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on-site consequences of such an event and the assistance available in the form of off-site
mitigatory actions. Any plan deemed necessary to deal with such an event must be capable of
operating effectively even in the event of a preceding explosion.
5 The emergency response plan (for a multiple tank fire) should be tested on a schedule to be
agreed with the local CA inspectors. Site-specific guidance should be produced as to what is
required to exercise the firefighting arrangements.
6 During preparation of the on-site plan, the operator should consult with the local authority
emergency planning unit, the Environment Agency (or SEPA) and the local emergency services,
particularly the local Fire and Rescue Service, on the content of the on-site plan to ensure the off-
site response available is adequate to deal with the incident.
7 The operator should provide all information (relating to the site) required by the COMAH
Regulations to the local emergency planning unit to allow the off-site plan arrangements to
dovetail with the on-site plan.
8 The operator should keep the on-site plan up to date and should ensure that any significant
changes are communicated to the local authority and other concerned agencies.
9 The operator should ensure the on-site plan is functionally tested at least every three years.
Site-specific guidance should be produced as to what is required to exercise the plan.
10 Trained, knowledgeable and competent personnel must be involved in the exercise of
the firefighting plan (the firefighting plan being a sub-set and one specific aspect of an overall
emergency response plan, which specifically covers firefighting tactics and equipment etc. needed
to deal with a fire, or to allow a controlled burn) and in the testing of the on-site plan. They must
fulfil the tasks they will be expected to fulfil during an incident.
11 Whenever a plan is reviewed/tested or if there has been a material change in an aspect of an
emergency arrangement, the operator should inform all contributors to the plan of any changes to
arrangements and verify that the arrangements are still adequate. All contributors to the plan should be
encouraged to inform the site operator proactively of any material changes affecting their contribution.
On-site emergency plan
12 A template for an on-site emergency plan can be found in part 3 of this appendix. It is
envisaged that sites will complete this template and that it will then act as a high-level document
providing an overview of the site’s arrangements. Underpinning this document will be a series of
detailed plans relating to specific incidents.
13 Planning should consider the scenario of a multiple tank fire following an explosion. The
magnitude and extent of the Buncefield explosion has been investigated and discussed in the
‘Buncefield explosion mechanism phase 1: Volumes 1 and 2 RR718 HSE Books 2009’ report,
however further research is currently ongoing as part of phase 2 of this work. Once accurate
information is available this will be disseminated. In the meantime, operators should make a
reasonable estimate of the scale of explosion that may occur on their site and plan accordingly.
Refer to paragraphs 35-49 for guidance on planning emergency arrangements.
Firefighting planning and preparation
14 This topic comprises of two elements; firstly, the actions that should be put in place before an
event occurs and secondly, actions that should be carried out once an event has occurred. These
arrangements should be agreed by all parties involved, including off-site responders.
15 Planning aids the firefighting operations immensely by determining what is needed to
extinguish the fire or manage a controlled burn, and how to deliver the required resources and
manage firewater to prevent environmental impact.