Major Incident Planning and Support (MIP+S) Level 3

100 videos, 6 hours and 37 minutes

Course Content

Table top exercise - Petrochemical Facility

Video 99 of 100
8 min 4 sec
English
English
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Risk Assessment of a COMAH Chemical Plant

Introduction to the Site

The site under review is a COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) designated chemical plant, posing significant risks due to its operations.

Area 1: Petrochemical Plant

Key observations and risks identified in the petrochemical plant area:

  • Highly Explosive Materials: Presence of volatile and flammable substances.
  • Proximity of Tanks: Dense clustering of flammable product tanks, posing mutual ignition risks.
  • External Factors: Adjacent mainline railway and public footpaths increase risk exposure to external populations.
  • Unidentified Perimeters: Challenges in defining and securing site boundaries.

Area 2: Fuel Reception and Storage

Assessment of risks associated with fuel reception and storage:

  • Transportation Risks: Vulnerability to accidents involving gantries and ships, potentially impacting sea and wildlife.
  • Surrounding Environment: Close proximity to residential areas and sensitive ecological zones (SSSI).
  • Unknown Container Contents: Uncertainty regarding stored chemicals and their associated risks.
  • Strategic Impact: Likelihood of incidents escalating quickly to a strategic response level due to site location.

Area 3: Office and Access Points

Evaluation of risks related to office facilities and access:

  • Internal Risks: Presence of staff and vehicles within the site, potential targets for terrorist activities.
  • Logistical Challenges: Narrow access roads, railway level crossings complicating emergency vehicle response.
  • Interagency Coordination: Involvement of multiple agencies including British Transport Police and port authorities.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Need for comprehensive handover plans and rapid response strategies to mitigate delays.

Conclusion

Conclusion about the complexities and risks associated with managing a COMAH chemical plant:

  • Continuous Risk Evaluation: Need for ongoing risk assessments and preparedness exercises, especially post-pandemic.
  • Emergency Response: Importance of training, control measures, and utilising available resources effectively during critical incidents.
  • Strategic Coordination: Potential for incidents to require strategic oversight and coordinated responses involving governmental authorities.