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Case Studies » Bowerings

The Challenge

Bowerings Animal Feeds in Bridgwater is an historic establishment adjacent to the town’s canal marina. They produce a range of organic and inorganic animal feedstuffs in bag and bulk for the retail and wholesale agricultural market.

After a visit from the regulatory body, a request for quick assistance was made in order to demonstrate acceptance of the need to bring the plant up to compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR).

Key areas of risk centred around the handling, processing and storage of feedstuff grains and powders, with associated dust explosion hazards.

The Solution Provided


Grain dust is combustible and adds to fire and explosion hazards within confined plant particularly. Combustible dust properties require strict housekeeping procedures and maintenance of key equipment to minimise risk to personnel and assets.

Adequate statutory checks are a critical requirement for relevant extraction, pressure systems and / or relief vents installed on-site. The safety of the operations relies heavily upon the operation of the dust handling system and the importance of PPM and inspection cannot be stressed highly enough.

With combustible dust it is also important to consider elevated temperatures and ensure that equipment in dusty areas is suitably rated.

A full review of plant operations, equipment and working procedures was undertaken to identify where potential hazardous zoning was needed and how and where sources of ignition could be removed. From the review a detailed report was presented to management with areas for improvement clearly identified in the action plan.

The regulatory guidance followed was as per BS EN 60079-10-2: Explosive Atmospheres – classification of areas – combustible dust atmospheres. Extensive Hazardous Area Classification was applied from the survey, and to support this a large number of HAC diagrams were developed and issued with the report.