Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002
What this means for your business
- Applies to
- United Kingdom
- On this page
- 8 compliance obligations, 1 practical guide
What you must do
8 compliance obligations under this legislation — 8 can result in imprisonment.
Risk assessment 1
Carry out and maintain risk assessments for dangerous substances
2 years imprisonmentIf your business handles or could be exposed to dangerous substances, you must identify the hazards, decide what could go wrong and put safe measures in place. Keep this assessment up to date, record the key findings (especially if you have five or more staff) and don’t start any new work involving the substance until the assessment is done and controls are applied.
Equipment and safety 1
Select appropriate explosion‑proof equipment for hazardous zones
2 years imprisonmentIf any part of your workplace could have an explosive atmosphere, you must choose equipment and protective systems that match the zone classification (0/20, 1/21, 2/22). Follow the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016, unless your own risk assessment shows a different need. Using the wrong category of equipment can lead to prosecution.
Management duties 5
Coordinate explosive‑atmosphere safety with other employers
2 years imprisonmentIf your business shares a workplace with another employer and there’s a risk of an explosive atmosphere, you must take charge of organising the safety measures required by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations. This means working together with the other employer(s) to make sure all required controls are put in place and that everyone’s staff stay safe.
Eliminate or reduce risks from dangerous substances
2 years imprisonmentIf your business works with any hazardous chemicals or other dangerous substances, you must do everything reasonably practicable to remove the risk or make it as low as possible. This means first trying to replace the hazardous material with something safer, then putting in place a hierarchy of control measures (e.g., minimise quantity, prevent releases, provide ventilation, remove ignition sources, etc.). You also need to handle, store and transport these substances safely and keep the controls in place over time.
Ensure hazardous contents of containers and pipes are clearly identified
2 years imprisonmentIn your business any container or pipe that holds dangerous substances must be clearly labelled so you know what’s inside and the associated risks. If the existing markings don’t meet the requirements set out in Schedule 5, you must add or update labels, colour‑coding, signs or keep an up‑to‑date register so the contents and hazards are obvious to anyone working with them.
Manage explosive atmosphere hazards in the workplace
2 years imprisonmentIf any part of your premises could develop an explosive atmosphere, you must identify and classify those areas, mark hazardous zones, ensure equipment meets the required standards, put up safety signs at entry points, have a qualified person check the explosion safety before the area is first used, and provide anti‑static work clothing. In practice this means carrying out a systematic assessment, keeping relevant records and maintaining the controls on an ongoing basis.
Prepare and maintain emergency arrangements for dangerous substances
2 years imprisonmentIf your business stores or uses dangerous substances, you must have a clear plan for accidents, incidents or emergencies. This includes written procedures, regular safety drills, first‑aid facilities, warning systems, escape routes and ensuring the right information is shared with emergency services and displayed on site.
Training 1
Provide information, instruction and training on dangerous substances
2 years imprisonmentIf your workplace uses any dangerous substances, you must give your staff clear information, training and instruction on how to work safely. This includes the substance name, the risks it poses, the safety data sheet, any relevant legal rules and the key points from your risk assessment. Keep the information up‑to‑date whenever your work methods or the substances change.
Penalties for non-compliance
8 penalties under this legislation. 8 can result in imprisonment. 8 carry an unlimited fine.
Carry out and maintain risk assessments for dangerous substances
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Select appropriate explosion‑proof equipment for hazardous zones
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Coordinate explosive‑atmosphere safety with other employers
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Eliminate or reduce risks from dangerous substances
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Ensure hazardous contents of containers and pipes are clearly identified
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Manage explosive atmosphere hazards in the workplace
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Prepare and maintain emergency arrangements for dangerous substances
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Provide information, instruction and training on dangerous substances
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Practical guidance
Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.
Sections and provisions
17 classified provisions from this legislation.
Duties 8
- Schedule 3 CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS item essential
- s.5 Risk assessment
- s.6 Elimination or reduction of risks from dangerous substances employer
- s.7 Places where explosive atmospheres may occur employer
- s.8 Arrangements to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies the employer
- s.9 Information, instruction and training
- s.10 Identification of hazardous contents of containers and pipes
- s.11 Duty of co-ordination