Reduce risk and maintain compliance with our specialist risk management services.
We’re proud to be a leading provider of complete life cycle risk management solutions. From ensuring asset safety and legal compliance with our thorough engineering inspections to driving operational efficiency with our specialist non-destructive testing services, (and much more in between), we’re proud of the long-lasting partnerships we have formed with our customers over the last 160 years, based on the value of our solutions.
Hazardous Area Electrical Inspection Services
Safely inspect electrical installations in hazardous areas with BES Group
Within hazardous environments, it’s crucial to ensure that all electrical installations and equipment are installed and operated in line with Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). At BES Group, we’re proud to be NICEIC Hazardous Area approved contractors, assessed as competent to deliver electrical work aligned with requirements BS 7671 and BS EN 60079. We also provide end-to-end solutions on existing audits, to check if your commercial electrical installations align with 60079-14 and 60079-17 standards.
We’re proud to deliver comprehensive DSEAR inspections
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What is a Hazardous Area?
Hazardous areas are environments that store or handle dangerous substances, which are interpreted under DSEAR legislation as being explosive, flammable, or oxidising. Dangerous substances have an increased likelihood of causing severe risk, due to volatile chemical properties that can cause fires or explosions if not handled or stored correctly. This also includes hazardous dust, that may be distributed from foodstuffs or machinery operations which can form an explosive mixture if exposed to air or explosive atmospheres.
Dangerous substances can be found in most workplaces and can include substances such as:
- Flammable and pressurised gases
- Petrochemicals
- Paints, varnishes, and solvents
- Corrosive substances
- Fertilisers
- Hazardous dust (In the form of fibrous material or solid particles)
Hazardous Area Electrical Inspections at BES Group
Our experienced electrical engineers hold CompEx competency certification modules Ex01-Ex08, which means we’re competent in conducting inspections and surveys within gas, dust, and fuel forecourt classified hazardous area locations. We also conduct third-party audits on any existing Hazardous Area Electrical Inspections, to verify compliance with BS EN 60079 series of explosive atmosphere standards.
We provide Hazardous Electrical Inspections across several industries such as:
- Oil and Gas
- Petrochemical
- Pharmaceutical
- Manufacturing
- Food and Beverage
Our Hazardous Area Electrical Inspection process
At BES Group, our Hazardous Area Electrical Inspections are conducted in line with the BS EN 60079-17 Electrical Installations Inspection and Maintenance standard for explosive atmospheres. We ensure all regulatory requirements are implemented, so that premises which store and handle dangerous or flammable substances are kept safe.
Equipment should undergo an initial inspection before it is introduced into service, this is a precautionary measure to identify any potential issues before operation. Once in service, all electrical installations and equipment within hazardous environments should be periodically inspected at least every three years. The frequency of inspection should not exceed this time frame.
There are three types of periodic DSEAR inspection:
- Visual Inspection: A visual inspection is conducted to identify any immediate safety concerns, which may pose an ignition risk.
- Close Inspection: This involves inspecting the electrical installation with tools, to determine the safety of the installation within a hazardous environment.
- Detailed Inspection: This is a more thorough inspection, that involves isolating and dismantling electrical apparatus to check the safety of internal parts and installation methods.
Benefits of Hazardous Area Electrical Inspections
Workplace safety
Avoid dangerous accidents by ensuring electrical installations and equipment are kept safe with DSEAR / ATEX inspections.
Safeguard people
Prioritise the safety of visitors and employees that may be present around hazardous substances in your commercial premises.
Legal compliance
Periodic DSEAR / ATEX inspections are your legal responsibility. Ensure they are conducted regularly across all electrical installations in hazardous areas.
Workplace safety
Avoid dangerous accidents by ensuring electrical installations and equipment are kept safe with DSEAR / ATEX inspections.
Safeguard people
Prioritise the safety of visitors and employees that may be present around hazardous substances in your commercial premises.
Legal compliance
Periodic DSEAR / ATEX inspections are your legal responsibility. Ensure they are conducted regularly across all electrical installations in hazardous areas.
Hazardous Electrical Area Inspection FAQs
How can I prepare for a Hazardous Electrical Area Inspection?
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We can work with you to ensure that Hazardous Electrical Area Intrusive Inspections are conducted during operational downtime, to minimise disruption to your business. This also includes providing inspections during shutdown periods, where inspections are most efficient.
Read our guide on how to manage a factory shutdown.
What is ATEX?
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Under European directives, ATEX is the term for the 2 main directives which are responsible for the control of dangerous and explosive atmospheres known as:
- 99/92/EC ATEX 137 also known as the ATEX Workplace Directives.
- 94/9/EC ATEX 95 also known as the ATEX Equipment Directive.
Both directives are responsible for improving the health and safety for workers which work within hazardous conditions, that may be deemed as a potentially explosive atmosphere. The HSE under DSEAR, have also implemented the safety directive ATEX 137 which outlines DSEAR inspections.
What are DSEAR inspections?
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DSEAR stands for Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) and this is a UK legal regulation set by the HSE. A DSEAR inspection, often referred to as a Hazardous Area Electrical Inspection, is a duty on behalf of the employer to ensure their workplace is safe for all personnel that may be put at risk due to the presence of dangerous or explosive substances.
How often should electrical items in hazardous areas be examined?
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Electrical installations and equipment within hazardous environments should be periodically inspected at least every 3 years in accordance with BS EN 60079-17 & BS 7671.
Learn more about Fixed Wire Testing for commercial premises.
What are the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002?
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Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) requires employers to eliminate risks from fire and explosions associated with hazardous areas. DSEAR regulations are a legal requirement that both employers and self-employed must adhere to, to protect against the risk of fire and explosions in the workplace.
Our Credentials
View all our accreditationsNICEIC
BES Group Electrical Ltd. - British Engineering Services Limited
CompEx
BES Group Electrical Ltd.
NICEIC
BES Group Electrical Ltd. - British Engineering Services Limited
CompEx
BES Group Electrical Ltd.
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