DSEAR Consultancy and Risk Assessment Services

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Clear, proportionate, defensible compliance

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A Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR 2002) assessment is required where dangerous substances such as flammable liquids, gases, vapours, dusts, or oxidising substances are present at work.

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Because the risks associated with dangerous substances vary significantly from site to site, our DSEAR assessments are structured around three levels of complexity. This ensures each assessment is appropriate to the actual risk, technically robust, and legally defensible.

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Pricing Basis

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The cost of a DSEAR risk assessment is linked to the complexity of activities, the number of areas assessed, and the time required on site, including the number of assessment days.

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Additional factors may include the type and quantity of dangerous substances, the need for hazardous area classification, and any requirement for supporting drawings or technical justification.

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Final pricing is confirmed following full scoping and provided as part of a formal written quotation prior to work commencing.

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​​​​​​Our DSEAR Assessment Levels

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1 - Low Complexity DSEAR Risk Assessment 

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Suitable for sites with limited quantities of dangerous substances and no active process hazards.

 

Typical activities include:

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• Storage of flammable liquids in small quantities

• COSHH cabinets and controlled storage areas

• Diesel or gas oil storage at ambient temperature

• Aerosols, paints, adhesives, and solvents with no routine transfer

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Combustible dusts: Where combustible dusts are present only in small quantities or as incidental residues, this level considers whether they are capable of forming an explosive atmosphere under normal or foreseeable conditions.

 

This level focuses on:

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• Identifying dangerous substances present

• Assessing whether explosive atmospheres are likely to occur

• Confirming where hazardous area classification is not required

• Proportionate control measures and clear conclusions

 

This level is not suitable where flammable substances are routinely heated, mixed, sprayed, pumped, or decanted.

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2 - Medium Complexity DSEAR Risk Assessment

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For sites where dangerous substances are routinely handled or processed as part of normal operations.

 

Typical activities include:

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• Mixing or blending of flammable products

• Heating of flammable or combustible liquids

• Pumping or transfer operations

• Small-scale manufacturing or treatment processes

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Combustible dusts: This level applies where combustible dusts may be generated during normal activities and could accumulate or become airborne during foreseeable operating or maintenance conditions.

 

This level includes:

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• Hazardous area classification where applicable

• Assessment of ignition sources, including static electricity

• Review of ventilation arrangements

• Evaluation of existing control measures and procedures

• Clear, justified zoning decisions

 

This level applies to many industrial, manufacturing, and workshop environments.

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3 - High Complexity DSEAR Risk Assessment 

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Required for higher-risk or specialist installations where explosive atmospheres may reasonably be expected.

 

Typical activities include:

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• Zoned process areas (Zone 0, Zone 1, or Zone 2)

• LPG, propane, or other flammable gas systems

• Spray booths or solvent spraying operations

• Bulk storage tanks, IBC compounds, or multiple process areas

• Sites requiring ATEX equipment review

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Combustible dusts: This level applies where combustible dusts are generated in sufficient quantities that dust clouds or layers capable of ignition may be present, including consideration of dust zoning where required.

 

This level includes:

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• Detailed hazardous area classification and justification

• Review of ATEX equipment suitability and marking

• Consideration of interactions between processes and buildings

• Phased and prioritised risk reduction measures

• Technical support for insurers or enforcing authorities

 

How the appropriate level is determined

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The required level of DSEAR assessment depends on factors such as:

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• Type and quantity of dangerous substances

• How substances are stored, handled, or processed

• Presence of heat, transfer, or spraying activities

• Site layout, ventilation, and occupancy

 

Levels reflect the complexity of substances and activities present — not the quality of the assessment.

 

Not sure which level applies?

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If you are unsure which level of DSEAR assessment is required, we offer an initial discussion to help scope the appropriate level before providing a fixed quotation.

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Hazardous Area Classification Drawings

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Where hazardous area classification drawings are required, these are provided as an additional service and are subject to additional fees. Any requirement for hazardous area classification drawings — and the associated costs — will be agreed in advance as part of the scoping process.

 

Contact us to discuss your DSEAR requirements​​. At Hielaman, we can help you understand whether DSEAR applies to your activities and carry out a compliant, proportionate DSEAR risk assessment. If you use, store, or process flammable liquids, gases, vapours, or dusts, get in touch to discuss your requirements and ensure your workplace meets its legal duties.

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