Storage of ammonium nitrate at ports

An explosion in Toulouse in 2001 led to a significant lowering of threshold quantities before notifications under the Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances Regulations 1982 (NIHHS) and the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999.

The Regulations do not apply to intermediate storage - where ammonium nitrate is just awaiting onward transport.

• Revised arrangements for notification of inventories of ammonium nitrate
• INDG 230 Storing and Handling Ammonium Nitrate [PDF 106KB]

NIHSS notifications should be submitted to HSE either:

• electronically to ANNIHHS.Notifications@hse.gsi.gov.uk: or
• in writing to HSE, Agriculture and Food Sector, National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LG; or
• by telephone on 02476 698350; or
• by FAX on 02476 696542.

Notifications should contain the information set out in NIHHS 1982 Schedule 2 form [PDF 15KB], available to assist in recording the necessary information

• Further general information on COMAH and the notification requirements