Under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 (COMAH) we are required to prepare, review, test the external emergency plan for the two fuel distribution depots in Plymouth. Valero Logistics UK Limited and Greenergy Terminals Ltd – known as upper-tier COMAH sites.
Operator responsibilities
Operators with sites containing dangerous substances must take all measures necessary. To prevent and mitigate effects of major accidents to people and the environment.
Operators must be able to show adequate safety measures are in place. The COMAH Regulations are enforced by a Competent Authority. This consists of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency.
Thresholds
The Regulations have two thresholds based on the quantity of dangerous substances stored.
Lower tier
If the lower-tier threshold is either:
- reached
- exceeded
Operators must notify the Competent Authority and prepare a major accident prevention plan.
Upper tier
If the upper-tier threshold is either:
- reached
- exceeded
Operators must follow extra requirements to provide:
- a safety report
- an internal emergency plan
It is our responsibility to prepare an external emergency plan for each identified upper-tier site.
Domino sites
The HSE has identified sites within Cattedown as domino sites. Domino sites are those sites where the likelihood or consequences of a major accident may be increased. Due to the:
- location of the site to other COMAH sites
- dangerous substances present there
These sites are given specific emergency planning and testing of the external or off-site response. Origin Fertilisers Ltd has been recognised as a Domino Site.
We maintain an external plan for the Cattedown sites. This details how we will work with the emergency services to:
- warn, inform and protect the public
- before, during and after a potential incident
In the unlikely event of a major accident operators must prepare information for the public about:
- the major accident hazards
- safety measures in place
- actions to take
Plymouth Warn and Inform Emergency Notification System
If you live or work in the area, you can sign up to our free Warning and Informing System. The system will notify you in the very unlikely event of an emergency at the sites by voice or text message.
A public information leaflet is sent to households and businesses within the Public Information Zone around the two sites.