What is it?
A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Risk Assessment assess locations where stationary batteries are installed against the requirements of BS EN IEC 62485-2. It ensures risks are controlled through design, ventilation, detection, and emergency measures.
Who it’s for?
Operators of energy storage sites, utilities, data centres, renewable energy projects, and transport hubs with large-scale battery rooms.
Why It Matters
When charging cells release hydrogen if not managed correctly through plant engineering design, management and operations. This gas can build to flammable concentrations be ignited causing devastating harm to people and plant.
How it’s done
- Review of the battery installation and charging arrangements..
- Assessment of ventilation requirements, and protective measures such as interlocks and gas detection .
- Integration with site emergency planning (DSEAR Regulation 8).
- Delivery of a written BESS risk assessment report.
The assessment is based on the requirements of DSEAR 2002, BS EN IEC 628485-2, BS EN 60079-10-1 and other relevant HSE guidance notes.
Typical industries & processes
- Renewable energy storage.
- Data centres (UPS systems).
- Utilities (grid-scale storage).
- Industrial UPS installations.
Deliverables
- BESS-specific DSEAR risk assessment report.
- Hazardous area classification (where required).
- Practical, prioritised recommendations for improvement.
Benefits
- Demonstrates competent assessment of the installation and controls.
- Supports compliance with DSEAR and relevant standards.
- Builds regulator, stakeholder, and insurer confidence.
- Identifies cost-effective improvements to design and operation.
Who delivers it
Our team of engineers with hazardous area and energy storage experience.
Example application
We completed the review of an installation for a power station UPS system that resulted in recommendations to improve ventilation and safeguards to negate the need for the whole room to classified as a hazardous area creating a localised zone around the batteries and greater operational flexibility for the client.
Water - Area Manager
“The E-learning is a great alternative to travelling to a classroom. We were able to sit the training while we waited for the weather to clear up. The team are very helpful, it was nice to be able to pick up the phone and speak to a real person – Thanks for your help Clio!”
Related Services
- Classroom
- Certified
- On-site
- Classroom
- Certified
- On-site
Benefits for Learners and Managers
- Foundation for safety culture: Establishes a common language and awareness of process safety across the workforce.
- Improved compliance: Supports regulatory requirements and industry standards set by the PSMCPB.
- Flexibility in delivery: Choose between direct delivery or train‑the‑trainer licensing to suit organisational needs.
- Reduced risk of incidents: Ensures staff understand their role in preventing accidents and responding effectively when things go wrong.
Course Content
- Introduction to process safety – definitions, key concepts and differentiation from occupational safety.
- Legislation and standards – overview of health and safety legislation relevant to high‑hazard industries.
- Hazard and risk identification – tools and techniques for recognising hazards and assessing risks.
- Mitigation measures and emergency response – understanding available mitigation measures and the role of emergency response.
- Consequences of process safety failures – case studies and workshop activities illustrating real-world impacts.
Key Information
Useful Information
- Service: BESS / Battery Room DSEAR Risk Assessment
- Core Standards: DSEAR 2002, BS EN IEC 62485-2, BS EN 60079-10-1, BS EN 60079-14, relevant HSE battery charging and hazardous area guidance
- Outputs: Site-specific BESS risk assessment, ventilation and gas detection review, zoning recommendations, prioritised action plan
- Linked Regulations: DSEAR / ATEX, Electricity at Work Regulations
- Review Frequency: Every 3–5 years, or following changes to battery type, capacity, layout, or ventilation
Who We Work With
- Operators of BESS and large battery rooms (grid-scale and behind-the-meter)
- Utilities, data centres and critical power / UPS operators
- Engineering, EC&I and process safety teams responsible for BESS installations
- Project and maintenance teams needing independent verification of designs and upgrades
Common Triggers for Review
- New or upgraded BESS or UPS installations
- Changes to battery technology, capacity, charging regime or room layout
- Modifications to ventilation, gas detection or containment arrangements
- Audit findings, incidents, or requests from regulators, insurers or fire authorities
Deliverables
- BESS-specific DSEAR compliance and gap report
- Reviewed or updated hazardous area classification for battery rooms
- Documented basis of safety for ventilation, detection and interlocks
- Practical, prioritised recommendations to improve safety and compliance
FAQs
Yes. Most battery technologies can release explosive gases during charging, so DSEAR applies to the assessment of these risks.
Yes. We provide recommendations on ventilation, detection, interlocks, and other protective measures as part of the assessment.
To discuss your current DSEAR and HAC status or schedule a site review:
📧 support@ecfio.co.uk | 📞 +44 (0)19 3296 3463