How many young engineers have heard of DSEAR?

Dear Sir,

I have read with interest the points raised regarding the application of DSEAR in gas installations (H&V News 11 January, p28) and generally of peoples’ total non-awareness of these regulations with regard to gas in this instance. I suspect, from fairly recent previous experience, that most young engineers have never even heard of the DSEAR Regs.

It must be emphasised that these regulations apply to all fuels including, in addition to gas(es), all grades of fuel oils and solid fuels including biomass.

I have, as yet, never seen anything in H&V News about the application of the same regulations with regards to the dusts arising from the mechanical degradation of wood pellets in biomass boiler installations, for example, and the need to maintain good housekeeping and to risk assess the installation of explosion relief panels into the bulk fuel stores, together with the resulting correct and suitable location of such stores, which are currently being located within many buildings including hospitals and schools, let alone homes.

Please believe me when I state that I am a firm believer and proposer of such technologies - but they like everything else in life, they have to be installed correctly and with all precautions being duly in place for a safe and efficient future!!! This is not happening and I am fearful that, one day, there will be a problem.

Tony Thurgood

Engineering design manager