Ex
EPIT

DSEAR Assessments

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.

DSEAR Surveys
DSEAR Surveys

Do I need a DSEAR Risk Assessment?

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

  • Risk Assessment — ignition source identification, likelihood analysis and control hierarchy.
  • 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).
  • 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.

DSEAR Zone Classification at a Glance

ZoneGas/Vapour AtmospheresDust Atmospheres
0An area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is present continuously, or for long periods, or frequently (e.g. inside solvent tanks)—
1An area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally in normal operation (e.g. pump seals)—
2An area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation, but if it does occur, will persist for a short period only (e.g. vent areas)—
20—An area in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present continuously, or for long periods or frequently (e.g. inside dust filters)
21—An area in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely to occur, occasionally, in normal operation (e.g. bag tipping)
22—An area in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only (e.g. packing lines)

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.

Book your DSEAR Assessment today

Call 01224 798 635 or email info@epitgroup.com.

Booking Form - ECS Health and Safety Assessment

Please complete the form below and a member of our admin team will contact you regarding available dates.

Terms & Conditions
  • You are agreeing to pay all fees and expenses associated with the selected course.
  • Payment is required before commencement of the course.
  • The course fee includes refreshments, lunch and course material.
  • Failure to attend without prior cancellation will result in the loss of the fee.
  • Results will not be issued until payment has been received.
Cancellation Charges
  • 15 working days or less prior to the course start date, 100% cancellation charge will apply.
  • 16-20 working days prior to the course start date, 50% cancellation charge will apply.
  • 21-25 working days prior to the course start date, 25% cancellation charge will apply.

Read EPIT Group’s full Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

CompEx Entry Requirements Guidance

Gases & Vapours (EX01 – Ex04)

Electrical / Instrument Craftpersons & Engineers Install, Inspect & Maintain: Gas & Vapours

Header Column #1
IndustriesPrincipal 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

CompEx Entry Requirements Guidance

Gases & Vapours (EX01 – Ex04)

Electrical / Instrument Craftpersons & Engineers Install, Inspect & Maintain: Gas & Vapours

Header Column #1
IndustriesPrincipal 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