If your business stores, handles or produces flammable substances, gases, dusts or vapours, a standard fire risk assessment isn't the whole picture. We assess and control the risk of fire, explosion and dangerous atmospheres properly — and give you a plan you can actually act on.
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) place a legal duty on employers to assess and control the risk of fire, explosion and similar energetic events arising from dangerous substances in the workplace. This sits alongside — not instead of — your duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Where dangerous substances are present, employers must also identify and properly classify and mark any areas at risk of an explosive atmosphere, commonly known as ATEX zoning, and put suitable control measures and emergency arrangements in place.
We identify every dangerous substance present, how it's stored, handled and used across the site.
Explosive atmosphere zones are identified and classified, and risks assessed against likelihood and consequence.
A clear written report with prioritised, practical control measures — not just a compliance document.
We flag when it's due for review, or immediately after any change to substances, processes or layout.
DSEAR (the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002) requires employers to assess and control risks from fire, explosion and similar events caused by dangerous substances in the workplace, including flammable liquids, gases, dusts and vapours.
No. A fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 covers general fire safety in a premises. DSEAR is a separate, more specific duty covering the risks posed specifically by dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres. Most businesses that need one, need both.
If your business stores, uses, handles or produces flammable substances, gases, dusts or vapours in any quantity, you likely have a DSEAR duty. This includes many manufacturing, engineering, vehicle workshop and food production environments, among others.
ATEX zoning is the process of classifying areas of your premises according to the likelihood and duration of an explosive atmosphere being present, so appropriate equipment and control measures can be specified for each zone.
We carry these out alongside each other where relevant, using the same site visit, so your fire risk assessment and DSEAR assessment are consistent with one another rather than being written separately by different providers with different assumptions.