Ensuring safety and regulatory compliance in high-hazard industries is more than a legal requirement. It is a commitment to protecting people and the environment. Developing a robust framework under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations 2015 needs a systematic approach to identify, prevent and mitigate major industrial accident hazards. This is how an organisation can achieve compliance.
1. Determine your tier
The first step is to find out whether you handle dangerous substances at or above specific qualifying quantities. Depending on the volume and type of chemicals, such as explosives, flammable gases or toxic substances, your site is classified as either Lower Tier or Upper Tier.
2. Notification and general duties
All operators must notify the competent authority (such as the HSE) of the details of their establishment and the substances involved. Operators also have a general duty to take all measures necessary to prevent major accidents and to limit their consequences.
3. Develop a Major Accident Prevention Policy (MAPP)
Every COMAH establishment must prepare a written MAPP. It sets out senior management’s commitment to high standards of hazard control and must be put into practice through a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS).
4. Advanced requirements for Upper Tier sites
Upper Tier requirements are more rigorous. Operators must:
- Prepare a detailed Safety Report that demonstrates major accident hazards have been identified and adequate safety measures are in place.
- Develop Internal Emergency Plans and provide information for External Emergency Plans, so that any incident is met with a coordinated response.
- Give clear information to the public about safety measures and the behaviour expected of them during an accident.
The challenge of compliance
The route to COMAH compliance can be daunting. It involves complex aggregation rules, ALARP justifications and detailed technical assessments.
How EnTech can help
EnTech provides consulting services for every stage of the COMAH journey, from initial inventory classification to the preparation of complex Safety Reports and Emergency Plans, so that your operations are safe, compliant and sustainable. Contact us at info@EnTech-Solution.com.