Energy Centre DSEAR Assessment: Residential Development Case Study
A commissioning-stage DSEAR risk assessment and hazardous area classification for a natural-gas-fired energy centre serving an East London residential development.
Sector
Energy Centres
Client
Confidential Developer
Location
East London
Project Stage
Commissioning
Project Scope
DSEAR Risk Assessment and Hazardous Area Classification (HAC)
Project Overview
DW Consulting Services was appointed to complete a DSEAR risk assessment and hazardous area classification for an energy centre serving a residential development in London. The facility included natural-gas-fired boilers, together with associated fuel-gas pipework and natural ventilation. The assessment considered credible releases of dangerous substances, potential ignition sources, ventilation effectiveness, and the suitability of equipment installed within or close to any hazardous areas. The work was undertaken during commissioning to support safe operation and demonstrate compliance with DSEAR.
Client Challenge
The energy centre used natural gas as a fuel, which is classified as a dangerous substance under DSEAR.
The energy centre had already been constructed and the DSEAR assessment was commissioned retrospectively, with a tight timeline for project handover. This meant that any remedial actions required to achieve compliance would potentially have significant cost and cause delays.
Technical Approach
Site Survey and Information Gathering
A site visit was arranged within a week of the initial enquiry to meet the tight project timelines, and a tailored information request was sent to the client.
The remaining information required to complete the assessment was gathered on site, including: gas pressure, gas and fire detection and actions when triggered, and ventilation arrangements (including velocity spot checks using a hot wire anemometer).
Hazardous Area Classification
The HAC was conducted using IGEM/UP/16 Edition 2, with calculations from BS EN 60079-10-1:2021 used to support the assessment. This, combined with the ventilation calculations and measurements taken during the site visit, allowed a Zone 2 Negligible Extent (NE) to be classified in the energy centre and gas meter room, which had previously been classified as a Zone 2 by the meter skid provider.
DSEAR Risk Assessment
A risk assessment in line with the requirements of Regulation 5 of DSEAR was carried out, taking into account the control and mitigation measures in place. This showed that the risks had been reduced to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP), and that relevant good practice measures had already been implemented.
Compliance Screening and Handover
A DSEAR Compliance Screening Assessment was also conducted. As the DSEAR assessment was commissioned by the designers who would hand over operation of the energy centre, a clear DSEAR compliance action list was developed for the operations team.
Project Outcome
The assessment established that a Zone 2 NE could be classified in the energy centre and gas meter room, avoiding the need to specify ATEX-certified equipment throughout the wider energy centre and gas-meter room, which removed the associated capital and operational costs. The DSEAR Compliance Screening Assessment provided a clear action list to allow the operations team to achieve compliance with all aspects of DSEAR upon handover.
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