About DW Consulting Services
DW Consulting Services is an independent process safety consultancy specialising in DSEAR and ATEX compliance.
Based in Scotland and supporting organisations throughout the UK and Ireland, our experienced DSEAR consultants help clients identify, assess and control fire and explosion risks arising from dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres.
We provide specialist support with DSEAR risk assessment, hazardous area classification, DSEAR verification, DSEAR assessment reviews, and practical DSEAR training.
Our goal is simple: to keep people safe from fire and explosion hazards while providing clear, proportionate and pragmatic advice.
DW Consulting Services was established by David Watts in 2023 following more than a decade of engineering and process safety experience across the manufacturing, energy, food and drink, and industrial sectors.
The consultancy was created to provide pragmatic safety advice and support with a focus on DSEAR and ATEX compliance. When you work with us, you have direct access to experienced engineers who specialise in DSEAR and ATEX, understand your projects, your processes, and the practical constraints affecting your site.
We provide sufficient technical detail to demonstrate compliance and properly control hazards, while ensuring our reports remain clear, proportionate and easy to implement. We strive to be flexible in our approach and build strong relationships with our clients on their path to compliance and a safer workplace.
Specialist DSEAR Consultancy
DSEAR is a specialist area requiring an understanding of dangerous substance properties, process design, fire and explosion behaviour, hazardous area classification, ignition sources, and risk-control measures.
Our chemical engineering background and real-world experience allows us to identify credible hazards and assess how dangerous substances are actually stored, handled and processed - not simply apply generic checklists or standardised recommendations.
Our UK DSEAR consultancy services include:
Why Choose Us?
Specialist Knowledge - DSEAR and ATEX compliance are at the centre of our consultancy services rather than being a small part of a wider general health and safety offering.
Pragmatic and Proportional Advice - Our recommendations are intended to improve safety and achieve compliance while recognising operational, engineering and commercial constraints.
Clear Deliverables - Our reports clearly explain the hazards, assessment methodology, basis of safety, required control measures and actions necessary to achieve compliance.
Independent Support - We are independent of equipment manufacturers and suppliers. Our recommendations are based on the needs of the process and the risks present rather than the sale of a particular product or system.
Continued Support - Our involvement doesn’t end when a report is issued. We help clients interpret findings, review proposed solutions, respond to design changes, and verify that recommendations have been properly implemented.
DSEAR Experience Across a Wide Range of Sectors
Our consultants have completed DSEAR and ATEX assessments for organisations operating across a broad range of industrial sectors, including:
Food and drink manufacturing
Energy centres and utilities
Manufacturing and engineering
Warehousing and distribution centres
Power generation
Waste and recycling
Waste water treatment
Battery manufacturing and recycling
Chemical and pharmaceutical facilities
Biomass and anaerobic digestion
Meet David Watts
David Watts is the founder and director of DW Consulting Services and a chemical engineer specialising in DSEAR, ATEX compliance and process safety.
A graduate of the University of Strathclyde, David has built his career working across a range of industrial sectors in the UK and internationally, including a period living and working in Germany. This experience has given him a broad understanding of different engineering practices, regulatory environments, and the practical challenges faced by organisations operating hazardous processes.
David specialises in helping clients identify and manage fire and explosion risks associated with flammable gases, vapours, liquids, mists and combustible dusts. His work includes DSEAR risk assessments, hazardous area classification, verification of overall explosion safety, technical peer reviews, and training.
Alongside his DSEAR and ATEX consultancy work, David facilitates HAZID and HAZOP workshops across a wide range of sectors. He works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to identify credible hazards and practical risk-reduction measures.
David founded DW Consulting Services to provide clients with direct access to experienced engineering support. His approach combines technical rigour with clear communication, proportionate recommendations, and practical solutions that can be implemented in the real world.
Commercial and public-sector estates
Hotels and leisure
Hospitals
Offices
Sports venues
Expert Support for DSEAR and ATEX
Our team supports clients across the UK with all aspects of DSEAR compliance, including:
If you need clarity or guidance, get in touch - we’re here to help.