What is a dangerous substance?
It includes any substance or preparation, which because of its properties or the way it is used could cause harm to people from fires and explosions. Dangerous substances include: petrol; liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); paints; varnishes; solvents; and dusts which when mixed with air could cause an explosive atmosphere, for example, dusts from milling and sanding operations. Dangerous substances can be found, in varying quantities, in most workplaces. What is an explosive atmosphere? An explosive atmosphere is an accumulation of gas, mist, dust or vapor, mixed with air, which has the potential to catch fire or explode. An explosive atmosphere does not always result in an explosion, but if it caught fire the flames would quickly travel through it and if this happened in a confined space (e.g. in plant or equipment) the rapid spread of the flames or rise in pressure could also cause an explosion. The main requirements of DSEAR for employers and the self-employed necessitate that you must
