Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015

Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (variant 1, 1952-2022)

== Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 ==

The Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 (COMAH) is a set of regulations in the United Kingdom that aim to prevent and mitigate the impact of major accidents involving dangerous substances. These regulations were introduced to align with the European Union's Seveso III Directive, which sets out requirements for the control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances.

Background

The Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 build upon previous legislation in the UK, such as the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999. The primary objective of these regulations is to ensure the safety of workers, the public, and the environment by reducing the risks associated with the handling and storage of hazardous substances.

Key Provisions

The COMAH Regulations 2015 apply to establishments where dangerous substances are present above specified thresholds. These establishments are known as "top-tier" and "lower-tier" sites, depending on the quantities of hazardous substances they handle.

Key provisions of the regulations include:

1. Safety Reports: Top-tier establishments are required to prepare safety reports detailing the potential major accident hazards on-site and the measures in place to prevent and mitigate such accidents.

2. Emergency Plans: Establishments covered by the regulations must have emergency plans in place to respond effectively to major accidents and protect workers, the public, and the environment.

3. Competent Authority: The regulations designate the Competent Authority, which is responsible for enforcing compliance with the regulations and assessing safety reports submitted by establishments.

4. Information to the Public: There are requirements for establishments to provide information to the public about the major accident hazards present on-site and the measures in place to control these hazards.

Enforcement and Compliance

The Competent Authority, comprising the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency in England, is responsible for enforcing the COMAH Regulations 2015. Inspections and audits are conducted to ensure that establishments are complying with the regulations and taking appropriate measures to prevent major accidents.

Non-compliance with the regulations can result in enforcement action, including improvement notices, prohibition notices, and, in severe cases, prosecution.

See also

• Seveso III Directive
• Health and Safety Executive
• Environment Agency (England)