Building and redevelopment
Building and redevelopment DSEAR risk assessment expertise
We have provided DSEAR risk assessments for a wide range of building and redevelopment projects, including large-scale commercial developments, infrastructure works, plant room refurbishments and new housing schemes across the UK.
These projects often involve flammable gases, fuels and naturally occurring hazardous atmospheres, particularly within energy centres, plant rooms, drainage systems and pumping stations. Our work focuses on identifying hazardous zones at both design and operational stages, ensuring appropriate controls are built into the project from the outset.
CoSourced Ltd
The challengeDSEAR Risk Assessments Ltd was commissioned by CoSourced Ltd in 2023 to undertake a DSEAR review of the process operations at as regards the basement energy centre at The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, …
Hastings & Eastbourne Hospitals
The challengeIn 2022 Imtech Engineering Services Ltd requested an assessment for a boiler plant room refurbishment, at Hastings Conquest Hospital, to consider compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), incorporating Amendment …
Persimmon Homes
The challengeA request was made by Persimmon Homes Ltd to consider compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) for the company’s new housing development at St. Edeyrn’s Village, Cardiff. The housing …
L. Greggain & Co. Ltd
The challengeA request was made by Roger Casey Associates (RCA) on behalf of L. Greggain & Co. Ltd to consider compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) for the company’s new …
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 …
BAE Systems Walney
The challengeBAE Systems is constructing a new airfield facility at Walney Island near Barrow-in Furness, and required an independent DSEAR RA as part of the RIBA design process. We were able to respond quickly to …
Redrow Homes Ltd
The challengeA request was made by Redrow Homes Ltd. to consider compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) for the company’s new housing development at Llanwern, Newport.The housing development footprint extended …
Hinkley Point C / Bouygues
The challengeBouygues Construction tendered the DSEAR RA and HAC package for Hinkley Point C ancillary buildings. We responded quickly and offered a fast and flexible turnaround as RIBA Stage 3 was already at an advanced …
Bath Spa University
The challengeBath Spa University is relocating its School of Art and Design, and required advice around DSEAR for the planned move, along with input into the RIBA design stage. We were able to offer a …
Plymouth City Council – The Box
The challengePlymouth City Council’s redevelopment of its Museum and Art Gallery required prompt engagement for assessing DSEAR risks for the spirit preserved specimen collection. RIBA Stage 3 had already been passed, and without reviewing the …
Enzo Homes
The challengeA request was made by Enzo’s Homes Ltd. to consider compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) for the company’s new housing development at Caerleon, Newport. The housing development footprint …
DSEAR risk assessments for building services, infrastructure and redevelopment projects
DSEAR considerations in building and redevelopment projects are often linked to how hazardous substances are introduced, stored or may naturally arise within new or modified environments.
Typical risk areas include:
- Energy centres, boiler rooms and plant installations
- Fuel storage systems and associated pipework
- Sewage pumping stations, foul sewers and drainage systems
- Underground service corridors and confined spaces
- Storage and use of flammable liquids and gases
- Specialist facilities such as hangars, laboratories or collections
In many developments, risks arise not only from stored substances but also from naturally occurring gases, such as methane in drainage systems, or vapours accumulating in confined or below-ground spaces.
A key aspect of DSEAR in this sector is ensuring compliance during the design process. This includes supporting RIBA stages, reviewing proposed layouts, and advising on the safe positioning of equipment, storage and ventilation systems before construction is completed.
Assessments typically consider ventilation strategies, ignition control measures, hazardous area classification and how substances may behave in real operating conditions. Where required, hazardous zoning drawings and calculations are produced to support design decisions and regulatory approvals.
As projects progress, DSEAR verification may also be required prior to commissioning, ensuring that installations meet regulatory requirements and are safe for operational use.
Frequently asked questions
DSEAR assessments are often required where flammable gases, liquids or vapours may be present, or where naturally occurring gases could accumulate – for example in plant rooms, energy centres or drainage systems.
Yes, particularly where infrastructure such as sewage pumping stations or underground systems are involved. Assessments are often required as part of approvals with water authorities under Section 104 agreements.
Yes, and it is often most effective at this stage. Early assessment allows hazardous zones, ventilation requirements and control measures to be designed in, rather than retrofitted later.
DSEAR verification is required before a hazardous area is brought into use. It confirms that equipment, installations and controls meet the required standards and are safe to operate.