DSEAR Risk Assessment Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres
Comprehensive DSEAR risk assessments identifying dangerous substances, evaluating where explosive atmospheres form, mapping ignition sources and recommending practical control measures for factories, chemical plants, warehouses, depots and any workplace handling flammable materials.
DSEAR Assessment Services
Comprehensive assessment from substance identification to control recommendations.
Full DSEAR Assessment
Complete assessment covering all dangerous substances, explosive atmosphere potential, ignition sources, persons at risk, existing controls and recommendations. The core regulatory requirement.
Substance Identification
Systematic identification and classification of every dangerous substance on your site — raw materials, products, intermediates, waste, cleaning chemicals, maintenance fluids and atmospheric contaminants.
Ignition Source Mapping
Identification of all potential ignition sources — electrical equipment, static electricity, hot surfaces, mechanical sparks, open flames, hot work, vehicles, lightning and self-heating materials.
Persons at Risk
Assessment of who could be harmed — employees, contractors, visitors, neighbours. Includes consideration of maintenance activities, cleaning operations and emergency scenarios.
Control Measure Evaluation
Assessment of whether existing controls are adequate — ventilation, earthing, gas detection, permit-to-work, PPE, storage arrangements and emergency procedures. Gap identification.
DSEAR Documentation
Comprehensive written assessment with substance register, zone drawings (where applicable), control measure schedule, action plan and review programme. Audit-ready for HSE.
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
Substance Survey
We identify every dangerous substance on your site through physical walk-through, SDS review, process analysis and staff interviews.
Atmosphere Assessment
For each substance and work activity, we assess whether and where an explosive atmosphere could form — considering quantities, containment, ventilation and process conditions.
Ignition Analysis
We map all potential ignition sources within and near areas where explosive atmospheres could form. Every credible ignition scenario is evaluated.
Risk Evaluation
We assess the likelihood and consequences of fire or explosion, considering existing controls. Each scenario is risk-rated to prioritise actions.
Report & Recommendations
Comprehensive DSEAR assessment report with findings, zone classification recommendations, control measure gaps and a prioritised action plan.
DSEAR Risk Assessment FAQ
Does DSEAR apply to my business?
If you store, handle or produce any flammable liquid, gas, aerosol, combustible dust or oxidising substance — yes. This includes LPG for heating or forklifts, solvents in workshops, spray paints, adhesives, flammable cleaning products, battery charging areas, woodworking dust and flour. DSEAR applies far more widely than most businesses expect.
What is the difference between DSEAR and COSHH?
COSHH addresses health risks from hazardous substances (inhalation, skin contact, ingestion). DSEAR addresses fire and explosion risks from dangerous substances. A substance can require both a COSHH assessment (health risk from vapour inhalation) and a DSEAR assessment (explosion risk from vapour accumulation). They are separate assessments with different control measures.
Do I need ATEX zone classification?
If your DSEAR assessment identifies that an explosive atmosphere could form, you need ATEX zone classification of those areas. Not every DSEAR assessment results in zone classification — small quantities of flammable substances in well-ventilated areas may not create a classifiable explosive atmosphere. RADCaT assesses whether zoning is required as part of the DSEAR process.
How often should DSEAR be reviewed?
When substances, quantities, processes, equipment, ventilation or building layout change. After any fire, explosion or near-miss. When HSE issues new guidance. Best practice is annual formal review for active operations. RADCaT provides scheduled review visits for retained clients.
What industries need DSEAR assessments?
Chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food processing (flour, sugar, starch), woodworking, metalworking, printing, paint and coatings, fuel storage, vehicle workshops, spray painting, warehousing with flammable stock, battery charging facilities and any workplace storing LPG or flammable gases.
What qualifications do your DSEAR assessors have?
Our DSEAR consultants hold relevant qualifications in process safety, are experienced in hazardous area classification and have hands-on experience across chemical, manufacturing, logistics and food processing environments.
How much does a DSEAR assessment cost?
Based on site size, number of substances, process complexity and whether ATEX zoning is required. Simple assessments for small workshops to comprehensive assessments for chemical plants. Fixed-price quotes provided after initial discussion.
Need a DSEAR Assessment?
Get in touch for a free discussion. We'll assess whether DSEAR applies and provide a clear quote.