DSEAR Control Measures Practical Explosion Prevention & Protection
Practical, proportionate control measures to eliminate or reduce explosive atmosphere risks. From ventilation design and earthing systems to gas detection, ATEX equipment selection and emergency procedures — turning DSEAR assessment findings into real-world risk reduction.
Control Measure Services
From simple improvements to complex engineering solutions.
Substitution & Elimination
Assessment of opportunities to eliminate dangerous substances or substitute safer alternatives — water-based instead of solvent-based, enclosed instead of open process, non-flammable cleaning agents.
Ventilation Design
Specification of natural and mechanical ventilation to prevent explosive atmosphere formation. Extract rates, air change calculations, ventilation effectiveness assessment and LEV design.
Earthing & Bonding
Specification of earthing and bonding systems to prevent static electricity ignition — tanks, pipework, drums, IBCs, transfer hoses, personnel and vehicle earthing in classified areas.
Gas Detection Systems
Specification of fixed and portable gas detection for flammable gases and vapours. Sensor selection, alarm set-points, response actions and system integration with ventilation and isolation.
ATEX Equipment Selection
Specification of explosion-protected electrical and mechanical equipment for classified zones. Equipment group, category and EPL selection based on zone classification and substance properties.
Permit-to-Work Systems
Development of permit-to-work procedures for hot work, electrical work and maintenance in or near classified zones. Atmospheric monitoring requirements, isolation procedures and gas-free certification.
Risk Assessments for Your Sector
Every industry has different hazards. We tailor every assessment to your specific sector and operations.
Factories & Warehousing
Machinery, forklift, racking, noiseTransport & Logistics
Depot safety, loading bays, vehiclesConstruction
CDM, excavations, heights, demolitionSchools & Education
Classrooms, labs, playgrounds, tripsCare & Healthcare
Patient handling, clinical, infectionChemical
Process safety, COSHH, DSEARHospitality
Kitchens, fire, slips, public safetySMEs & Offices
DSE, fire, general workplaceCharities
Events, lone working, volunteersHow We Carry Out a Risk Assessment
Assessment Review
We review your DSEAR assessment findings, zone classification and identified gaps in current control measures.
Hierarchy Application
For each risk, we work through the control hierarchy — can we eliminate? Substitute? Prevent atmosphere formation? Prevent ignition? Mitigate consequences?
Control Specification
We specify practical control measures with technical detail sufficient for procurement and installation — ventilation rates, equipment specifications, detection parameters.
Implementation Support
We work with your engineers, contractors and suppliers to implement recommendations. Technical queries, design review and installation verification.
Verification & Review
Post-implementation verification that controls are effective. Ongoing review as part of your DSEAR compliance programme.
Control Measures FAQ
What is the DSEAR hierarchy of control?
Eliminate the substance > substitute safer alternative > prevent explosive atmosphere (containment, ventilation) > prevent ignition (remove ignition sources from zones) > mitigate consequences (explosion relief, suppression, emergency procedures). You must work down the hierarchy, implementing higher-level controls before relying on lower-level ones.
Can I just use PPE instead of engineering controls?
No. DSEAR follows the hierarchy of control — engineering measures (ventilation, containment, gas detection) must be implemented before relying on organisational measures (permits, procedures) or PPE. PPE is a last resort for residual risks that cannot be controlled by other means.
What is earthing and bonding?
Earthing connects equipment to ground potential. Bonding connects separate pieces of equipment to equalise their electrical potential. Together they prevent the build-up of static electricity that could create a spark in a classified zone. Essential for tanks, pipework, drums, transfer operations and any handling of flammable liquids.
Do I need gas detection?
If your DSEAR assessment identifies areas where explosive atmosphere accumulation is possible, gas detection provides early warning to trigger ventilation, alarm, isolation or evacuation. Whether you need it depends on the specific risk — not every classified zone requires fixed detection.
Who installs the control measures?
We specify the controls; your existing contractors or specialist suppliers install them. We provide technical specifications sufficient for procurement and can review contractor proposals, witness installation and verify commissioning.
How do you verify controls are working?
Post-implementation verification including commissioning checks, functional testing, ventilation measurement and atmospheric monitoring confirms controls achieve the intended risk reduction.
How much do control measures cost?
Varies enormously — from low-cost improvements (earthing, improved housekeeping) to significant investment (gas detection, ATEX equipment, ventilation systems). We recommend proportionate solutions matched to your risk level and budget.
Need DSEAR Control Measures?
Get in touch to discuss your assessment findings and we'll recommend practical solutions.