Control of Major Accident Hazards upper tier sites

Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations are UK legislation aimed at preventing and mitigating the effects of major accidents involving dangerous substances.

To make sure the risks from major industrial accidents are effectively managed and communities, the environment, and infrastructure are protected, we work together with:

• national regulators
• emergency services
• local authorities
• COMAH operators.

COMAH applies primarily to industrial sites that store, use, or manufacture significant quantities of hazardous materials, such as:

• fuels
• chemicals
• explosives.

The regulations are designed to:

• prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances
• limit the consequences of accidents to people and the environment
• ensure high standards of industrial safety and emergency preparedness.

COMAH is jointly enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency (EA). Together these organisations form the COMAH Competent Authority.

COMAH sites are classified as either lower tier or upper tier depending on the type and quantity of dangerous substances present.

For upper tier COMAH sites, local authorities are responsible for preparing off-site emergency plans. In Kent, we coordinate this through the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF).

Upper Tier COMAH Sites in Kent are:

• Givaudan in Ashford
• Salvatori in Dover
• Britanna Refined Metals in Gravesham.

For more information, contact us: