Home / Case Studies / Supporting a Service Provider to Assess DSEAR Risks in Heating Systems

Supporting a Service Provider to Assess DSEAR Risks
in Heating Systems

A UK service provider required support to assess compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) in relation to a biomass heating system installed at one of its facilities.
EPIT was appointed to carry out a site assessment and evaluate the risks associated with the use of wood pellets as a fuel source, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements.

Challenge

The building had recently been acquired, and the client wanted to verify that existing surveys and documentation were accurate and still applicable. The site utilised a wood pellet burner system, where fuel handling and storage introduced the potential for combustible dust and hazardous gas formation.

Key challenges identified included:

Risk of dust cloud generation during fuel transfer into the hopper
Potential ignition sources from hot surfaces and electrical equipment
Lack of documented procedures for safe operation and fuel handling
No evidence of staff training or competency records
Absence of suitable ventilation or dust extraction systems
Inadequate fire and gas detection arrangements

The assessment also identified that aspects of the system design and operation could increase the likelihood of fire or explosion if not properly controlled.

Solution

EPIT delivered a focused consultancy approach tailored to the environment:

Conducted a site visit to assess the biomass heating system and surrounding area
Reviewed existing controls, equipment design, and operational practices
Identified gaps in compliance with DSEAR requirements
Evaluated risks associated with combustible dust and ignition sources
Assessed ventilation, storage arrangements, and safety system

Clear, practical recommendations were provided to support compliance, including:

Developing documented safe systems of work for fuel handling
Implementing training and competency records for staff
Improving ventilation and considering dust control measures
Reviewing equipment design and fire detection arrangements
Assessing whether hazardous area classification is required

Outcome

As a result of the assessment, the client achieved:

A clear understanding of the risks associated with their heating system
Identification of gaps in current safety and compliance arrangements
A structured action plan to support DSEAR compliance
Practical guidance aligned to their operational setting

The project provided the organisation with a clear pathway to improve safety controls and demonstrate compliance, supporting a safer environment for both staff and building occupants.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 38 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    michael casson 
 11 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great presentation by the instructors and prep for Compex 01 - 04 examination. Highly recommended
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Viaceslav Gaiducenia 
 12 January 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did compex 01-04. English is not my first language. I got extra support, a bit of extra explonation, extra advice. All of this was super helpful. The instructors were very knowlagable, passionate and well tempered. I failed one of the units but I passed it second time.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Cameron Bowyer 
 18 November 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience training with EPIT Aberdeen. The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and clearly passionate about what they do. The facilities and equipment are top-quality, and the training was delivered in a way that was both practical and engaging. Everything was explained thoroughly, with real-world examples that made the content easy to understand and apply. The staff were friendly and supportive throughout, creating a really positive learning environment. I left feeling confident, well-prepared, and genuinely impressed with the standard of training. Highly recommend EPIT Aberdeen to anyone looking for high-quality, industry-leading courses.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Shawn Clark 
 12 September 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Done the CompEx Ex01-Ex04 with Mike and Dodd, and they were both excellent! They both broke things down and made them easier to understand, as well as being genuinely good people who you can have a normal conversation and laugh with!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    John Soutar 
 11 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An absolutely brilliant training and test facility that made the dreaded "Compex Refresher" course, a far more enjoyable and beneficial experience. From the great training material to the very knowledgeable instructors, it all helped to teach us about the new practices and standards in Compex and I certainly left knowing more than I did when I walk through the door Monday morning. Thanks to the all staff! 5*
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Quinn MacDonald 
 30 April 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent facilities and the instructors were brilliant at teaching you the course materials along with real world advice and practices
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Andrei Lerca 
 4 March 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great training center powered by passionate people and a very beautiful reception.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    james Lombardo 
 27 November 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Most reliable and Very professional
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Alistair Strachan (Ally) 
 17 September 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Been here twice, superb facilities and certainly the best out of the 3 different venues I've attended for compex.

Header Column #1
Industries	Principal to all Ex environments, with direct application in hazardous vapour and gas environments.
Entry Qualifications Guidance	Level 3, ECS Gold Card, National Diploma or equivalent. Disipline: Electrotechnical Instrumentation Subject to knowledge, skill and experience candidates may benefit from Ex F+
Entry Knowledge - Expected	Knows the relevant legislative, regulatory, local requirements Understands procedures for safe working practice and systems of work in an industrial setting Can read and interpret relevant engineering drawings, related specifications, quality standards and equipment manuals Understands the hierarchy of responsibilities in relation to reporting and decision-making
Entry Skills - Expected	Practical skills in engineering assembly of a complexity consistent with that of a level 3 craftsperson Can apply safe working practices including safe isolation to meet the requirements of statutory and non-statutory regulations Can safely install, inspect, test, commission, diagnose and correct faults in electrical plant, instrumentation, associated cabling, cabling supports and equipment Can select, gland & terminate industrial type cables to a suitable component and associated cable tray in line with details on the appropriate specification Can interpret manufacturers documentation for correct installation,maintenance and inspection
Job Roles Aspiring to or operating in	Installation or Maintenance Electrician Electrical or Instrument Technician Engineers
Entry Experience Guidance	2 + years' experience operating in a site / industrial environment Installing, inspecting, testing and/or maintaining equipment in an industrial setting
Entry Knowledge - Desirable	Understands the need for and methods of achieving safe working practice in gas and vapour Ex environments Has basic practical, theoretical and technological knowledge and understanding of gas and vapour Ex environments Has a basic understanding of the requirements, materials and equipment considerations, in relation to working in gas and vapour Ex environments
Entry Skills - Desirable	Can select and install a variety of Ex certified cables glands and terminate conductors into equipment Can understand the principles of electrical protection concepts including selection, installation and maintenance Understands intrinsically safe concept of protection and installation including the importance of documentation Can inspect new and existing equipment in accordance with appropriate inspection techniques relevant to the different grades of inspection

Header Column #1

Industries

Principal to all Ex environments, with direct application in hazardous vapour and gas environments.

Entry Qualifications
Guidance

Level 3, ECS Gold Card, National Diploma or equivalent. Disipline:

Electrotechnical
Instrumentation

Subject to knowledge, skill and experience candidates may benefit from Ex F+

Entry Knowledge - Expected

Knows the relevant legislative, regulatory, local requirements
Understands procedures for safe working practice and systems of work in an industrial setting
Can read and interpret relevant engineering drawings, related specifications, quality standards and equipment manuals
Understands the hierarchy of responsibilities in relation to reporting and decision-making

Entry Skills - Expected

Practical skills in engineering assembly of a complexity consistent with that of a level 3 craftsperson
Can apply safe working practices including safe isolation to meet the requirements of statutory and non-statutory regulations
Can safely install, inspect, test, commission, diagnose and correct faults in electrical plant, instrumentation, associated cabling, cabling supports and equipment
Can select, gland & terminate industrial type cables to a suitable component and associated cable tray in line with details on the appropriate specification
Can interpret manufacturers documentation for correct installation,maintenance and inspection

Job Roles
Aspiring to or operating in

Installation or Maintenance Electrician
Electrical or Instrument Technician
Engineers

Entry Experience
Guidance

2 + years' experience operating in a site / industrial environment
Installing, inspecting, testing and/or maintaining equipment in an industrial setting

Entry Knowledge - Desirable

Understands the need for and methods of achieving safe working practice in gas and vapour Ex environments
Has basic practical, theoretical and technological knowledge and understanding of gas and vapour Ex environments
Has a basic understanding of the requirements, materials and equipment considerations, in relation to working in gas and vapour Ex environments

Entry Skills - Desirable

Can select and install a variety of Ex certified cables glands and terminate conductors into equipment
Can understand the principles of electrical protection concepts including selection, installation and maintenance
Understands intrinsically safe concept of protection and installation including the importance of documentation
Can inspect new and existing equipment in accordance with appropriate inspection techniques relevant to the different grades of inspection

Header Column #1
Industries	Principal to all Ex environments, with direct application in hazardous vapour and gas environments.
Entry Qualifications Guidance	Level 3, ECS Gold Card, National Diploma or equivalent. Disipline: Electrotechnical Instrumentation Subject to knowledge, skill and experience candidates may benefit from Ex F+
Entry Knowledge - Expected	Knows the relevant legislative, regulatory, local requirements Understands procedures for safe working practice and systems of work in an industrial setting Can read and interpret relevant engineering drawings, related specifications, quality standards and equipment manuals Understands the hierarchy of responsibilities in relation to reporting and decision-making
Entry Skills - Expected	Practical skills in engineering assembly of a complexity consistent with that of a level 3 craftsperson Can apply safe working practices including safe isolation to meet the requirements of statutory and non-statutory regulations Can safely install, inspect, test, commission, diagnose and correct faults in electrical plant, instrumentation, associated cabling, cabling supports and equipment Can select, gland & terminate industrial type cables to a suitable component and associated cable tray in line with details on the appropriate specification Can interpret manufacturers documentation for correct installation,maintenance and inspection
Job Roles Aspiring to or operating in	Installation or Maintenance Electrician Electrical or Instrument Technician Engineers
Entry Experience Guidance	2 + years' experience operating in a site / industrial environment Installing, inspecting, testing and/or maintaining equipment in an industrial setting
Entry Knowledge - Desirable	Understands the need for and methods of achieving safe working practice in gas and vapour Ex environments Has basic practical, theoretical and technological knowledge and understanding of gas and vapour Ex environments Has a basic understanding of the requirements, materials and equipment considerations, in relation to working in gas and vapour Ex environments
Entry Skills - Desirable	Can select and install a variety of Ex certified cables glands and terminate conductors into equipment Can understand the principles of electrical protection concepts including selection, installation and maintenance Understands intrinsically safe concept of protection and installation including the importance of documentation Can inspect new and existing equipment in accordance with appropriate inspection techniques relevant to the different grades of inspection