This is a question we rarely get directly asked, but we can definitely tell that clients are often bursting to ask when they receive quotes for these studies.
The answer is simple: you are paying for an expert, to help you comply with legislation, in a complex and broad ranging area.
Every week we are talking to operator companies who are grappling with DSEAR compliance, and trying to understand what they are getting for their money. So here’s a quick summary of the potential cost options, and how they can differ with respect to compliance and further work that might be needed.
Remember, DSEAR is applicable if you handle, store or produce flammable or combustible materials on your site, but the assessment needs only be as complex as necessary to suitably assess the risks present.
What are your cost options when purchasing a DSEAR Risk Assessment?
Tick box, basic assessment by HSE advisor qualified personnel.
These assessments would typically be done quickly, in a really low level of detail and would not generally satisfy the requirements of the DSEAR Regulations in terms of suitable and sufficient risk assessment.
They are unlikely to come with any ATEX zone designations, a critical aspect of DSEAR and required as part of hazardous area classification (to control ignition sources).
They definitely won’t come with any hazardous area classification drawings.
DSEAR Risk Assessment only – by suitably competent personnel
In this case you are paying for an expert, qualified and competent engineer to carry out the risk assessment in line with the regulations. By focusing on the DSEAR Risk Assessment you can satisfy some of the regulations – but not all. If the DSEAR RA identifies the need for hazardous area classification zoning, you will need to pay more for this, so it might be better to secure a fixed price for the whole job, rather than being asked to find additional funds half way through the process.
If your consultant can’t offer a fixed price, then at least get a ballpark cost from them, so you can understand the potential cost impact.
DSEAR Risk Assessment including Hazardous Area Classification
This option gives you maximum comfort that your obligations under the regulations – with respect to risk assessment and classification of zoned areas will be met. Securing a fixed cost up front will help to de risk the project, by removing any potential for “variations” which might otherwise be coming your way.
How to avoid hidden costs, or variations?
In order to avoid hidden costs or variations from your DSEAR supplier, it’s important that they are provided with all the information needed for the assessment up front and are made aware of all relevant areas. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Inventories of flammables or combustibles on site
- Site layout drawings and information on key operational areas handling, producing or storing flammables. Ideally you may have a HAZOP for a more complex process, or risk assessed operating procedures for manual operations
- MSDS (data sheets) for the flammable or combustible materials, which show the physical properties for the assessor
- Details on emergency procedures, training and competency and any ATEX inspection registers you might already have in place
- Details of any previous incidents – fires, explosions or near misses to be taken into consideration
As we have stated earlier, to avoid variations, try to ensure you get a fixed cost, including all expenses AND hazardous area classification drawings as part of the scope. These will be required to be in compliance with the Health and Safety Executive Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) for DSEAR, but are often left off the list by consultants to lower the initial cost of the study.
How do you know your supplier is “competent”
A competent DSEAR risk assessor should be able to demonstrate:
Qualifications, showing they are qualified to carry out the assessment – such as an engineering degree, demonstrating that they understand the fundamentals of fires, explosions and risk assessment.
Experience, showing they have carried out these types of assessments in the past, and can provide examples on request of the type of work they would deliver.
That they are able to produce Hazardous Area Classification drawings. If they can’t produce these, then it will be very hard to specify zoned areas for equipment selection.
What comes after the assessment?
Carrying out the DSEAR risk assessment is only the start. Once you have your report and recommendations, you need to address any compliance gaps to manage your DSEAR Risks. This is another area where working with a competent supplier will help greatly.
Instead of a list of confusing recommendations, they should be clear, understandable and relatable, so that you know how to fix any issues identified. A good DSEAR risk assessor should tailor the recommendations to the client, to ensure they can be interpreted correctly – and offer assistance to clear up anything that doesn’t make sense.
Want to know more about DSEAR costing – see our “how much does a DSEAR Risk Assessment cost” post here.