAC) drawings.
While hazardous area classification
remains a fundamental requirement,
it is only one component of a much
broader
regulatory
framework.
True DSEAR compliance requires
operators
to
understand
risks,
implement appropriate safeguards
and demonstrate that dangerous
substances are being managed
throughout the facility lifecycle.
Too often, DSEAR compliance is
treated as a standalone exercise that’s
completed once and then filed away.
30
I N S I G H T
M AG A Z I N E
In reality, DSEAR compliance should
be considered a living process that
evolves alongside a site’s operations,
equipment, inventory and workforce.
The role of hazardous area
classi昀椀cation
Hazardous area classification is often
one of the most visible outputs of a
DSEAR assessment. It identifies areas
where an explosive atmosphere may
occur and classifies them into zones
based on the frequency and duration
of the hazard. This classification
then informs equipment selection,
inspection regimes and maintenance
requirements.
Within a tank storage environment,
hazardous zones can arise around:
•
Storage tanks and vents
•
Tank truck and rail loading
operations
•
Pumping and transfer systems
•
Vapour recovery equipment
•
Drum and IBC filling facilities
•
Sampling and maintenance
locations
These drawings provide an essential
foundation for identifying risks
associated with the handling of
dangerous substances, but they
do not, on their own, demonstrate
compliance with DSEAR.
Building a defensible compliance
demonstration
A comprehensive DSEAR compliance
demonstration that fulfils all regulatory
requirements would typically include:
•
Hazardous area classification
