Sigma-HSE

Sigma-HSE We provide actionable solutions to ensure and maintain process safety in the work environment.

Sigma-HSE Ltd is a group of companies focused on the provision of technical services to industry in the fields of Health & Safety and the Environment. Our specialist testing laboratory in Wi******er generates test data on the flammability, explosivity and reactivity of dusts, liquids, gases and vapours. Our scientists and technicians are experts in this field and can quickly assess your dust testi

ng needs including Explosion Severity (Pmax and Kst, Minimum Explosive Concentration (MEC) and Limiting Oxygen Concentration (LOC)), Ignition Sensitivity (Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE), Minimum Ignition Temperature (MIT) and Layer Ignition Temperature (LIT), Thermal Stability (Bulk Powder Diffusion / Aerated Bulk Powder Diffusion Cell, Air Over Layer and Basket Safe Storage Temperature Testing) as well as Electrostatic Hazards (Powder Volume Resistivity and Charge Relaxation Time). Our Liquids, Gas and Vapour testing facility features tests such as Liquid Conductivity, Lower & Upper Flammable Limits (LEL / UEL), Flashpoint and Auto Ignition Temperature (AIT). All laboratory testing is rigorously controlled to comply with the latest versions of European and International test standards. Supporting the laboratory and providing on-site support is our dedicated team of Process Safety Consultants working from our offices in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Our range of specialist technical safety assessments including Comprehensive Safety Audits, HAZOP, DSEAR / ATEX, HAC, QRA, EPD, LOPA, SIL as well as training, and incident investigation.

What are the benefits of Process Safety Management?Business - With robust safety management in place, the risk of incide...
17/06/2026

What are the benefits of Process Safety Management?

Business - With robust safety management in place, the risk of incidents that could disrupt everyday workflows is significantly reduced, helping maintain business continuity, productivity, and operational efficiency.

People - Safer processes lead to safer people. Ensuring your teams are properly trained and protected increases confidence, competence, and overall wellbeing in the workplace.

Workplace - When process risks are clearly identified and effectively managed, your workplace becomes safer, more controlled, and significantly less vulnerable to incidents.

Environment - Reducing process risks also reduces the likelihood of environmental harm, helping your business operate more responsibly and sustainably.

Process Safety Management is essential for protecting your business and your people.

Does your process safety management need updating? Get in touch today: sigma-hse.com/contact

Explosion in Guangxi, China Kills 7 and Injures 17A deadly explosion in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has kil...
16/06/2026

Explosion in Guangxi, China Kills 7 and Injures 17

A deadly explosion in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has killed at least seven people and injured 17 others, according to local authorities. The incident occurred on June 11th and triggered a large-scale emergency response as rescue teams worked to secure the area and assist casualties.

All injured victims were transported to hospital for treatment, with authorities reporting that none were in critical condition. Emergency services were deployed immediately following the blast, while recovery operations continued at the scene.

Officials have not yet disclosed the exact location of the explosion or the circumstances that led to the incident. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause and assess whether any safety violations or operational failures contributed to the event.

Industrial explosions can result from a variety of hazards, including combustible dusts, flammable gases, chemical reactions, pressurised equipment failures, or inadequate control of hazardous materials. Determining the root cause is critical to preventing similar incidents.

Key industrial safety measures include:

🔹 Comprehensive hazard identification and risk assessments
🔹 Strict management of flammable, explosive, and reactive materials
🔹 Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment and safety systems
🔹 Process monitoring and alarm systems for abnormal operating conditions
🔹 Effective ventilation and explosion prevention controls
🔹 Worker training on emergency procedures and hazard awareness
🔹 Permit-to-work systems for high-risk maintenance activities
🔹 Robust emergency response and evacuation planning

You can read more about this incident here: https://www.khaama.com/7-killed-17-injured-in-explosion-in-southern-china/

How robust is your DSEAR assessment when operating conditions move away from the design basis?We recently worked with a ...
16/06/2026

How robust is your DSEAR assessment when operating conditions move away from the design basis?

We recently worked with a wastewater infrastructure client requiring a DSEAR assessment for two underground sewerage pumping stations to support a Section 104 adoption agreement with the local water utility.

Our team conducted a comprehensive DSEAR assessment, evaluating fire and explosion risks under both normal and abnormal operating conditions. This included reviewing hazardous area classifications, assessing potential ignition sources, verifying ATEX equipment suitability, and establishing a Basis of Safety for each pumping station in line with DSEAR 2002, BS EN 60079-10-1, and Water UK's SSG7 guidance.

Want to know the results? https://sigma-hse.com/case-studies/dsear-pumping-station-adoption/

Worker Killed in Oven Explosion at Vibrantz Pigment Factory in SpainA fatal industrial accident occurred shortly after m...
15/06/2026

Worker Killed in Oven Explosion at Vibrantz Pigment Factory in Spain

A fatal industrial accident occurred shortly after midnight on June 9th at the Vibrantz pigment manufacturing plant in Laudio, Spain, when an industrial oven exploded during routine operations. A 49-year-old maintenance worker, a local resident, was killed in the incident.

Emergency services, including firefighters and occupational safety investigators from Osalan, were dispatched to the site following the explosion. Authorities stated that the blast occurred during a routine procedure, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

The facility immediately suspended production activities for two days while investigations and safety assessments are conducted. Worker representatives have also convened meetings to discuss potential actions following the fatality.

Industrial ovens used in pigment and chemical manufacturing often operate at elevated temperatures and may involve combustible materials, pressurised systems, or volatile compounds. Failures in process controls, equipment integrity, or maintenance procedures can result in catastrophic incidents.

Key safety measures for industrial thermal processing operations include:

🔹 Routine inspection and maintenance of ovens, burners, and associated safety systems
🔹 Pressure relief and explosion protection systems where applicable
🔹 Continuous monitoring of temperature, pressure, and process conditions
🔹 Strict permit-to-work procedures during maintenance activities
🔹 Hazard identification and risk assessments for non-routine operations
🔹 Emergency shutdown systems and operator training
🔹 Investigation and management of equipment defects before restart
🔹 Robust occupational safety oversight and process safety management

You can read more about this incident here: https://diarioeuskadi.eus/en/cantabrica-alavesa/general/worker-dies-in-laudio-after-explosion-at-vibrantz-factory

Do you need help with your fire safety strategy?At Sigma-HSE, we don’t just assess - we advise, support, and guide you t...
15/06/2026

Do you need help with your fire safety strategy?

At Sigma-HSE, we don’t just assess - we advise, support, and guide you through every step.

Our fire safety experts help you interpret findings, prioritise actions, and implement practical, effective controls.
Our ongoing support ensures you stay compliant and build a strong, lasting culture of fire safety within your organisation.

Find out more: https://sigma-hse.com/consultancy/fire-risk-assessment/

Industrial Park Fire Destroys Multiple Warehouses in MallorcaA major industrial fire at the Binissalem Industrial Park i...
12/06/2026

Industrial Park Fire Destroys Multiple Warehouses in Mallorca

A major industrial fire at the Binissalem Industrial Park in Mallorca, Spain, has destroyed several warehouses and caused extensive property damage after flames spread rapidly between neighbouring businesses.

Emergency services from Mallorca Fire and Rescue were called to the scene at approximately 1:30 a.m., where firefighters encountered a well-developed warehouse fire that had already spread beyond the initial building. The blaze is believed to have originated in a warehouse operated by a sports goods and equipment company before extending to at least two adjacent commercial premises.

The affected warehouses suffered significant damage, with several structures reportedly destroyed. No injuries have been reported, and authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire. Investigations are expected to examine potential ignition sources and the factors that allowed the fire to spread between buildings.

Warehouse and industrial park fires can escalate rapidly when large quantities of combustible goods, packaging materials, storage racks, and building contents are involved. Once fire breaches a single unit, adjacent structures may be exposed to intense radiant heat, smoke, and direct flame spread.

Key safety measures include:

🔹 Fire-resistant compartmentation and separation between warehouse units
🔹 Automatic fire detection and suppression systems
🔹 Adequate spacing between buildings and storage areas
🔹 Routine inspection of electrical installations and equipment
🔹 Strict control of combustible storage and packaging materials
🔹 Clear emergency access routes for firefighting operations
🔹 Structural fire protection to reduce collapse risks
🔹 Emergency response planning and regular fire safety inspections

You can read more about this incident here: https://www.majorcadailybulletin.com/news/local/2026/06/04/142947/warehouses-destroyed-mallorca-industrial-park-fire.html

Industrial Fire at Waste Recycling Centre in BelgiumA significant industrial fire broke out at a waste management and re...
11/06/2026

Industrial Fire at Waste Recycling Centre in Belgium

A significant industrial fire broke out at a waste management and recycling facility operated by Renewi in Seraing, Wallonia, Belgium, on the night of June 5th. The blaze originated in a large pile of stored wood at the site and required an extended firefighting operation that continued throughout the night.

Authorities reported that the fire was confined to the waste storage area and posed no immediate threat to nearby residents. No injuries were reported, and no public safety measures such as evacuations or shelter-in-place orders were deemed necessary. Preliminary indications suggest the fire may have been accidental, although the exact cause remains under investigation.

Waste recycling and storage facilities are particularly vulnerable to prolonged and difficult-to-control fires due to the presence of large quantities of combustible materials, variable waste streams, and the potential for hidden hotspots deep within stockpiles.

Key safety measures include:

🔹 Routine monitoring of waste and wood stockpiles for heat build-up and self-heating
🔹 Limiting pile sizes and maintaining adequate separation distances between stored materials
🔹 Installation of fire detection and thermal monitoring systems
🔹 Effective housekeeping and removal of combustible debris
🔹 Dedicated on-site water supplies and firefighting access routes
🔹 Regular inspection of machinery and equipment that could generate ignition sources
🔹 Emergency response planning for prolonged firefighting operations
🔹 Safe management of waste streams with differing fire characteristics

You can read more about this incident here: https://www.brusselstimes.com/2176555/industrial-fire-at-waste-centre-in-wallonia

☕ We're fully booked! All of our consultation slots for next month's Coffee With a Consultant sessions have been filled....
11/06/2026

☕ We're fully booked!

All of our consultation slots for next month's Coffee With a Consultant sessions have been filled. The team are looking forward to discussing your Process Safety questions!

If you didn't get a slot this time, you can join our priority list for our next round of sessions!

Our senior specialists will be available to discuss DSEAR/ATEX, HAZOP/HAZID, PSM, Chemical Process Evaluation, and Industrial Explosion Hazards Testing.

Sign up here 👇

https://sigma-hse.com/coffee-with-a-consultant/

Major Fire Destroys Honda Motorcycle Factory in SpainA major industrial fire has destroyed the Montesa Honda motorcycle ...
10/06/2026

Major Fire Destroys Honda Motorcycle Factory in Spain

A major industrial fire has destroyed the Montesa Honda motorcycle manufacturing facility in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, near Barcelona, Spain, forcing the evacuation of more than 150 employees and workers from neighbouring industrial premises.

The blaze engulfed the 20,000-square-metre factory, prompting a large-scale emergency response involving approximately 30 firefighting crews. According to Catalan fire authorities, the warehouse “burned completely,” with the fire consuming the interior of the facility and causing the collapse of the building’s roof structure.

Due to the intensity of the fire and the risk of further structural failure, emergency services evacuated nearby industrial units and instructed workers in surrounding businesses to remain sheltered. Firefighters worked to prevent the spread of flames to adjacent properties while also controlling secondary fires in nearby vegetation caused by radiant heat and embers.

The incident was brought under control several hours after the initial alarm, although firefighting teams remained on site overnight conducting surveillance, extinguishing hotspots, and monitoring the smoke plume.

Motorcycle manufacturing facilities contain a wide range of fire hazards, including combustible packaging, plastics, rubber components, fuel systems, lubricants, electrical equipment, and automated production processes.

Key safety measures include:

🔹 Comprehensive fire detection and automatic suppression systems
🔹 Strict management of flammable liquids, fuels, paints, and solvents
🔹 Fire compartmentation to prevent rapid fire spread between production areas
🔹 Routine inspection and maintenance of electrical and mechanical equipment
🔹 Hot work control procedures for welding, cutting, and maintenance activities
🔹 Smoke extraction and industrial ventilation systems
🔹 Emergency evacuation planning and workforce training
🔹 Business continuity and disaster recovery strategies for critical manufacturing operations

You can read more about this incident here: https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/spain-honda-motorcycle-factory-fire-evacuation

One of the things we hear most from our clients is how impressed they are with our fast turnaround times.At Sigma-HSE, w...
10/06/2026

One of the things we hear most from our clients is how impressed they are with our fast turnaround times.

At Sigma-HSE, we’re committed to delivering high quality service that fits your schedule.

Want to find out how we can support your needs? Get in touch today: https://sigma-hse.com/contact/

Address

Unit 2, Point, Moorside, Moorside Road
Wi******er
SO237RX

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 6pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 6pm
Thursday 9:30am - 6pm
Friday 9:30am - 6pm

Telephone

+441962840570

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