Explosive atmospheres hazard zones in the workplace have to be clearly marked in accordance with The Dangerous Substance and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), with the aim to eliminate or control such risks from flammable gases, vapours or combustible dust being ignited on mixing with air. These are the implementation of the EU’s ATEX Regulations, both the Workplace Directive (99/92/EC) and the Equipment Directive for electrical and mechanical tools (94/9/EC).

Label Source has a range of health and safety to identify areas of potential risk from gas or dust release, with the use of correct equipment (including equipment labels), in hazard zones ranging from Zone 0 to Zone 2 (for gases), and Zone 20 to Zone 22 (for dust), and for related equipment for safe operation in the zones.

There are a range of potential sources of ignition such as sparks (either electrical or mechanically generated), electrostatic discharge, high surface temperatures, ionising radiation, naked flames, electrical networks, radio frequency or electromagnetic waves, ultrasound, lightning or adiabatic atmosphere compression).

Our signs are used in a wide spectrum of customers involved in manufacture, storage, transportation, recycling or use of paint, varnishes, flammable gases (such as acetylene), methane at landfill sites, petrol, LPG, chemicals, resins, solvents and plastics, or particles from wood, coal, grain, flour, animal feeds, coatings or powders.

For ATEX applications our ranges include signs for no smoking and no naked flame prohibition safety, hazard warning (including EX signs), electrical safety, electrostatic discharge, chemical warning, and use of personal protective equipment.

Chemical spills can have serious, and sometimes devastating, consequences including human health issues, environmental pollution, structural building damage or contamination, and threats to corporate image and reputation.

Emergency procedures should be in place to provide a safe response by trained teams of staff, contractors or emergency services, using appropriate personal protective equipment to tackle any leak or seepage of dangerous substances or hazardous chemicals.

Our range of chemical hazard warning signs can be used to identify the type of risk posed by such chemicals including toxicity, flammability, explosion or corrosion.  Thus, the risks can be assessed from chemical contact with skin or eyes, causing irritation or burns, or from internal injuries caused by inhalation or ingestion. The personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, clothing and respirators should be used before tackling any spill, and first aid should be available to treat any contaminated personnel.

Our spill kit signs can be used to provide contact details for spill supervisors, and the emergency services. These cover different types of chemicals; non-aggressive fluids and oil or fuel (on land); oil or fuel on land and water; and aggressive fluids such as acids and alkalis. They cover the types of containment and neutralising agents for dispersal  and disposal. One key task is to prevent chemical release to the atmosphere, water course or to soil. Spill areas can be cordoned off using our barrier tapes to prevent other workers or the general public from entry.

In addition, our dangerous substance storage containment signs can itemise chemicals, waste and any special waste, to allow emergency staff to assess the immediate risks.