Landfill fires - controlling the risk

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR)

DSEAR applies to workplaces where dangerous substances are present, used, or produced.

The regulations require employers to assess the risks of fires and explosions that may be caused by dangerous substances in the workplace. These risks must then be eliminated or reduced as far as is reasonably practicable. The aim is to protect employees and other people who may be put at risk, such as visitors to the workplace and members of the public.

DSEAR provides a hierarchy of safeguards that are required to eliminate, control or mitigate the risk of fire and explosion that may be associated with the production of landfill gases.

A number of Industry Codes of Practice (ICoPs) have been prepared by the Environmental Services Association (ESA) in consultation with HSE, and endorsed by the Waste Industry Safety and Health (WISH) forum.

• DSEAR for the waste management industry (ESA ICoP 1)
• Area classification for landfill gas extraction, gas utilisation and combustion (ESA ICoP 2)
• Area classification for leachate extraction, treatment and disposal (ESA ICoP 3)
• Landfill operations (ESA ICoP 5)

These are freely available on ESA's website.