Beirut : Control of Major Hazards - A Timely Reminder

The recent Beirut explosion is a timely reminder of the need to understand the potential of Major Accident Hazards and the underlying risk control measures. As we can see, the consequences of major accidents, if they do occur, can be catastrophic both for the site and the surrounding population. Here in the UK, assessment and management of such sites are covered by The COMAH Regulations (2015), applied where dangerous substances are processed, stored or could be generated by a process upset.

At ESR Technology we have provided support to both Operators and the Regulator with COMAH related assessment and activities for many years.

Our advice is based on over 40 years of experience of working in Major Hazards risk assessment across many industries, including working extensively with The Health and Safety Executive, giving us a unique insight into what is required in COMAH support and submissions.

Whether you are a company submitting your first COMAH Safety Report, or approaching a periodic COMAH review, ESR Technology can offer support through:

• Our knowledge of the type, depth and breadth of information required by the Regulator
• Our understanding and experience of current HSE ‘hot topics’ and the latest developments and approaches to major hazards
• Completion of a Safety Report gap assessment against the latest requirements
• Post-submission support to handle ‘further information’ requests

ESR Technology offer a tailored approach to COMAH. We carry out a preliminary assessment to determine the level of analysis required for a specific site, followed by a systems review and risk assessment to determine the potential major accidents and associated consequences, frequency and impact both on and off-site. The measures in place are reviewed to determine whether they are adequate to ensure that ALARP principles can be demonstrated or that Best Available Techniques have been applied for environmental risks.

This structured approach ensures that costs for improvements are minimised and that, where necessary, they are clearly justified on the grounds of providing cost effective risk reduction. Following Safety Report submission, ESR Technology personnel are able to offer operations and regulatory experience in assisting in understanding and responding to HSE Specialist Inspector queries and ‘legal actions’ following Intervention visits.

More Information ?

If you would like to know more about how ESR Technology can support you with your COMAH needs please contact Terry Atkinson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or you can visit us at the upcoming “Virtual” IChemE Hazards 30 Process Safety Conference where we are a Silver Sponsor, presenting a technical paper on Assessment of Dropped Loads and have an Exhibition Stand www.icheme.org/career/events/hazards-30/