Military
Military DSEAR risk assessment expertise
We have provided DSEAR risk assessments and hazardous area classification for military environments across the UK, including airbases, training facilities, defence estates and new-build infrastructure projects.
These environments often involve large-scale fuel storage and distribution systems, maintenance operations and specialist facilities where flammable substances are present. Our work focuses on ensuring compliance with DSEAR alongside MOD-specific standards, supporting both operational safety and design-stage verification.
Integral – RAF Honnington
The challengeAn independent survey of the new LPG heating installation associated with the four additional HAS structures at RAF Honington IP31 1EE was undertaken in March 2013 at the request of the project manager of …
RAF Shawbury
The challengeA visit was made to the MOD Royal Air Force station at Shawbury, Shropshire on 20th January 2015 to consider compliance in respect of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). RAF …
Landmarc ISS
The challengeLandmarc ISS manages extensive training and operational facilities for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). The DIO requested an update and review of Hazardous Areas within their training establishments nationally. As part of this we …
RAF Lossiemouth
The challengeA request was made by The Ministry of Defence (MoD) Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) agency to to carry out an independent review as regards compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations …
DSEAR risk assessments for military bases, fuel systems and defence infrastructure
Military environments present a unique combination of DSEAR risks due to the scale of operations, the range of hazardous substances in use and the complexity of the estates involved.
Typical risk areas include:
- Aviation fuel storage, transfer and dispensing systems
- Bulk LPG and fuel installations
- Paint shops and coating operations
- Maintenance workshops and vehicle servicing areas
- Battery charging and hydrogen generation
- Petroleum, oil and lubricant (POL) storage and handling
- New-build hangars and infrastructure projects
- Training facilities and distributed estate operations
Across defence sites, flammable liquids and gases are often stored and handled in significant quantities, with fuel systems forming a critical part of operations. These systems must be carefully assessed to ensure that risks from vapour release, ignition sources and operational activities are effectively controlled.
In addition, many military environments involve large or geographically dispersed estates, requiring a consistent and structured approach to DSEAR compliance. This may include reviewing existing assessments, updating hazardous area classifications and ensuring alignment with MOD guidance such as JSP standards.
Our DSEAR assessments consider both existing operations and new developments, including design-stage reviews where required. This ensures that hazardous area classification, ventilation, storage arrangements and ignition controls are properly defined before facilities become operational.
Clear, structured reports and zoning drawings are provided to support compliance, along with practical recommendations to help manage risks across complex defence environments.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Military sites must comply with DSEAR where dangerous substances such as fuels, gases or flammable liquids are present.
The main risks are typically associated with fuel storage and transfer systems, maintenance activities, paint operations and battery charging areas.
Yes. DSEAR assessments are often carried out at the design stage to ensure hazardous areas, ventilation and control measures are correctly specified before construction is completed.
This usually involves a structured approach with consistent assessments, updated hazardous area classifications and alignment with MOD-specific standards and guidance.