Institution news
Q: Please briefly explain your role as it relates to ATEX and or DSEAR compliance
Peter Slee-Smith (PSS): I lead a team of specialist engineers to help UK food processing companies comply with DSEAR (dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres regulations) and reduce the risk of fire and explosions. Our work usually starts after a blanket DSEAR audit and involves completing a detailed risk assessment, process, mechanical design, manufacture, and installation.
As food processing engineers, we integrate the requirements of DSEAR with food safety, fire safety, efficient manufacturing processes and project management. We validate all design decisions by providing a comprehensive document trail to ensure our clients can prove the risk has been reduced as low as reasonably practicable.
We use ATEX (UKEx) equipment to satisfy DSEAR requirements, so we understand the specification and verification processes used.
Q: What are the typical challenges for engineers handling combustible materials?
PSS: Many employers lack sufficient understanding of DSEAR and cannot fulfil their responsibilities for DSEAR required by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Completing a detailed DSEAR risk assessment requires a good understanding of the material, the processes and the science that causes fires and explosions. Too often, employers expect their engineers to find solutions without gaining the required competence. Reaching out to a supplier for equipment without completing an adequate risk assessment can lead to dangerous and ineffective solutions. The risk of fire and explosion is arguably the most significant single threat for many manufacturing companies.
Q: How will this seminar help engineers avoid incidents?
PSS: Many engineers understand the principles of explosion mitigation or the correct use of EPL (equipment performance levels). There is less understanding of how the hierarchy of control is successfully employed to reduce risk. Hopefully, this seminar will reinforce the need to develop a detailed knowledge of the risk assessment process and not rely upon an initial audit. Reassessment of the risk assessment must continue as the solution evolves. Furthermore, complying with DSEAR requires a deeper understanding of fire safety principles.
Q: What industries are you hoping to see represented in these discussions?
PSS: My specialist area is food processing, so it would be great to see a few delegates from this industry. It would be interesting to understand how DSEAR is managed and communicated within different industries.
Q: Which aspect of the online seminar are you most looking forward to?
PSS: The roundtable discussions are always an excellent opportunity to discuss different experiences and better understand where specialist support is required.
Q: What are you hoping will be the main takeaways from this event?
PSS: Hopefully, besides picking up new technical knowledge, there will be a renewed interest in understanding how to implement DSEAR correctly and how DSEAR can reduce the risk of a significant fire or explosion occurring in the future.
ATEX and DSEAR: Reducing the Risk of Fire and Explosion will be taking place as a live online seminar on 18 May 2022.
Join this seminar to:
- Gain the knowledge required to identify and address shortcomings in compliance – reducing the risk of incidents and their disastrous consequences
- Identify opportunities for collaboration between end-users in a variety of sectors and specialists in bulk solids equipment and practice
- Receive feedback from technical experts to help manage the risks and hazards specific to different environments
To book your place, please visit the event website.