Northumbrian Water has awarded an AMP8 contract for DSEAR Consultancy and Implementation with an estimated value of £394,960 (excluding VAT) – the utility has approximately 7000 ATEX assets across both the Northumbrian Water and Essex and Suffolk operating areas.

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) oblige employers to assess and manage the risks associated with dangerous substances that could cause fires, explosions, or other hazardous events in the workplace requirement to ensure that across site infrastructure that fire and security equipment is maintained, repaired and installed to a high standard.

The water company was seeking a supplier to help it manage and mitigate risks relating to hazardous areas and to ensure compliance with DSEAR who could provide the following services:

• DSEAR Consultancy (in particular hazardous area assessment and management)
• ATEX Installation Design
• Electrical and Mechanical ATEX design, installation, inspection (initial and periodic in line with BS EN 60079) and maintenance.
• Maintain all associated compliance documentation (including but not limited to):
• Explosion protection documents
• Equipment Inspection Reports
• Hazardous Area Drawings

The successful supplier will be required to conduct all inspections and will work alongside Northumbrian Water's maintenance team to carry out inspections and remedial works.

Contract term is for an initial period of two years beginning 1st June 2026 and ending on 31st May 2028. with a further extension option for a period of 22 months to 31st March 2030. It can then subsequently be further extended for a period of five years to 31st March 2035.

The contract, which was was concluded on 26 May 2026, has been awarded to Gravesend-based firm Accomplish Consulting Ltd, one of four companies who bid for the work.