| ‘More central government support needed following major incidents’: Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board
The report's starting point is for operators to reassess the major hazard potential of their sites. Prior to Buncefield, violent explosions and fires engulfing many tanks were not judged as being credible events. Subsequent recommendations call for adequate preparations to contain a developing incident on the site and prevent it becoming a major incident. The greater part of the report deals with a major incident affecting the local area. It recommends a consistent approach in government for specified ministers to have responsibility for firstly the emergency phase, and secondly the recovery phase. It calls for special status (and central funding) for areas affected by a major incident and suggests this should begin without delay in the Buncefield area. Lord Newton, chairman of the Investigation Board said: "Our report calls on all those involved in dealing with major incidents to work together so that the emergency preparedness, response and recovery arrangements are made more effective. However much improvement is made in preventive measures, there can be no guarantee that a major incident will not occur." "These wide ranging recommendations are directed throughout the UK. They apply to operators, local authorities, primary responders, central and regional government, devolved administrations, and regulators. The measures we call for include better mutual aid and other collective arrangements across Britain to assure all aspects of potential emergencies are adequately catered for, including public health aspects." "The Buncefield incident had a huge impact on the lives of local residents and businesses, and we would like to acknowledge the great resilience of the local community and business in the ongoing recovery effort to bring about a return to social normality. We also applaud the efforts of many organisations in the impressive emergency response to Buncefield. This relied on initiative and good working relationships of the responders, dealing with an incident that had been unforeseen and therefore not planned for." Overall the Investigation Board is emphasising: * The need for review of and changes in thinking towards major incident risk management at COMAH sites by site regulators and operators; * The importance of emergency preparedness and response around COMAH sites, involving central and devolved government, all responders and the surrounding local community; and * The importance for clear ministerial/ lead and central financial support in dealing with a major incident, with appropriate provisions considered during both the incident and recovery phases. http://www.buncefieldinvestigation.gov.uk/
•Date: 17th July 2007• Region: UK •Type: Article •Topic: DR general
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