Assess the risk
Identify what dangerous substances you have, how they could be released and what could ignite them. Assess the risk to employees and anyone else on site.
DSEAR risk assessments · Low and medium risk workplaces
One assessment. Done by specialists.
We carry out DSEAR risk assessments for low and medium risk environments. It is the only thing we do. You get the hazardous area classification, the assessment of your flammable liquids, gases and dusts, and an action plan you can work through.
Zone 1: explosive atmosphere likely in normal operation
Zone 2: not likely, and brief if it occurs
- CharteredAssessments led by a CMIOSH member
- DSEAR assessments onlyNo fire risk work, no training
- Fixed priceAgreed before we attend
- No equipment salesAdvice you can take at face value
The legal duty
What DSEAR asks of your business
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 apply wherever a substance at work could cause a fire or explosion. That includes flammable liquids, gases, vapours and combustible dusts.
Classify hazardous places
Where an explosive atmosphere may occur, classify the area into zones by how likely and how long it is to be present. Mark the zones and control what enters them.
Eliminate or reduce the risk
Substitute the substance if you can. Otherwise limit quantities, improve ventilation, remove ignition sources and choose suitable equipment for each zone.
Record it and keep it current
Your findings, zone drawings and controls need to be written down, and reviewed when your substances, equipment or layout change.
Your fire risk assessment does not cover this.
The Fire Safety Order and DSEAR are separate duties. A fire risk assessment looks at escape, detection and general fire precautions. It does not classify hazardous areas or assess explosion risk from dangerous substances. DSEAR is enforced by the HSE, local authorities and fire and rescue services, depending on your premises.
Where we work
Low and medium risk environments, and nothing else
Staying in one lane means every assessment is done by people who do this all the time. It also means we tell you early if your site belongs with a different specialist.
Sites we assess
Typical workplaces where dangerous substances are used or stored in controlled quantities.
Sites we do not assess
These need a specialist in high hazard process safety.
What we mean by low risk
Small quantities, mostly in closed containers, with limited routes for release. Zoning is usually none or a small Zone 2.
What we mean by medium risk
Routine decanting, dispensing or charging in defined areas. Zoning is localised, with Zone 1 or 2 extents around named sources.
Sectors
Where DSEAR turns up in ordinary workplaces
Each sector has its own sources of release. See what we typically find and how it is classified.
Data Centres and Plant Rooms
Battery rooms, standby generator fuel, cooling plant refrigerants and UPS systems.
DSEAR for this sectorWarehousing and Distribution
Aerosol stock, flammable liquids, LPG forklift cylinders and truck charging bays.
DSEAR for this sectorLight Manufacturing
Solvent cleaning, coating and spray areas, powder coating and adhesive use.
DSEAR for this sectorWorkshops and Garages
Vehicle repair, paint mixing and spraying, welding gases and fuel handling.
DSEAR for this sectorBattery Charging Areas
Forklift and truck charging bays and battery rooms where hydrogen can build up.
DSEAR for this sectorLPG Storage and Use
Cylinder stores, changeover points, gas-fired equipment and vents.
DSEAR for this sectorLaboratories
Small-scale solvent use, gas cylinders, flammable storage cabinets and waste solvents.
DSEAR for this sectorWoodworking and Dust Extraction
Wood and powder dust, extraction filters, sanding areas and collection bins.
DSEAR for this sectorHow it works
From first call to signed-off report
Scoping call
We confirm your substances, site and layout, check the job is in scope and agree a fixed price.
Site survey
We walk the site, inspect storage, handling points and equipment, and photograph what we find.
Assessment and zoning
We identify sources of release, set zone extents and review ignition sources and equipment.
Your report
You receive the full report within five working days, with a prioritised action plan.
Walk-through
We talk you through the findings and set a review date so the assessment does not quietly lapse.
Your report
A record you can hand to an inspector
Every assessment ends with a document written for the person who has to act on it and the person who may have to check it.
- Substance and source-of-release schedule
- Zone classification with a marked-up site plan
- Ignition source and equipment review
- Photographed findings with priorities and timescales
- Written reasoning wherever we depart from the obvious answer
- Review date and reminder
Zone scheduleExtract · example only
| Area | Substance | Source of release | Zone | Typical controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decanting bay | Solvent vapour | Drum transfer point | Zone 1 (local) Zone 2 | Bonding and earthing, rated lighting, hot work exclusion |
| LPG cylinder store | LPG | Valve and connection leaks | Zone 2 | Open ventilated cage, separation from ignition sources |
| Battery charging room | Hydrogen | Lead-acid charging | Zone 2 or none | Ventilation rate confirmed, no ignition sources in room |
| Extraction filter unit | Wood dust | Filter and hopper | Zone 22 | Housekeeping regime, suitable equipment category |
Figures and classifications in a real report come from your substances, quantities, ventilation and layout.
Our approach
Impartial, qualified and focused on one thing
Many DSEAR assessments are produced by companies that also sell explosion-protected equipment, extraction or storage cabinets. We sell none of it. When we say something needs to change, it is because the assessment says so.
Every assessment is led by a chartered health, safety and fire professional and follows the same documented method, from survey to report. DSEAR is the only service we provide, so it gets our full attention.
- CMIOSHChartered Member, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
- TIFSMTechnical Member, Institution of Fire Safety Managers
- AIEMAAssociate, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment
- Level 6Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
- NEBOSHFire Certificate, plus General and Construction Certificates
Coverage
Surveying sites across England, Wales and Scotland
Based in County Durham, we travel to your site wherever it is in Great Britain. We agree a fixed price before we attend, and we know the major industrial estates and business parks in each region.
Northern Ireland has its own regulations, so we do not currently cover it.
Questions
Before you ask for a quote
Does my fire risk assessment already cover DSEAR?
No. The Fire Safety Order and DSEAR are separate legal duties. If you store or use flammable liquids, gases, or combustible dusts, you need a DSEAR assessment as well.
Is there a minimum quantity before DSEAR applies?
The regulations do not set one. The duty applies where a dangerous substance is present or could be present. The quantity, how it is handled and how it could be released decide how detailed the assessment needs to be.
How much does an assessment cost?
We agree a fixed price before we attend. It depends on the number of areas, substances and the size of the site, which we confirm on a short scoping call.
Do you cover my area?
Yes, if your site is in England, Wales or Scotland. Tell us where the site is on the scoping call and we will confirm a fixed price before we attend.
How long until I get the report?
Within five working days of the site survey.
How often does it need reviewing?
Your report sets a review date, and the assessment should also be reviewed whenever your substances, equipment, processes or layout change.
Do you supply or fit any equipment?
No. We assess and advise only. That keeps our recommendations independent of anything we could sell you.
What if my site is too high risk for you?
We will tell you on the scoping call, before you pay anything, so you can go to a specialist in high hazard process safety.
Get a quote
Tell us what you store and where
A quick call or email is enough to confirm scope and price. It helps if you can send:
- Site address and type of business
- Flammable liquids, gases or dusts you use or store, with rough quantities
- Safety data sheets, if you have them
- A simple layout plan or a few photos
Contact DSEAR Specialists
07742 043 378
info@dsearspecialists.co.uk
37 Beech Crescent
Ferryhill
DL17 8DQ
Email us
Ferryhill
DL17 8DQ
Response within one working day.