COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999)
The COMAH Regulations (which replaced the Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards (CIMAH) Regulations 1984) aim to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances and limit the consequences to people and the environment in the event of such an accident. Because of the focus on the protection of the environment and people, COMAH is regulated by a competent authority consisting of the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency (for England and Wales, or the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency in Scotland).
The regulations apply to establishments which use certain quantities of specified dangerous substances. Establishments are classified as lower tier or top tier depending on the quantity of dangerous substances stored on-site. Lower tier operators must notify the Competent Authority and prepare a Major Accident Prevention Plan (MAPP). Operators whose establishments qualify as top tier must also comply with the additional requirements to prepare a Safety Report and have an on-site emergency plan.
COMAH previously applied to approximately 1,200 establishments in the UK that have the potential to cause major accidents because they use, or store, significant quantities of dangerous substances such as chemicals, explosives, oil products or natural gas. Revisions to the text of the original EU Directive have resulted in the addition of several carcinogenic substances when present in specified quantities, the lowering of tonnage quantities for substances classified as 'dangerous for the environment' and the revision of the rules for the summation of the tonnages of dangerous substances present which may take some sites out of the regime. In addition, the existing requirements for informing the public around major hazard sites about what to do after an accident have been extended.
Pro Enviro have many years of experience in assisting clients manage their Health & Safety and Environmental responsibilities. This includes undertaking site reviews to determine the applicability of the regulations, formulation of site MAPP's and on-site emergency plans, as well as the provision of employee health and safety training. The recent revisions are likely to increase the number of sites that must adhere to COMAH requirements. Pro Enviro can provide cost-effective assistance to clarify and fulfil your company's responsibilities under these Regulations.
Please contact us if you think your organisation could be affected by COMAH, or if you think your organisations' responsibilities may have changed due to the recent revisions.
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