DSEAR Assessments
Specialist DSEAR assessment and consultancy for businesses handling flammable liquids, gases, dusts, vapours and explosive atmospheres. ATEX zone classification, hazard identification, explosion risk modelling and bespoke training — ensuring your workplace meets every regulatory requirement.
Protecting Your People from Explosive Atmospheres
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require every employer who stores, handles or uses dangerous substances that could create an explosive atmosphere to carry out a suitable risk assessment. This applies to any workplace where flammable gases, vapours, mists, dusts or liquids are present — from chemical plants and paint spray booths to flour mills and woodworking shops.
RADCaT's DSEAR assessment consultancy helps businesses across the UK identify where explosive atmospheres may occur, classify hazardous areas under ATEX Directive requirements, assess the likelihood and consequences of fire or explosion, and implement practical control measures that protect your workforce and meet your legal obligations.
Our qualified DSEAR consultants have extensive experience across manufacturing, chemical processing, petrochemical, food production, pharmaceutical, woodworking and warehousing industries. Whether you need a one-off DSEAR assessment for a single process or a comprehensive site-wide review covering multiple hazardous areas, we deliver expert, practical solutions tailored to your operations.
DSEAR applies to more businesses than you think — if you use any flammable substance, including common items like cleaning solvents, LPG, spray paints, adhesives or even flour dust, you likely need a DSEAR assessment.
Our DSEAR Services
Comprehensive DSEAR consultancy from initial assessment through to ongoing compliance management.
DSEAR Risk Assessments
Full assessment of dangerous substances present in your workplace, identification of ignition sources, evaluation of explosive atmosphere risks and documented findings with prioritised recommendations for control measures and safe working practices.
Read MoreATEX Zone Classification
Classification of hazardous areas into ATEX zones (Zone 0, 1, 2 for gases; Zone 20, 21, 22 for dusts) with detailed zone drawings, equipment selection guidance and compliance with the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations.
Read MoreHazard Identification
Systematic identification of all dangerous substances on your site — flammable liquids, gases, dusts, vapours and mists. Includes review of safety data sheets, process mapping, substance inventory and assessment of how and where explosive atmospheres could form.
Read MoreExplosion Risk Modelling
Consequence analysis and explosion modelling to determine the potential severity and blast radius of fire or explosion events. Helps inform emergency planning, building layout decisions, equipment placement and the specification of explosion relief systems.
Read MoreControl Measures & Mitigation
Practical recommendations for eliminating or reducing explosive atmosphere risks — ventilation design, ignition source control, earthing and bonding, permit-to-work systems, gas detection, explosion-proof equipment selection and safe storage arrangements.
Read MoreDSEAR Awareness Training
Bespoke DSEAR training for your workforce covering the regulations, hazard recognition, safe working practices around dangerous substances, emergency procedures and individual responsibilities. Delivered at our Wigan centre or on-site at your premises.
Read MoreCompliance Reviews & Updates
Periodic review of existing DSEAR assessments to ensure they remain current and valid. Triggered by changes to processes, substances, equipment or workplace layout. Includes updated zone drawings, revised control measures and compliance gap analysis.
Read MoreWho Needs a DSEAR Assessment?
Any business that stores, handles or uses substances capable of creating a fire or explosion risk.
Our DSEAR Assessment Process
A structured approach from initial review to ongoing compliance.
Desktop Review
We review your safety data sheets, process documentation, site plans and substance inventories to understand what dangerous substances are present and how they are used, stored and handled.
Site Survey & Hazard Identification
Our consultant visits your site to physically inspect all areas where dangerous substances are present, map ignition sources, assess ventilation and identify where explosive atmospheres could form.
ATEX Zone Classification
We classify all hazardous areas into the appropriate ATEX zones, produce detailed zone drawings and specify equipment requirements for each classified area.
Risk Assessment & Report
A comprehensive DSEAR assessment report documenting all findings, risk ratings, zone classifications, control measure recommendations and a prioritised action plan for achieving and maintaining compliance.
Implementation & Training
We support implementation of control measures, deliver DSEAR awareness training for your staff, and schedule periodic reviews to ensure your assessment remains current as processes or substances change.
DSEAR Assessment FAQ
What is DSEAR and does it apply to my business?
DSEAR stands for the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. It applies to any workplace where dangerous substances are stored, handled or used that could give rise to a fire, explosion or similar energetic event. This includes flammable liquids (fuels, solvents, paints), flammable gases (LPG, acetylene, natural gas), combustible dusts (flour, wood dust, metal powders) and any substance with a flash point. If your business uses any of these, DSEAR almost certainly applies to you.
What is ATEX zone classification?
ATEX zone classification categorises hazardous areas based on the likelihood and duration of an explosive atmosphere being present. For gases and vapours: Zone 0 (continuous), Zone 1 (likely in normal operation), Zone 2 (unlikely but possible). For dusts: Zone 20, 21 and 22 follow the same pattern. Zone classification determines what type of electrical and mechanical equipment can be safely used in each area, and is a legal requirement under the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016.
How often should a DSEAR assessment be reviewed?
DSEAR assessments should be reviewed whenever there are significant changes to your workplace, processes, substances used or stored, equipment, ventilation or staffing. They should also be reviewed following any fire or explosion incident, or near-miss. As best practice, we recommend a formal review at least every two to three years even without changes. RADCaT provides scheduled compliance review services to keep your assessment current.
What's the difference between DSEAR and COSHH?
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) focuses on the health effects of exposure to hazardous substances — inhalation, skin contact, ingestion. DSEAR focuses specifically on the fire and explosion risks from dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres. A substance can require both a COSHH assessment (for health risks) and a DSEAR assessment (for fire/explosion risks). RADCaT provides both services and can carry out a combined assessment where appropriate.
What industries typically need DSEAR assessments?
DSEAR assessments are commonly required in chemical manufacturing, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food processing (flour, sugar, starch dusts), woodworking (wood dust), metal fabrication (metal dusts), paint and coatings, printing, brewing, distilling, textiles, waste management and any facility using LPG, natural gas or bulk fuel storage. However, even a small workshop using spray paints or a restaurant with a commercial kitchen may need a DSEAR assessment.
What does a DSEAR assessment actually involve?
A DSEAR assessment involves identifying all dangerous substances present, assessing where and how explosive atmospheres could form, identifying potential ignition sources, classifying hazardous areas into ATEX zones, evaluating the likelihood and consequences of fire or explosion, assessing existing control measures, and producing a documented report with recommendations. RADCaT delivers the full assessment including zone drawings and a prioritised action plan.
How much does a DSEAR assessment cost?
Costs depend on the size of your site, the number of dangerous substances and processes involved, the complexity of your operations and the number of hazardous areas requiring zone classification. We provide a clear, no-obligation quote after an initial discussion about your requirements. Contact us for a free initial consultation and we'll scope the work and provide a tailored proposal.
Need a DSEAR Assessment?
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll assess your explosive atmosphere risks and provide expert recommendations.