Anaerobic Digestion
Our client includes a group of sites across Scotland, taking waste products from industry to produce Biogas and Biomethane. OTECSA Consulting have been engaged at various of these sites for project support, regular risk assessment updates and COMAH support.
The COMAH regulations apply to sites meeting criteria for upper or lower tier limits for hazardous chemicals and any site falling within the COMAH regulations require to carry out additional risk assessments and studies to ensure that the risk of major accident hazards are understood and mitigated.
Anaerobic digestion facilities all have unique features and are regulated under the DSEAR Regulations due to the presence of flammable gases produced in the production process. Some sites also fall within the COMAH Regulations due to the presence of flammable gases on site as stored biogas and upgrading propane.
DSEAR is required wherever there is combustible dust material or flammable liquids, vapours or gases either handled or produced. In this case, the digestion process produces a mixed gas of methane and carbon dioxide which is useful due to its flammable properties. Hazardous area classification is needed to calculate zoned areas to allow for correct selection of ATEX Rated equipment. DSEAR risk assessments are required to provide an understanding of site DSEAR controls required to minimise risks to personnel from fire and explosion scenarios.
The anaerobic digestion industry is a rapidly evolving industry and we are proud to play our part in keeping these sites safe and compliant with our practical and pragmatic process, safety and risk advice that we deliver through our consultancy services. As with many of our clients, we began working with Grissan at one facility and this evolved over time to cover various of their production sites due to the quality of delivery and responsiveness of our service.