What Is It?
DSEAR Verification is the independent check of hazardous area equipment and installations before use. It ensures compliance with Regulation 7(4), which states there must be ‘verification of the overall explosion safety of the workplace before it is used for the first time.’
Who It’s For?
Sites with new or modified installations in hazardous areas.
Why it matters
The verification process confirms that the plant, equipment, protective systems, safety devices, components and their combinations, and the building/structure housing them, are suitable for use with the dangerous substances that are to be used in the workplace and the classification of potentially explosive atmosphere that may exist.
How this is done
Verification must answer 5 key questions:
- What are the hazardous properties and quantities of the dangerous substances used?
- Are the plant, equipment and protective systems selected suitable for operating in explosive atmospheres?
- Are work processes, operating procedures, and systems of work adequate to ensure the safety of personnel, operating, cleaning and maintaining the plant?
- Are the control measures applied effective in: Preventing the formation of explosive atmospheres? Controlling the risks from explosive atmosphere? Mitigating the effects of an explosion?
- Are the emergency arrangements in place effective?
This achieved through a combination of documentation review, on site sampling and review of supply chain competencies.
Typical industries & processes
- COMAH facilities.
- Oil & Gas: refineries, terminals.
- Utilities: water, biogas.
- Power: turbine halls, boiler houses.
- Food & Drink: distilleries, sugar mills.
Deliverables
- Verification report.
Benefits
- Provides independent assurance.
- Reduces risk of non-compliance.
Typical timeframe
1–2 weeks.
Who delivers it
Our team of competent engineers who are experienced in hazardous areas with detailed knowledge of Hazardous Area Classification, Ex Equipment installation, inspection and the requirements for overall explosion safety.
Example application
Verification of biogas facility upgrades provided regulator-ready documentation ahead of inspection.
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: DSEAR Risk Assessment & Hazardous Area Classification
- Standards: HSE L138, EI 15, IEC 60079-10-1 / -10-2, IEC 60079-14
- Outputs: DSEAR risk report, hazardous area classification drawings, and action plan
- Linked Regulation: DSEAR / ATEX
- Review Frequency: Every 3–5 years or following process modification
Who We Work With
- COMAH and high-hazard site operators
- Engineering and process safety teams
- Electrical, instrumentation, and control engineers
- Project and maintenance teams requiring verification and compliance
Common Triggers for Review
- Process or plant modification
- New or substituted substances
- Ventilation or containment changes
- Audit findings or equipment upgrades
- Regulatory or insurer requests
Deliverables
- Combined DSEAR and HAC report
- Zone drawings and supporting data
- Clear, traceable justification for classification decisions
- Recommendations for compliance improvement
FAQs
A DSEAR verification inspection is an independent check confirming that all electrical and non electrical installations in hazardous areas comply with DSEAR and IEC 60079 requirements. It verifies that explosion protection measures have been correctly designed, installed, and documented before first use.
Verification is required before a new or modified installation is brought into service in a hazardous area. It should also be repeated if there have been major equipment changes, layout modifications, or system upgrades affecting explosion safety.
Only competent personnel with hazardous area expertise in the field of explosion protection should conduct the verification. They must be independent of the original design or installation team to ensure objectivity.
A verification involves:
- Review of hazardous area classification drawings and DSEAR assessments.
- Review of design and equipment documentation.
- Review of competency of persons involved in design, installation and inspection.
- Review of initial inspection records for consistency with the installation.
- Confirmation that installed equipment matches design documentation and inspection records.
- Review of commissioning records to ensure all control measures are effective prior to operation.
- Review on site signage and emergency arrangements.
- Verification report and compliance certificate where applicable.
For a typical process area or small facility, verification takes one to two weeks depending on complexity, documentation quality, and accessibility of equipment. Larger COMAH or multi-plant sites and installations may require phased verification.
Any non-compliance findings are documented with clear corrective actions. Ecfio provides practical recommendations and can support remediation or re-inspection to close out findings before regulator or insurer review.
Yes. Regulation 7(4) of DSEAR requires “verification of the overall explosion safety of the workplace before it is used for the first time.” It is a legal requirement and a key part of demonstrating compliance with the ATEX framework.
Verification confirms that those control measures — including equipment and installation practices — have been implemented correctly and meet compliance standards.
- DSEAR risk assessment and HAC drawings
- Equipment schedules and Ex certificates.
- Inspection records Electrical and mechanical installation drawings
- Operating and maintenance procedures
To discuss your current DSEAR and HAC status or schedule a site review:
📧 support@ecfio.co.uk | 📞 +44 (0) [insert number]