Importance of Inspections
The Buncefield Disaster challenges the worldwide perception on how major incidents can happen at any working site, even those considered to be high risk.
In the early hours of Sunday 11th December 2005, a series of explosions occurred at Buncefield Oil Storage Depot, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. At least one of the initial explosions was of massive proportions which eventually overwhelmed 20 large storage tanks subsequently turning into a major fire, engulfing most of the site. Over 40 people were injured; fortunately there were no fatalities. Commercial and residential buildings nearby had to be evacuated as the fire burned for several days, destroying virtually the entire site and emitting large clouds of black smoke into the atmosphere. At the time, Hertfordshire’s Chief Fire officer was quoted as saying, “this is possibly the largest incident of its kind in peacetime Europe” - at the time, 100 fire-fighters were on standby waiting to tackle the fire.
Previous to the Buncefield incident, petroleum storage sites were not considered to be sites where an explosion incident on this scale could occur. The site was designated COMAH (upper tier); recognised as a very hazardous site and to that end was subject to regular government based inspections and audits. A site inspection was received 3 months prior to the disaster, to which details and findings are now being investigated.
After 3 years of investigations, prosecutions have now been brought against five Organisations: Total UK, Hertfordshire Oil Storage, British Pipeline Agency, TAV Engineering and Motherwell Control Systems 2003. Total, who operate the terminal, are facing three charges against them by the HSE and Environment Agency. The trial of three of these companies started on 14th April 2010, to which Total have already pleaded guilty, along with British Pipeline Agency who have accepted two charges being brought against them.
After the court hearings, a final ruling was made on the 16th July 2010, stating that a total fine of just under 10 million pounds has been levied against the five Organisations involved; the main fine was against French energy company TOTAL of 6.3 million pounds for failure to protect workers and the public against the fire and explosion.
This terrible disaster could have been far worse in terms of loss of life had it not been for the fact the incident happened on a Sunday at 6am, when very few staff were on duty. It is further proof, if needed, that robust and secure fire risk assessments are paramount in order to comply with legal, moral and financial requirements, all of which mhl support can help and conduct for you.
Whilst your workplace may not be as hazardous or complex as Buncefield, it still goes to show there are many advantages to be gained from formal workplace inspections. Taking overview of site safety is something mhl’s technical staff can do by providing an action plan within a specific inspection report, highlighting immediate employer actions and future planning.
mhl have a team of experienced advisers who are able to offer legally compliant and pragmatic advice about potential hazards and risks. Existing clients can call our support line team on 08453 100 999 quoting your PCN number. If you are not already a client, but are interested in learning more about the services mhl provide, please call today on 08453 100 600.
