Sectors
Fire Safety & DSEAR Consultancy for Food Industry
Food production and processing sites face specific fire and explosion risks from combustible dusts — flour, starch, sugar and other fine organic materials that can form explosive atmospheres under the right conditions. DSEAR assessments and hazardous area classification are required wherever these substances are processed.
Key fire and DSEAR considerations
Food production facilities that process flour, sugar, starch, dried herbs or other fine organic materials are subject to DSEAR obligations. Combustible dusts can form explosive atmospheres — both in suspension (primary explosion) and as settled layers (secondary explosion) — and require careful assessment, zone classification and ignition source control.
DSEAR assessments for food industry sites include identification of dangerous substances, hazardous area classification, assessment of extraction and dust collection systems, and review of equipment used in classified zones. Reports are aligned with ACOP L138 and designed to satisfy insurers and the HSE.
Alongside DSEAR, food production sites require a fire risk assessment covering the general premises risks — escape routes, fire detection, means of escape from production areas, and fire safety management arrangements.
Sector-specific risks
- Combustible dust clouds — flour, sugar, starch, dried ingredients
- Dust explosion risk in milling, blending and conveying processes
- Extraction and dust collection systems
- Flammable cleaning chemicals and solvents
- Process plant and machinery ignition sources
- Bakery and oven environments — heat and flammable vapours
- Cold store electrical equipment in potentially hazardous areas
Common questions — Food Industry
Request a quote for Food Industry
Submit an enquiry with details of your premises. A member of the team will review the information and get in touch to discuss the scope and approach.