Free DSEAR risk assessment template (Word download)
If you bring LPG, petrol, solvents, flammable paints or adhesives on site — or create combustible dust — you need to show how you're controlling the fire and explosion risk. This template records the substances, the ignition sources and your controls.
Download the DSEAR risk assessment template (.docx)
[DISCLAIMER — DRAFT, FOR SOLICITOR REVIEW] This template is a starting point only. You are responsible for assessing the risks of your own work, and for making sure any document you produce from it is suitable and sufficient for the task, the site and the people involved. It is not health and safety advice.
What's in the template
- Document control
- Work activity
- Dangerous substances — form, flammability, quantity and storage
- Sources of ignition
- Explosive atmospheres — including a record of any zoning by a competent person
- Risk rating — before and after controls, on a 5 × 5 scale
- Control measures
- Storage
- Emergency arrangements
- Information, instruction and training
- Briefing record — sign-off sheet
What DSEAR requires
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 require employers to assess the fire and explosion risks from dangerous substances at work, and to eliminate those risks or reduce them as far as is reasonably practicable. Where an explosive atmosphere could form, the area must be classified into zones and entry points marked. Employers must also have arrangements for accidents and emergencies, and give workers information and training.
Hazardous area zones
Zoning is specialist work and should be done by a competent person. For reference, the zones are:
| Zone | Definition |
|---|---|
| Zone 0 / Zone 20 | Explosive atmosphere present continuously, for long periods, or frequently |
| Zone 1 / Zone 21 | Explosive atmosphere likely to occur in normal operation occasionally |
| Zone 2 / Zone 22 | Explosive atmosphere not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only |
Zones 0, 1 and 2 apply to gases, vapours and mists; zones 20, 21 and 22 apply to dusts.
Controls, in order
- Use a non-flammable or less hazardous product where you can.
- Bring only the quantity you need for the job.
- Ventilate so vapour can't build up.
- Control ignition sources — hot work permits, suitable tools and equipment, no smoking.
- Keep containers closed, labelled and stored away from heat and incompatible substances.
Many dangerous substances also need a COSHH assessment for their health effects. Record both in your RAMS.
Answer a few questions about the job and get a completed RAMS in Word, ready to send.
More free templates
- Risk assessment template
General workplace risk assessment for any small business — hazards, controls, risk rating and action plan. - Health and safety policy template
The written policy employers with five or more staff must have — statement, organisation and arrangements. - DSE assessment template
Workstation checklist for computer and laptop users, in the office or at home. - Lone working policy template
The rules for everyone who works alone — responsibilities, check-ins and emergencies. - RAMS template
Risk assessment and method statement combined — what most principal contractors ask for. - Method statement template
Step-by-step sequence of works, roles, plant, PPE and emergency arrangements. - COSHH risk assessment template
For hazardous substances — safety data sheet details, controls, storage, spills and first aid. - Manual handling risk assessment template
Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling — task, load and environment factors, with controls. - Noise risk assessment template
Noise sources and exposure against the legal action values, controls and hearing protection. - Electrical risk assessment template
Dead-working check, safe isolation steps, competence and controls for work on or near electricity. - Lone working risk assessment template
For anyone working alone — risk factors, check-in arrangements and emergency plans. - Working at height risk assessment template
Ladders, towers, roofs and openings — equipment choice, controls in the right order and a rescue plan.