Sectors
Fire Safety & DSEAR Consultancy for Energy, EV & Hydrogen
EV charging, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and hydrogen infrastructure represent some of the fastest-growing and most technically demanding risk areas in UK fire and DSEAR consultancy. Each requires specialist assessment and hazardous area classification as the sector evolves rapidly.
Key fire and DSEAR considerations
EV charging infrastructure is now common across commercial, retail, residential and industrial premises. Charging lithium-ion batteries can generate hydrogen gas, creating a flammable atmosphere in poorly ventilated areas — requiring DSEAR assessment and hazardous area classification. Thermal runaway in lithium-ion battery packs creates a distinct and severe fire risk requiring specific emergency planning.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) — used for grid balancing, solar storage and commercial energy management — contain large quantities of lithium-ion cells and present substantial thermal runaway and fire risks. DSEAR assessments for BESS installations require careful consideration of ventilation, suppression, zone classification and emergency response.
Hydrogen infrastructure presents specific hazards due to hydrogen's wide flammability range (4–75% in air), low ignition energy and buoyancy. Hazardous area classification for hydrogen storage, dispensing and refuelling is a specialist area where detailed knowledge of the properties of hydrogen and relevant standards is essential.
Sector-specific risks
- EV charging — hydrogen gas release during charging, thermal runaway risk
- Lithium-ion battery packs — thermal runaway, fire and toxic gas release
- Battery energy storage systems (BESS) — large-scale thermal runaway scenarios
- Hydrogen storage, dispensing and refuelling — wide flammability range, low ignition energy
- Electrical infrastructure in potentially classified areas
- Ventilation adequacy for gas release scenarios
- Emergency response planning for novel hazard types
Common questions — Energy, EV & Hydrogen
Request a quote for Energy, EV & Hydrogen
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.