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Does your site store, handle or process flammable gases, liquids, vapours or combustible dusts? If so, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require you to identify, assess and control the risk of fire and explosion. EPIT Group’s experienced consultants conduct DSEAR surveys and risk assessments for organisations across Aberdeen, Scotland and the wider UK.
What is DSEAR?
DSEAR is the UK legislation that implements the ATEX 153 Worker Protection Directive (previously known as the ATEX 137 Workplace Directive).
It obliges employers to:
- Assess the risks of fires, explosions and similar energetic events.
- Eliminate or control ignition sources and dangerous atmospheres.
- Classify hazardous zones (0/1/2 and 20/21/22) and mark them clearly.
- Provide suitable training and equipment for employees and contractors.
2015 update: Since June 2015, DSEAR also covers gases under pressure and substances corrosive to metals. Our latest surveys reference both the 2002 regulations and the 2015 amendments, ensuring full legal coverage.
If you use, create or store any of the following, DSEAR almost certainly applies:
- Flammable liquids (e.g. petrol, solvents, paints)
- Flammable gases (e.g. LPG, hydrogen, acetylene)
- Combustible dusts (e.g. grain, wood, plastics, metal powders)
- Pressurised gases or corrosive substances (post-2015 amendment)
Unsure? Speak to one of our engineers and we’ll confirm in minutes whether the regulations apply to your site.
Our DSEAR Consultancy Services
- Gap-Analysis Site Survey — walk-through inspection to identify immediate non-compliances.
- Hazardous Area Classification — zoning reports with detailed drawings (Zones 0, 1 & 2 / 20, 21 & 22).
- Risk Assessment — ignition source identification, likelihood analysis and control hierarchy.
- Protection Engineering — recommendations for ventilation, explosion relief, detection and suppression.
- Verification & Periodic Review — three- to five-year re-assessments or post-modification verifications.
- Training & Awareness — tailored courses for management, operators and electrical personnel.
How often should a DSEAR risk assessment be carried out?
Best practice is every three to five years or whenever a process, material or plant layout changes significantly, whichever is soonest. EPIT supplies a simple review matrix so you can track changes and stay compliant between full surveys.
Why choose EPIT Group?
- Aberdeen headquarters with rapid mobilisation throughout the UK.
- Ex-certified consultants with 20+ years’ hazardous area experience.
- Integrated service: surveys, engineering solutions and in-house training.
- Clear, actionable reports — written for both safety managers and operators.
Areas we cover
Based in Aberdeen, we regularly support clients across Scotland, England and Wales — including the North Sea, West Yorkshire, Merseyside and the Central Belt. For international assignments please contact the consultancy team directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can carry out a DSEAR assessment?
- A competent person with appropriate knowledge of process safety, hazardous area classification and the DSEAR/ATEX framework. All EPIT assessors hold Ex certification and are competent DSEAR consultants.
- How long does a survey take?
- Typical small-site surveys can be completed in one day and we aim to have a draft report issued within five working days.
- What happens if we are non-compliant?
- We provide a prioritised action plan and can support you in engineering modifications, training and verification to close the gaps.
Please contact us for more information about DSEAR Surveys.
For more information on DSEAR Assessments talk to EPIT Group