COMAH deadline looms for processes

Time is running out for companies that store and use hazardous chemicals to inform the government of their plans to prevent major accidents, the Health and Safety Executive has warned. Firms that are subject to the Control of Major Hazard Accidents Regulations (COMAH) have only until 3 February to lodge their notifications, or they will face enforcement action including heavy fines.

The COMAH regulations affect any business which makes, stores or uses substances classified as dangerous, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and explosives (see PE February 1999, p35). The regulations have been in force since last April, but according to HSE head scientist Paul Davies, `relatively few' hazardous installation operators have bothered to notify the authorities about their businesses.

Companies which made safety reports under the preceding CIMAH regulations are deemed to have notified their competent authorities, but many other companies still have to submit their applications. `There are many operators who are new to the regulations and we are concerned that they do not know their requirements,' says Davies, who also heads the HSE's hazardous installations directorate. `If operators are in any doubts, I strongly advise that they visit the websites or information lines that we have set up.'

Details of the COMAH regulations are available at www.open.gov.uk.hse; at www.open.gov.uk/environment-agency; or via the HSE Infoline on 0541-545500.