Quick answer
Assess DSEAR as well as COSHH where substances or generated dusts create fire, explosion or other relevant physical risks in addition to health-exposure risks. Examples can include combustible food dust and flammable products or fuels. Use the separate GB and NI frameworks and competent specialist support; awareness of the issue is not a hazardous-area design or equipment specification.
Ask the health and physical-risk questions
HSE’s DSEAR guidance addresses GB risks from dangerous substances, including fire/explosion and its stated additional physical scope. COSHH addresses health exposure. One substance or task can require both questions to be assessed.
Northern Ireland has separate DSEAR regulations alongside COSHH NI. Do not assume a GB amendment or technical interpretation automatically applies identically in NI; check the applicable text and competent advice.
Recognise food-workplace prompts for assessment
| Activity/material | Questions to raise |
|---|---|
| Powder or flour handling | Could combustible dust create a physical-risk issue as well as inhalation exposure? |
| Flammable cleaning/processing product | Are use, storage and relevant ignition risks assessed? |
| Fuel or gas associated with operations | Which physical-risk and other specialist safety duties apply? |
| Dust collection or maintenance | Does the task change release, accumulation or equipment risks? |
A product being a food ingredient does not establish that airborne dust has no physical hazard. Conversely, not every use requires the same technical measures; assess the actual conditions.
Coordinate the assessments and controls
Identify materials and generated substances, actual methods, people, equipment and changes. Involve food operations, health/exposure and competent fire/explosion specialists as relevant. Keep health and physical-risk control purposes clear.
The assessment may require specialist decisions about explosive atmospheres, equipment and protective arrangements. Do not calculate zones, select electrical equipment or design extraction from a generic article.
Challenge a proposed equipment change
Illustrative example: a business adds a new powder-handling and collection arrangement. Assess occupational exposure and relevant physical hazards together before installation. A suitable dust-control purpose does not automatically establish that every collector or vacuum is suitable for the physical risk.
Coordinate any effects on food hygiene and allergen transfer as well. One control change can affect several risk assessments without making their criteria interchangeable.
Keep decisions with competent roles
Retain the assessment, applicable framework, evidence, approved controls and review triggers. Train staff on their own methods, restrictions, fault reporting and emergency arrangements. Review after changes, failures or new relevant information.
Use the verified official sources and competent advisers for the actual operation. Do not conduct dust-ignition experiments, improvised tests or modifications to protective equipment. This guide supports recognising when specialist assessment is needed.
Next steps
- Identify health and relevant physical risks together.
- Check the GB/NI instruments and competent scope.
- Obtain specialist assessment before equipment/process changes.
- Implement approved controls, staff instruction and review triggers.
Read the official practical guidance — Use the current source alongside the procedures for your own business.