Legislation
Civil Contingencies Act
The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 replaces both the Civil Defence Act 1948 and the Emergency Powers Act 1920. It addresses the contingency planning and emergency management responsibilities of specific organisations, as well as providing the framework by which the government may invoke emergency powers.
The Act aims to deliver a single framework for civil protection in the United Kingdom, taking into account a range of possible threats such as:
- major disruptions to business activities
- transport
- flooding
- national health threats
An Emergency is defined as
An event or situation which threatens serious damage to human welfare in a place in the United Kingdom, or an event or situation which threatens serious damage to the environment of a place in the United Kingdom, or war, or terrorism, which threatens serious damage to the security of the United Kingdom. (Civil Contingencies Act 2004)
For more information see the UK Resilience website
COMAH Regulations
The Health & Safety Executive regulates hazardous sites under the Control Of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 (COMAH). This regulation aims to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances and limit the consequences to people and the environment.
It is the responsibility of the local authority to prepare an emergency plan known as an “Off-site emergency plan”. This plan is to ensure that there is a coordinated response to an emergency at the establishment. Under these regulations the Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council maintains and exercises COMAH plans.
For more information see
Pipeline Regulations
A Major Accident Hazard Pipeline is a pipeline that transports a flammable liquid, chemical substance or gas. Pipelines are considered one of the safest modes of transport for conveying hazardous substances. The likelihood of an explosion in a natural gas pipeline in the UK is low. However, the loss of containment following a pipeline fracture or accidental release could have disastrous consequences. Measures are taken to reduce the risks they pose.
The Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996 require that adequate arrangements are in place in the event of an incident or emergency relating to the pipeline. Pipelines carrying dangerous substances are identified by the Health and Safety Executive. The relevant local authority is responsible for ensuring the arrangements are in place.
For more information see – Health & Safety Executive
Radiation
The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001 (REPPIR) lay down the basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionising radiation (the BSS 96 Directive- Basic Safety Standards).
Part of the REPPIR Regulations places a duty on all local authorities to supply information to the public in the event of a radiation emergency.
For more information see – Health & Safety Executive
