Latest News
11th December 2008 - Buncefield Investigation Board publishes Final Report
The Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board published its Final Report today.
The report is presented in two volumes: the first contains some new elements, for example on economic impact and the explosion mechanism. It also summarises the incident and the work of the Board in an accessible way, and brings all of the Board’s 78 recommendations into one place which demonstrates the close relationship between them.
- The Final Report
- Buncefield MIIB Report - Regulators respond
- The Buncefield Investigation Board publishes its Final Report and announces the end of its work
Explosion and fire at Buncefield Oil Storage Depot: Five companies to face prosecution
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency (the EA) are to prosecute five companies following the explosions and fire at the Buncefield Oil Storage Depot, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire in December 2005.
Criminal proceedings have been commenced against Total UK Ltd, Hertfordshire Oil Storage Ltd; British Pipeline Agency Ltd; TAV Engineering Ltd; and Motherwell Control Systems 2003 Ltd following a thorough and complex criminal investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency.
Press statement from the Joint Competent Authority
13 November 2008 - Government and Competent Authority response to the Buncefield Investigation published
A ministerial statement from Lord McKenzie of Luton, DWP Minister, was made to Parliament today and can be viewed below. In particular it announces placing in Parliament’s libraries the Government’s and Competent Authority’s response to the Buncefield Investigation. This report provides detailed information on the progress against the recommendations set out by the Board on design and operation of fuel storage sites and emergency preparedness, response and recovery.
The Statement also explains that the Secretary of state for Communities and Local Government will lead consideration of the Board’s report Recommendations on land use planning and the control of societal risk around major hazard sites and will respond substantively in due course.
A ministerial statement from Lord McKenzie of Luton
The Government’s and Competent Authority’s response [PDF 275KB]
15 July 2008 - Buncefield Investigation Board publishes 8th report
The Buncefield Investigation Board’s 8th report is titled: "Recommendations on land use planning and the control of societal risk around major hazard sites".
The report sets out the Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board’s third set of recommendations, this time on the subject of land use planning and societal risk around major hazard sites.
30 January 2008 - HSE publishes societal risk consultation outcome
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out a public consultation from April to July 2007 on the Government proposal that societal risk should be taken into account when assessing safety measures at onshore major hazard installations and for planning applications on the use of land for development in areas around such sites. View the results of the consultation [PDF 101KB]. Please note that this document has been published by HSE and not the Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board.
The Board submitted their response to the consultation in July 2007.5 December 2007 - HSE publishes land use planning consultation outcome
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today published the results of its consultation that will shape its future policy on the advice given to Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) when they consider planning applications close to large scale petrol storage facilities.
This public consultation, held from February to May 2007, followed the explosion and fire at the Buncefield fuel storage depot in December 2005. The results of the HSE consultation can be viewed here. Please note that this document has been published by HSE and not the Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board.
The Board submitted their response to the consultation at the end of May 2007, which can be viewed here [PDF 80KB].
18 September 2007 – Buncefield Investigation Board response to COMAH Competent Authority (CA) consultation on ’Containment of bulk hazardous liquids at COMAH Establishments’
The Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board has today issued its response to the consultation issued by the COMAH Competent Authority (CA) on ‘Containment of bulk hazardous liquids at COMAH Establishments’.
In response to Buncefield and other incidents, the COMAH Competent Authority has developed a ‘Containment Policy’ to set out the key principles relating to the bulk storage of hazardous liquids. The policy describes measures to improve the protection of people and the environment, both on and off-site, as well as the safeguarding the supply of fuels and chemicals to the country as a whole.
Read the Board’s response [PDF 60kb]16 August 2007 – Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board publish report from Explosion Mechanism Advisory Group
The Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board have issued a report from the Explosion Mechanism Advisory Group.
One important aspect of the incident was that a severe explosion took place, which would not have been anticipated in any major hazard assessment of the oil storage depot prior to the incident.
The Board invited a team of explosion experts from academia and industry to form a working group to advise on the work that would be required to explain the severity of the Buncefield explosion.
In its report "Recommendations on the design and operation of fuel storage sites" (published March 2007) the MIIB states:
We have asked the panel to advise us whether research is justified and if so the scope of such research, likely methods of funding it, and its governance arrangements, to ensure a satisfactory outcome. We have asked the panel to present its findings to us shortly after Easter and we shall make our recommendations known soon afterwards.
This report is the response to this request and provides a summary of the technical issues examined by the Advisory Group along with its conclusions and recommendations.
Buncefield explosion mechanism - Advisory Group Report [PDF 1.9mb]
A note from the Chairman, Lord Newton, on behalf of the board [PDF 70kb]
24 July 2007 – Buncefield Standards Task Group publish Final report ‘Safety and environmental standards for fuel storage sites’
The Buncefield Standards Task Group (BSTG) have today issued their Final report into safety and environmental standards for fuel storage sites.
Shortly after the Buncefield incident, the Buncefield Standards Task Group (BSTG) was formed consisting of representatives from the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Competent Authority and industry, with the aim of translating the lessons from Buncefield into effective and practical guidance that industry would implement as rapidly as possible. Their intial report was published on 12 October 2006.
The purpose of this report is to specify the minimum expected standards of
control which should be in place at all establishments storing large volumes of
petroleum and similar products capable of giving rise to a large flammable vapour cloud in the event of a loss of primary containment.
Please note that this is not the Final report from the Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board.
17 July 2007 – The Buncefield Investigation Board publishes its 6th report: 'Recommendations on the emergency preparedness for, response to and recovery from major incidents'
The Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board has published its second set of recommendations, relating to emergency preparedness, response and recovery. This has followed an extensive process of consultation across Government, and with the Competent Authority (HSE & EA), regional agencies, devolved administrations; and local businesses and residents.
The Board’s recommendations fall into four areas:
- Reassessing major incident scenarios
- Managing major incidents on-site
- Preparing for and responding to major incidents off-site
- Planning for recovery from major incidents.
4 July 2007 – Buncefield Investigation Board response to HSE consultative document CD212 – ‘Proposals for revised policies to address societal risk around onshore non-nuclear major hazard installations’
The Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board has issued its response to the consultative document CD 212, issued by HSE in April 2007. This document discusses proposals for revised policies to address societal risk around onshore non-nuclear major hazard sites.
In grappling with the many issues thrown up by the major incident at Buncefield in December 2005, the Board has often been faced with the question of why the planning system in the round does not address the total population at risk from a major hazard site.
Consideration of the complex issues surrounding Societal Risk goes back a long way, however, this is the first occasion of which the Board is aware that a document has focused exclusively on societal risk and sought public views. The Board therefore welcomes the publication of this Consultation Document, and is keen that the process of development and public consultation continues.
Read the Board's full reponse to CD212 [PDF 90kb]
31 May 2007 – Buncefield Investigation Board response to HSE consultative document CD211 – 'Proposals for revised policies for HSE advice on development control around large-scale petrol storage sites'
The Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board has responded to the consultative document CD211, issued by HSE in February 2007, on the subject of HSE advice on development control around large-scale petrol storage sites.
The Board recognised at the outset of its work that Land Use Planning (LUP) was going to be one of the most complex and sensitive issues raised by the Buncefield incident. In the immediate aftermath of the explosion there were calls for a complete development moratorium in wide swathes around this and similar sites. While such a reaction was entirely understandable in the circumstances, the Board felt it was also necessary to consider the possible social and economic consequences of such a restriction, and to seek to strike an appropriate balance between the risks and benefits of development.
At the time of publishing its third progress report in May 2006 the Board asked HSE to review as a matter of urgency the basis and standard of the advice it provides to planning authorities. The Board appreciates HSE’s response and the effort it has made in developing this Consultative Document.
Read the Board’s full response [PDF 78kb]
29 March 2007 - Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board Publish Recommendations on the Design and Operation of Fuel Storage Sites
The Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board published its 5th report on the 29 March 2007.
The report makes recommendations to address improvements on the Design and Operation of sites in the UK that store and transfer petroleum products on a large scale.
Recommendations on the design and operation of fuel storage sites [PDF 847kb]
Buncefield Investigation Board focuses on recommendations for the future – Monday 11th December 2006
In a statement released today, marking the anniversary of the Buncefield incident, the Major Incident Investigation Board announced that it is now focusing its work on developing conclusions and recommendations for future action.
Following the publication of the Board’s Initial Report in July and the completion of evidence gathering on the site, the Board has focused on three main work stream comprising the lessons to be learned from Buncefield, namely design and operation of storage sites, emergency response to incidents and advice to planning authorities.
Read press release 11 December 2006
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service release report on Buncefield fire – Thursday 9 November 2006
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have released a 150-page report into the Buncefield Oil Depot fire.
The report was launched on 8th November 2006 at the Fire Conference 2006 in Telford, and contains 30 recommendations for improving emergency response to future major incidents.
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service report
BP begins operation to remove fuel from their part of Buncefield site - Wednesday 13 September 2006
BP has informed the Buncefield Investigation that they have begun removing fuel from their part of the site, to allow further inspection of the tanks. The tankering operation will take approximately three weeks and it will take 400 tanker loads to remove the fuel. In line with their obligations under COMAH, BP has provided the HSE and EA with full risk assessments for the removal operation.
BP has also announced that it is in the early stages of exploring plans for the future use of their part of the site. They have indicated a number of priorities, including reopening the fuel pipelines to Heathrow, and the possibility of using part of their site both to store aviation fuel and as a distribution centre for motor fuel, but on a much-reduced level. BP has indicated the middle of next year as a target date for recommencing their operations.
However, the BP site continues to remain out of operation and before any operations could restart, the HSE and EA will require risk assessments from BP to ensure that safety and environment protection measures are satisfactory. Depending on the type of activity planned, BP may also need to obtain the appropriate planning consents from Dacorum Borough Council.Buncefield Investigation announces major change in emphasis – Tues 22nd August, 2006
The Buncefield investigation has reached an important landmark with evidence gathering activity on site reducing, but the overall investigation continuing unabated. Virtually all the physical evidence required for forensic examination has now been removed from the site and the size of the investigation team considerably reduced. The remaining investigators will be concentrating on the performance of the storage bunds around the tanks in containing escaped fuel and firewater during the incident. But the investigation continues at the same level of intensity, leading ultimately to a decision on whether to instigate criminal proceedings.
All unconfined fuel has now been removed and the site is no longer deemed to present undue hazard. This allows the dismantling of tanks and equipment, and the cleaning of the site to take place, but only under the stringent controls of construction regulations. The Prohibition Notices issued on 16th December 2005 have been fully complied with.
As regards the long-term use of the Buncefield site, the operators have yet to notify Dacorum Borough Council or the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) of any plans. For the damaged parts, legal procedures would need to be followed if they wish to recommence handling and storage of fuels. Dacorum Borough Council would need to grant relevant consents.
For the relatively undamaged part of the site to the south, repair work has been carried out so that fuel stored there since the incident can be removed to allow further inspection of the tanks. As with the damaged parts of the site, neither the Council nor HSE has been notified about long-term use for this area. The operators would need to ensure that they have the appropriate consents. In all cases the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and Environment Agency (EA) would need to be satisfied that safety and environmental protection measures are to the highest current standards to control both off-site and on-site risks.
Read press release 22 August 2006
The Public Health Impact of the Buncefield Oil Fire
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has recently published a report on “The Public Health Impact of the Buncefield Oil Fire”, on behalf of the Buncefield Health Surveillance Group. The findings of public health surveillance work in the wake of the Buncefield incident indicate there were no serious public health effects from exposure to the fire. However these studies have provided useful guidelines to assist with providing a better response to future incidents which threaten public health.
Buncefield Adjournment debate held, Wednesday 19th July, 2006
Mike Penning, Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead, obtained an Adjournment debate on 'Health and Safety Executive inquiry into Buncefiield oil depot fire in Hemel Hempstead', which took place on the morning of 19th July 2006. The debate was attended and contributed to by local representatives from both national and European government, and the Government’s Ministerial response was delivered by James Plaskitt MP, the Department for Work and Pensions Parliamentary Under Secretary (Commons).
A full transcript of the debate can be read here.
Buncefield Initial Report published, Thursday 13th July, 2006
The Initial Report from the independent Board supervising the Buncefield Major Incident Investigation was published on Thursday 13th July, 2006. The report contains summary and up-dated information on the work previously described in the three Progress Reports. The Board have also taken this opportunity to draw some broad early conclusions, and to indicate issues requiring special attention going forward. Several annexes of detailed information accompany the report.
The report has been delivered to the Health and Safety Commission and to the Environment Agency, and is made public here as per the investigation terms of reference.
Read the Inital Report [PDF 1.1MB]
HSE issues further safety alert to fuel depot operators, Tuesday 4th July, 2006
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have issued a further Safety Alert to operators of COMAH fuel storage facilities and others storing hazardous substances in large tanks.
Buncefield third progress report published, Tuesday 9th May 2006
The third progress report from the Buncefield Investigation Manager was published on Tuesday 9th May. Tank 912 in bund A on the Hertfordshire Oil Storage Ltd (HOSL) West site overflowed at around 05.30 hours on 11 December while being filled at a high rate.
Buncefield second progress report published, Tuesday 11th April 2006
The second progress report from the Buncefield Investigation Manager was published on Tuesday 11th April. This report focuses mainly on the environmental impact on land, surface water and ground water of the fuel and fire water that escaped from the Buncefield site.
Buncefield: Independent Board publishes first report on the HSE/EA investigation, Tuesday, 21 February 2006
The Independent Board, chaired by Lord Newton, will hold a press briefing in Hemel Hempstead to launch the first report charting progress to date on the joint HSE/EA investigation into the Buncefield explosion and fire.
