03 — DSEAR
DSEAR risk assessments and hazardous area classification
DSEAR places a legal duty on you to assess the risk from dangerous substances and to classify hazardous areas where explosive atmospheres may occur. Diesel, HVO, gas oil and kerosene storage all fall within scope. We carry out the assessment, produce the zoning drawings, and give you a prioritised action plan you can actually work through.
Key facts
| Regulation | Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 |
|---|---|
| Typical duration | One day on site for a single installation |
| Review cycle | No fixed legal interval. Review on any change; otherwise typically every two to three years |
| Output | Written assessment, zoning drawings and action plan |
| Guidance | HSG 176, BS EN 60079-10-1 |
What the work covers
- Inventory of dangerous substances held on site, with quantities
- Hazardous area classification and zone definition
- Zoning drawings showing zone extents in plan and elevation
- Ignition source survey — electrical and non-electrical
- Equipment category review against zone requirements
- Control and mitigation measure assessment
- Written scheme of examination where required
What you receive
- Written DSEAR risk assessment
- Hazardous area classification drawings
- Ignition source register
- Prioritised action plan with responsibilities
- Written scheme of examination where applicable
- Review date and trigger conditions
Common questions
Does DSEAR apply to a diesel or HVO tank?
Yes, though the zoning outcome is often modest. Diesel, HVO and gas oil have flash points above normal ambient temperature, so the explosive-atmosphere risk is lower than for petrol — but DSEAR still applies, an assessment is still required, and zones still exist around fill points, vents and any area where the fuel may be heated or misted.
We already have a fire risk assessment. Is that enough?
No. They are different duties under different regulations. A fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order deals with fire precautions and means of escape. DSEAR deals specifically with dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres, and requires hazardous area classification, which a fire risk assessment does not cover.
How often does a DSEAR assessment need reviewing?
There is no fixed statutory interval. The duty is to keep it valid, so it must be reviewed whenever the plant, process, substances or layout change materially. In the absence of change, a two to three year review cycle is the common practice.
Get a quote for DSEAR risk assessments
Tell us about the site and the fuel system and we will come back with a scope and a price — or tell you if a different service is the one you actually need.