Home / Sectors / Light Manufacturing
DSEAR risk assessments · Sector
DSEAR risk assessments for light manufacturing
Many manufacturers use flammable materials as part of an ordinary process: cleaning parts with solvent, applying coatings, bonding with adhesives, powder coating. Each one can create an explosive atmosphere in a small area that needs to be identified and controlled.
- 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
What we assess
Where DSEAR applies on a light manufacturing site
| Area | Substance | Source of release | Typical classification | Typical controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parts cleaning station | Solvent vapour | Open tanks, wiping | Zone 2 (local) | Lids, local extraction, substitution with a higher flash point solvent |
| Coating and spray area | Solvent vapour and mist | Application and flash-off | Zone 1 inside booth, Zone 2 around openings | Interlocked extraction, rated equipment, no hot work |
| Powder coating booth | Combustible powder | Booth, extraction, recovery unit | Zone 21 inside, Zone 22 around | Housekeeping, earthing, extraction performance |
| Solvent store | Solvent vapour | Container leaks, decanting | Zone 2 | Bunding, ventilation, quantities kept to what is needed |
Classification depends on quantities, ventilation and layout. A real report classifies each source on your site.
On site
What we check
- Every process that uses a flammable liquid, gas or dust
- Extraction and ventilation, including how you know it is working
- Where solvent is decanted, mixed or left open
- Earthing and bonding of containers and equipment
- Whether a safer substance or method could remove the hazard
Typical clients
Sites we assess in this sector
Chemical processing, large-scale solvent recovery and bulk powder handling plants are outside our scope.
Coverage
Where we survey light manufacturing sites
We visit sites across England, Wales and Scotland. These are some of the areas we are asked about most often.
Questions
Before you ask for a quote
Our spray area is small. Does DSEAR still apply?
Yes. The regulations apply to any workplace where flammable vapour or mist can form, however small. The size of the area affects how much work the assessment involves, not whether the duty applies.
Can you advise on substituting a solvent?
Yes. Eliminating or reducing the hazard is the first step in the regulations. We can set out where substitution is realistic and what would still need controlling afterwards.
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
Ferryhill
DL17 8DQ
Response within one working day.