Emergency Response
In brief, it is a requirement of the COMAH Regulations 2015 that every operator of an upper tier COMAH establishment must prepare a Safety Report that demonstrates “that an internal emergency plan has been prepared in accordance with regulation 12 which includes sufficient information to enable an external emergency plan to be prepared.”
How can we help you?
Environmental Spill response and clean up
Whether a COMAH site or not, to protect people and the environment it is essential that appropriate response measures are in place to contain and remove hazardous substances should they escape primary containment. To effectively implement the response, it is important that the people carrying out the response have been supplied with the necessary information.
Our team has significant experience in compiling environmental emergency response plans for clean-up contractors which detail all the information they need in addition to recommending suitable response measures for different release cases.
Emergency Planning and Testing
As part of the development of emergency response plans it is important that all parties that could be involved during an incident are aware of their roles and have appropriate communication links in place.
We can aid the process by consulting with various external bodies that have a role to play in an emergency response and ensuring that up to date contact details are included within your plans to ensure that the right people are contactable during an emergency.
We also have a wide range of experience in developing and running table-top or live exercises which help to test and train those involved in the plans. Practicing emergency organisational arrangements (something that is invaluable in building relationships), clarifying the required roles and responsibilities, identifying mitigation and preparedness needs, and preparing for the unexpected, results in an action plan fit for the continued improvement of your emergency response plan.
Fire Protection vs Fire Fighting
Our risk analysis expertise can be a huge help in determining the best fire-fighting strategies. We have successfully supported clients in developing ‘Controlled Burn’ philosophies, determining fire protection and fire-fighting strategies, and helping to specify passive fire protection requirements. We can also advise you on the quantities of firewater required in line with industry guidance.
Firewater Management
Firewater management is a critical part of emergency response plans. Whilst storage of firewater or firefighting substrates used in emergency situations is considered within risk assessments for the potential to exacerbate a release should runoff not be contained, it is also important to ensure that adequate quantities of firefighting media are available to deal with ignited events should they arise. In some cases, this may be provided by stocks stored on-site via fixed equipment or via mobile tenders.
