The DETR has published a guidance note on the Interpretation of Major Accident to the Environment for the Purposes of the COMAH Regulations. The COMAH Regulations 1999 implement the Seveso II Directive of 1996. The requirements to protect the environment from the consequences of major accidents will be enforced jointly by the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Health and Safety Executive. The published guidance is the result of the review and public consultation undertaken on the Departments’ behalf by the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology. The definition of major accident within the Regulations is “an occurrence (including in particular, a major emission, fire or explosion) resulting from uncontrolled developments in the course of the operation of any establishment and leading to serious danger to human health or the environment, immediate or delayed, inside or outside the establishment, and involving one or more dangerous substances”. It is hoped that the guidance will encourage good practice in the management of all potential accidents, will help develop preventative measures to avoid major accidents and will aid the preparation of emergency plans and restoration strategies to be followed in the event of an incident.
(DETR, July 1999)
