Job Title: Fire Safety Specialist

Location: Hinckley Point C - Bridgewater, Somerset

Pay:£436.03 PAYE or £606.58 Umbrella

Job ID:1798

Job Purpose / Overview

The DSEAR Specialist provides expert advice, assessment, and assurance on the safe management of dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres. The role ensures organisational compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002, supports safe operational practices, and reduces fire and explosion risk across the Hinkley Point C (HPC) project.

The DSEAR Specialist is part of a team of specialist fire safety and compliance professionals reporting to the fire safety manager. The role will also require collaboration with colleagues in the chemicals, environment, and electrical assurance teams.

The main purpose of the job is to provide specialist guidance and assessment of the requirements of DSEAR to the Principal Contractor to ensure that regulatory compliance is delivered and the risk and hazards presented to the site are fully understood across the site.

The post holder will also support and promote the development of a positive DSEAR awareness and compliance culture amongst a wide array of contractors and stakeholders, support the development and implementation of DSEAR systems and policies, undertaking DSEAR assessments and reviews, report on DSEAR relevant issues to personnel and committees, and general compliance across the HPC site.

Principal Accountabilities

- Act as the PC's SME for DSEAR providing specialist advice and guidance to the project and contractors.

- Conducting, reviewing, and approving DSEAR assessments to identify and evaluate risks associated with dangerous substances.

- Implementing and overseeing control measures to mitigate risks, such as fire prevention and explosion protection.

- Managing legal registers and ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, and non-regulatory provisions.

- Providing consultancy, advice, guidance, and regulatory support to ensure that all aspects of DSEAR compliance are met.

- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of HSE guidance, British Standards, and best practices in the field.

- Support the development of DSEAR arrangements (both general and process related) and procedures that meet legislative requirements and follow best practice.

- To develop, maintain, and review the implementation of the Principal Contractors DSEAR policy and DSEAR management arrangements and assessments, in conjunction with the multitude of other contractors, as part of the process of ensuring legal compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

- Provide the regulators with confidence in the adequacy of DSEAR arrangements on site.

- Support the review of DSEAR risk assessments carried out by other organisations concerned with the HPC project.

- Anticipate future DSEAR needs on the construction site based on the anticipated risk profile.

- Support construction to continue in line with the project leads whilst ensuring legislative compliance and the HPC zero harm ambition.

- Delivering monthly and annual objectives, goals, and KPIs to support the project.

- To support investigation into DSEAR related incidents on the construction site and at its associated development areas.

- To maintain an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of matters relevant to the post (including best sector practices and regulations) by means of literature searches, contacts with professional bodies, attending relevant meetings, courses, and conferences.

- Support the HPC Fire and Rescue/Emergency Preparedness/Health and Safety Teams.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential Skills & Knowledge

- In-depth knowledge of DSEAR 2002, ATEX Directives, and relevant ACoPs.

- Strong understanding of explosion science, hazardous properties, CLP, and ignition source control.

- Experience conducting DSEAR assessments and hazardous area classification.

- Ability to interpret engineering drawings.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a pragmatic approach.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to simplify technical content.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

- Degree in Engineering, Fire Safety, Process Safety, Chemistry, or related discipline.

- DSEAR-specific training or competency accreditation (e.g., CompEx Ex12 and Ex14, NEBOSH Fire/Process Safety).

- Experience in COMAH, process industries, manufacturing, labs, or fuel environments.

- Experience auditing Ex-rated equipment and installations.

Core Behaviours

- Safety-focused: Championing a positive safety culture and high compliance standards.

- Detail-oriented: Able to spot subtle hazards and interpret complex data accurately.

- Professional integrity: Makes sound, evidence-based judgments.

- Collaborative: Works confidently with multidisciplinary teams.

- Clear communicator: Able to influence at all levels and explain risk in simple terms.

- Proactive: Anticipates risk and drives continuous improvement

Additional Requirements

- A good level of knowledge of general fire safety arrangements for construction sites and complex sites, along with fire safety equipment and systems.

- A good working knowledge/understanding of process fire risk in relation to high-risk activities.

- An understanding of fire safety implications in relation to DSEAR.

- Self-motivated and able to manage their own work priorities and actions.

- Ability to assimilate, analyse and present complex problems, identify necessary action, make recommendations and ensure actions are implemented.

- Understanding of the principles of risk assessment including dynamic risk assessment especially in a construction environment.

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