Oil and fuel depots across Britain must improve environmental and safety standards for the bulk storage of hazardous liquids, with the release of a new containment policy. The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Containment Policy has been developed by the COMAH Competent Authority (CA), comprising HSE, the Environment Agency and SEPA, in partnership with the oil and fuel industry following a three month public consultation. The new policy was developed in response to recent major incidents, including the one at the Buncefield fuel storage depot in December 2005, and reflects the comments made by industry, the general public and other interested parties.

The policy applies to sites that are subject to the Control of Major Accident Hazard (COMAH) Regulations 1999 and sets new standards for installations according to risk – taking into account the type of fuel and infrastructure on site, as well as proximity to surrounding communities and the environment. Installations where the risks to people and environment are greatest will be expected to have the highest standards.

The updated COMAH policy is to apply immediately to new establishments, and to any significant changes in equipment or operation at already existing establishments. The policy covers the upgrade of existing sites based on risk, as soon as it is practicable to do so. Further information about the policy is available from:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/containmentpolicy 
and
http://www.sepa.org.uk/news/releases/view.asp?id=647&y=2008
Source: www.environment-agency.gov.uk and www.sepa.org.uk (accessed 04/03/08) 

Relevant Training with JPD:
COSHH Course http://www.jpd.co.uk/courses/co.htm

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