CIA welcomes safety measures after UK fuel blast

12 October 2006 18:43  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS news)--UK’s Chemical Industries Association (CIA) on Thursday welcomed a call to take immediate measures to implement eight key action points following an investigation into the Buncefield incident last year. 

“Although the actions announced today refer to sites that specifically store or handle petroleum, the Chemical Industries Association recognises that there will be lessons learnt here which could be transferable to other major hazard sites in allied industrial sectors," Steve Elliott, CIA chief executive, said. 

Huge explosions and fire wrecked much of the Buncefield fuel storage depot near Hemel Hempstead near London, UK on 11 December.

The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Competent Authority/Industry Standards Task Group eight points of action would be implemented to further improve safety and environmental standards at major petroleum storage facilities throughout the UK.

The actions relate to: pipeline transfers; tank overfill prevention - operating safety margins and level alarms; fire safe shut-off valves and remotely operated shut off valves; containment - bunds and other measures; and shift handover.

CIA said it and its members have actively supported the task group by participating in its working groups since its formation in June 2006.

"In line with our responsible care guiding principles, we wholeheartedly embrace these actions as an opportunity to review and learn lessons that can improve safety," Elliott added.

By: Hilde Ovrebekk
+44 20 8652 3214

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