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Press Release 21/02/2006 B001:06

Buncefield investigation board publishes progress report

The Major Incident Investigation Board, set up to supervise the investigation into the Buncefield oil depot incident on 11 December 2005, today publishes a progress report and the following statement:

“The Board is publishing today a report it has received from Taf Powell, the Investigation Manager, on progress with the investigation into the explosions and fire at the Buncefield Oil Storage Depot on 11 December 2005.

“The Board asked for this progress report to assist it in supervising the conduct of the investigation, as requested by the Health and Safety Commission. The report makes clear that the extensive damage to the site and the need to make it safe has unavoidably delayed the investigating team in gaining access and carrying out a thorough forensic examination of the scene with a view to gathering evidence. The Board commends the investigation team for their thoroughness and professionalism in difficult physical circumstances. A good start has been made which is already producing valuable information. There is, however, much more to be done before the root causes of the incident can be identified.

“The investigation terms of reference call for an initial report to be made to the Health and Safety Commission and the Environment Agency as soon as the main facts have been established. We are not able to do that yet. Publishing this progress report therefore ensures that as much factual information as possible is put into the public domain now. More progress reports will follow as the investigation reveals further information.

“The Board recognises that a wide range of people have been affected by the incident, directly or indirectly, who are anxious for information and advice. The Health and Safety Executive is publishing today precautionary advice to operators of sites similar to Buncefield and will follow up this advice through site visits. The emergency services are carrying out their own internal investigations to identify lessons learned.

“The greatest anxiety will be felt by those whose homes or businesses were affected by the Buncefield incident; and those who live or work near similar sites. A key task is to establish exactly how the flammable mixture that gave rise to the explosion was able to form. The Board has asked the investigation team to give the resolution of this question maximum priority.

“Another crucial issue is the way that HSE formulates its advice to planners considering off-site developments. The Board recognises that, to provide sensible and balanced advice for the future in the wake of such a rare event, HSE needs to understand how and why the explosion occurred. But we have emphasised to the Executive the importance we attach to the review of this advice as further information from the investigation emerges.

“The Board is responsible for ensuring that the investigation is wide ranging and thorough. We will continue to monitor the lines of investigation being pursued and to ask the difficult questions that arise. As more information becomes available, we will ensure, subject to legal considerations, it is made public without delay.”

Notes to editors

  1. The Major Incident Investigation Board was set-up to supervise the investigation into the Buncefield oil depot incident on 11 December 2005. The Board reports to both the Health and Safety Commission and the Environment Agency.
    • The independent Chairman, Lord Newton of Braintree, was appointed on 12 January 2006 and the Board formally began work on 24 January 2006. The Board includes two other independent members, Professor Dougal Drysdale, a leading authority on fire safety engineering and Dr Peter Baxter, a consultant physician in occupational and environmental medicine. Other board members are Taf Powell, Investigation Manager and head of HSE’s Offshore Division, David Ashton, head of HSE’s Field Operations North West and Headquarters Division and Paul Leinster, Director of Operations at the Environment Agency.
    • The Board is overseeing the investigation in accordance with HSE’s Major Incident Investigation Policy and Procedures
    • The Commission will publish the special report under Section 14(5) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
  2. HSE and the Environment Agency’s terms of reference with regard to this incident 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.
  3. 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.”
  4. 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 for these regulations.