DSEAR Verification | Explosion Safety Experts

What is DSEAR Verification?

A requirement of DSEAR is that, before a workplace containing hazardous areas is used for the first time, its overall explosion safety must be verified by someone who is competent in the field of explosion protection as a result of their experience and/or professional training.

This usually takes place around the commissioning stage of a facility or process, but engaging with an expert at the beginning and throughout the project will mean costly issues and delays can be avoided. Our practical DSEAR experience makes us well placed to assist you in making sure your workplace is safe to operate by providing a pragmatic route to a safe and compliant start-up of your facility.

DSEAR Verification Checklist

We take a systematic approach to DSEAR overall explosion safety verification to identify any critical gaps in compliance and ensure there is a clear basis of safety with appropriate documentation demonstrating this has been properly implemented.

Our verification process allows you to clearly demonstrate that DSEAR compliance has been achieved.

DSEAR Verification Process

DSEAR Verification Process
DSEAR Verification Process

Step 1: Data Request

We’ll request information about your process. This information will usually be contained within the following documents:

  • SDSs

  • P&IDs / PFDs

  • DSEAR Risk Assessment

  • Hazardous Area Classification

  • HAC Drawings

  • HAZID, HAZOP, LOPA, or other PHA studies

  • ATEX Asset Register

  • ATEX Initial Inspection Records

  • Emergency Response Plans

  • Commissioning Records

  • Training Records

Step 2: Review Basis of Safety

For each unit operation, the basis of safety will be determined. The following basis of safety categories are typically used:

  • Inherently Safe Design

  • Prevention of the Formation of an Explosive Atmosphere

  • Control of Ignition Sources

  • Exclusion of Personnel

  • Explosion Mitigation

We verify that the basis of safety is suitable, and review the documentation which supports it’s implementation. We also typically conduct a site visit to gather further information and view the process(es).

We record the findings in a tabulated report format which references each document reviewed, providing a clear audit trail and evidence of compliance.

Step 3: Perform Gap Analysis

Where any gaps in the documentation supporting the basis of safety are identified, these are clearly highlighted using a traffic light system and a recommendation is generated detailing how to close the gap and achieve compliance.

Our recommendations are designed to be specific and standalone, meaning that they can be read and actioned without referring to the main report.

An Excel action tracker is provided, forming a standalone list where owners can be assigned. This is designed to be shared with key project stakeholders to facilitate swift close-out.

If no gaps are identified, then our report will state that the facility is safe to operate in line with the requirements of DSEAR.

Step 4: Review Action Close Out

We will review the actions taken against the recommendations and state whether the action has been adequately addressed.

This allows actions to be closed, and provides a full document trail demonstrating that the facility is safe to operate in line with the requirements of DSEAR.