UK begins consultation on bulk storage safety

27 June 2007 17:39  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS news)--The UK government on Wednesday began a consultation process on its policy to set out ways to improve conditions for the bulk storage of dangerous liquids.

 

The Buncefield fire in 2006 had prompted action to improve safety and environmental standards at major petroleum storage facilities in the UK, which could have implications on the chemicals sector.

 

The draft policy proposed to apply new standards on the protection of people and the environment on sites that store large amounts of petrol and other fuels according to specific risk.

 

The consultation was issued by the Competent Authority (CA), which comprises of the Environment Agency (EA), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

 

“Since the Buncefield accident we have worked closely with operators to ensure that lessons are learnt and where necessary their safety and environmental measures are improved,” said the EA’s head of industrial regulation Martin Bigg.

 

“The upgraded standards will apply immediately to any new sites so they comply with the best practice,” said Bigg.

 

He estimated that it would take existing sites 10 to 20 years to upgrade to comply with the policy.

 

By: Mark Watts
+44 20 8652 3214

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