Energy Generation & Renewables Safety
Specialist health and safety consultancy for energy from waste, anaerobic digestion, gas to grid and renewable energy facilities - from DSEAR assessments to process safety management.
Discuss Your RequirementsSpecialist Safety for a Complex Sector
Energy from waste and anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities present unique health and safety challenges. From the handling of hazardous biogas and digestate to the design and operation of complex process plant, these sites require specialist knowledge that goes beyond general Health & Safety consultancy.
Serene Safety has hands-on experience supporting energy generation operators across the UK, providing practical safety solutions for biogas plants, anaerobic digestion facilities, gas to grid installations, energy from waste (EfW) plants and thermal treatment sites. Our consultants understand the specific regulatory landscape, the process hazards involved and the operational realities of running these facilities safely.
No other local Health & Safety consultancy offers this depth of expertise in energy generation safety. We work with operators, developers and contractors to ensure compliance with the full range of applicable regulations while keeping safety management practical and proportionate.
Regulatory Expertise
Energy generation and AD facilities are subject to a complex regulatory framework. We provide expert guidance across all applicable legislation.
DSEAR Assessments
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require employers to assess and control risks from dangerous substances. Biogas, containing 50-65% methane, is classified as a dangerous substance under DSEAR. We carry out thorough DSEAR assessments for AD plants and biogas facilities, identifying hazardous area classifications, ignition source controls and the measures needed to eliminate or reduce explosion risk.
ATEX Compliance
The ATEX Workplace Directive (1999/92/EC, implemented in the UK via DSEAR) requires hazardous area classification and appropriate selection of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. We support operators with ATEX zone classification for biogas storage, processing and utilisation areas, ensuring equipment selection and installation meets the required Ex-rated standards.
COMAH Regulations
Larger energy generation sites may fall under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 (COMAH) depending on the quantities of dangerous substances held on site. We help operators determine whether COMAH applies, prepare COMAH notifications, develop major accident prevention policies (MAPPs) and produce safety reports for upper-tier sites.
CDM Advisory Services
Construction, modification and decommissioning of energy infrastructure falls under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. We provide Principal Designer duties and CDM advisory services, acting on behalf of the Principal Contractor or Client. This includes pre-construction information packages and construction phase plans for energy sector projects.
Process Safety Management
Energy from waste and anaerobic digestion operations involve complex processes where loss of containment, equipment failure or human error can have severe consequences. Our process safety support covers:
Biogas & Methane Safety
Biogas produced by anaerobic digestion typically contains 50-65% methane (CH4) and 30-45% carbon dioxide (CO2), along with trace contaminants including hydrogen sulphide (H2S). Methane is flammable with a lower explosive limit (LEL) of 5% and an upper explosive limit (UEL) of 15% in air. Hydrogen sulphide is acutely toxic, with workplace exposure limits (WELs) of 5 ppm (8-hour TWA) and 10 ppm (15-minute STEL). We help operators implement robust controls for:
- Gas detection and monitoring systems - fixed and portable
- Leak detection and repair (LDAR) programmes
- Pressure relief and venting systems
- Flare stack safety and emergency flaring procedures
- Biogas upgrading and injection equipment safety
Confined Space Entry
AD facilities contain numerous confined spaces including digesters, storage tanks, pipework, below-ground chambers and enclosed areas where hazardous atmospheres may accumulate. Under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, entry must only take place where there is no reasonably practicable alternative and must follow a safe system of work. We help operators develop:
- Confined space risk assessments and entry permits
- Atmospheric monitoring and ventilation procedures
- Emergency rescue plans and equipment requirements
- Training needs analysis for confined space entry teams
Thermal Treatment & EfW Safety
Energy from waste facilities using incineration, gasification or pyrolysis involve high-temperature processes, combustion systems and complex flue gas treatment. Our consultants provide safety support for:
- Furnace and boiler safety management
- Fuel handling and storage - including refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and solid recovered fuel (SRF)
- Ash handling and residue management
- Emissions monitoring and abatement equipment safety
- Planned maintenance and outage safety management
COSHH & Occupational Health
Workers at energy generation and AD facilities face exposure to biological agents, chemical substances and physical hazards. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), we conduct exposure assessments and develop control strategies for:
- Biological hazards from feedstock handling (e.g. food waste, agricultural waste, sewage sludge)
- Atmospheric monitoring for dusts, fibres and spores from bioaerosol exposure, dependent on the feedstock
- Chemical exposure from process additives, cleaning agents and water treatment chemicals
- Hydrogen sulphide and other toxic gas exposure
- Noise and vibration from CHP engines, pumps and processing equipment
- Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) selection and face-fit testing
Operational Safety
Beyond process safety, energy generation sites require robust operational safety management covering the full range of workplace hazards.
Permit to Work Systems
Design and implementation of permit to work systems for high-risk activities including hot work, confined space entry, electrical and mechanical safety rules, working at height and excavation on energy generation sites.
Contractor Management
Energy sites typically rely on specialist contractors for maintenance, construction and commissioning. We develop contractor management procedures, induction programmes and monitoring arrangements.
Emergency Planning
Major emergency response plans for gas release, fire, explosion and environmental incidents. We help develop, document and exercise emergency plans that meet regulatory requirements and are practical to implement.
Mechanical & Electrical Safety
Lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures, machine guarding, PUWER compliance and electrical safety management for process plant, CHP engines, switchgear and distribution systems - helping you achieve safety from the system.
How We Work With Energy Clients
Initial Consultation
We start with a phone or Teams consultation to understand your operation and establish your needs. Where required, we then visit your facility to assess the process, hazards, existing safety arrangements and regulatory requirements.
Gap Analysis & Prioritisation
We identify gaps in your current arrangements against applicable regulations (DSEAR, ATEX, COMAH, CDM, COSHH) and prioritise actions by risk level.
Deliverables & Implementation
We produce the required assessments, documentation and procedures, and support your team in implementing changes on the ground.
Ongoing Support
Many energy clients retain us for ongoing safety support, periodic reviews and assistance during planned outages, unplanned downtime, commissioning phases or regulatory inspections.
Get in Touch
Whether you operate an AD plant, a biogas facility or an energy from waste installation, we can help you manage safety effectively. Talk to us about your requirements.