Commission endorses publication of the initial report of the independent board's investigation into the explosion and fires at the Buncefield oil storage depot

C014:06 13 July 2006

The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Board of the Environment Agency (EA) today have received and endorsed publication of the initial report by the independent Major Incident Investigation Board appointed to supervise the investigation of the explosion and fires at the Buncefield Oil Storage Depot, Hemel Hempstead, on 11 December 2005.

The Major Incident Investigation Board, chaired by Lord Newton of Braintree, concluded that sufficient knowledge of the Buncefield incident had been gathered to draw broad conclusions about the sequence of events leading to the explosion although uncertainty remains about why it was so violent.

Bill Callaghan, Chair of HSC, said:
"The Commission places on record its appreciation for the Investigation Board's work and the thorough, objective, timely and transparent manner in which it has gone about it. The Board recognised that the severity of the incident was of great concern to the local community and industry, and has made strenuous efforts to ensure that they are kept abreast of the investigation findings as they develop. The Commission also record its thanks to the detailed work of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and EA staff who have supported the Board.

"The report indicates that good progress has been made in identifying the root causes of the incident, in spite of the widespread damage caused by the explosions and fires. It is of paramount importance to ensure that all the lessons of Buncefield are learned to prevent recurrence of such an incident, and to ensure the maximum effectiveness of emergency arrangements if an incident does occur. The Commission values the actions already taken by the HSE and EA following findings contained in earlier progress reports, and looks to the fuel and oil storage industry to take all appropriate measures."

The Investigation Board identified three key issues as the focus of its work:

• The design and operation of storage sites;
• emergency response to incidents; and,
• land use planning.

The HSC and HSE are now considering the Investigation Board's report and early conclusions, and look forward to the Board's future work.

Notes to editors

1 The Investigation Board's terms of reference are to:

• ensure the thorough investigation of the incident, the factors leading up to it, its impact both on and off-site, and to establish its causation including root causes;
• identify and transmit without delay to duty holders and other appropriate recipients any information requiring immediate action to further safety and/or environmental protection in relation to storage and distribution of hydrocarbon fuels;
• examine the HSE's and the Environment Agency's role in regulating the activities on this site under the COMAH Regulations, considering relevant policy guidance and intervention activity;
• work closely with all relevant stakeholders, both to keep them informed of progress with the investigation and to contribute relevant expertise to other inquiries that may be established;
• make recommendations for future action to ensure the effective management and regulation of major accident risk at COMAH sites. This should include consideration of off-site as well as on-site risks and consider prevention of incidents, preparations for response to incidents, and mitigation of their effects;
• produce an initial report for the HSC and the Environment Agency as soon as the main facts have been established. Subject to legal considerations, this report will be made public;
• ensure that the relevant notifications are made to the European Commission; and
• make the final report public.

2 The Commission has exercised a power under Section 14(2)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, under which it: "may at any time direct the Executive or authorise any other person to investigate and make a special report on any matter."

3 The Buncefield oil depot is subject to the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 (COMAH) and HSE and the Environment Agency are the joint Competent Authority responsible for enforcing these regulations.

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