Animal Feedstuffs
Animal feedstuffs DSEAR risk assessment expertise
We have carried out DSEAR risk assessments for a wide range of animal feed manufacturers, including feed mills, grain processors and specialist pet food producers across the UK.
These environments are typically centred around the handling and processing of grains, powders and feed ingredients, where combustible dusts can create explosive atmospheres if not properly controlled. Our work focuses on identifying hazardous zones, assessing existing control measures and providing clear, practical actions to support safe, compliant operations.
VION Llay
The challengeThe VION Mill occupies a large industrial site on the outskirts of Llay, Wrexham. Facilities allow manufacture of largely poultry feed to suit an extensive client base. Bulk material inputs include wheat, barley and …
Trouw Nutrition GB
The challengeA visit was made to Trouw Nutrition GB premises at Ashbourne, Derbyshire in September 2014 to consider compliance of their milk replacement plant in respect of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 …
Bartholomews
The challengeA visit was made to Bartholomew’s Limited at Chichester in July 2015 to consider compliance in respect of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). The key risk activities for the site …
Bob Martin
The challengeA visit was made to Bob Martin UK Ltd, Yatton, in December 2015 to consider compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). They are the manufacturer of some of the …
Bowerings
The challengeBowerings 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 …
WL Duffields & Sons Ltd
The challengeDuffield’s are manufacturers of animal feeds from four strategically placed mills which are UFAS approved. The business is focused on producing feeds for the pig, poultry, cattle, sheep, game and specialist feed sectors sold …
Duffields (South West)
The challengeDuffield’s are manufacturers of animal feeds from four strategically placed mills which are UFAS approved. The business is focused on producing feeds for the pig, poultry, cattle, sheep, game and specialist feed sectors sold …
Gilbertson & Page
The challengeGilbertson and Page are manufacturers of dry dog and cat food biscuits for the commercial and retail pet care sectors. The site production was approximately 40,000 tonnes in 2016.The company contacted Mesh to carry …
United Feeds
The challengeUnited Feeds operates two sites in Northern Ireland, at Belfast docks and Dungannon. The sites operate near continuously producing mainly dairy feed for the NI dairy and beef industry. We were awarded to contract …
Newhay Feeds
The challengeA visit was made to Newhay Feeds site at Woodhall, South Duffield, in 2020 to consider compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), incorporating Amendment 1: June 2015. Newhay is …
DSEAR risk assessments for animal feed mills and grain processing environments
Animal feed production environments present consistent DSEAR risks due to the presence of combustible organic dusts generated during handling, grinding, conveying and storage processes.
Typical risk areas include intake pits, silos, milling and sieving operations, transfer points, mixing and pelleting processes, and bagging or packing areas. Fine dust from grains, seeds and powders can form explosive atmospheres when dispersed in air, particularly where ventilation or housekeeping is not sufficient.
Even small ignition sources – such as overheated equipment, static discharge, sparks or poorly maintained plant – can lead to fire or explosion if dust is present at the right concentration.
In addition to dust hazards, some sites also involve flammable liquids, gases, heating systems and waste materials that can increase overall risk. The DSEAR assessment considers how these substances and processes interact across the site, rather than reviewing them in isolation.
Where controls are already in place, the focus is on confirming hazardous area classifications, reviewing ventilation and extraction performance, and identifying any gaps against current regulations and best practice. Recommendations are then provided as a clear, prioritised action plan to help maintain safe and compliant operations.
Frequently asked questions
In most cases, yes. The handling and processing of grains, powders and feed ingredients generates combustible dust, which can create explosive atmospheres under certain conditions.
The primary risk is dust explosion from fine organic particles generated during grinding, conveying and storage. These dusts can ignite and cause fire or explosion if present at sufficient concentration.
Higher-risk areas typically include silos, conveyors, mills, transfer points, bagging areas and dust extraction systems – particularly where dust may escape or accumulate.
Effective dust extraction and ventilation, good housekeeping, planned maintenance, appropriate equipment specification and control of ignition sources are all critical to reducing DSEAR risk.