Registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals regulations is effective from 1st june 2007

Key element of legislation:

  • Risk assessment responsibility transfered from authorities to industry. Read more.

Spills of oils and chemicals, whether indoors or outdoors, may have serious implications for business:

  • Cause serious harm to the environment
  • Put employess health and safety at risk
  • Lead to large fines and clean up costs
  • Result in loss of high value liquids

As of 1st March 2002 The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001came into effect in England and Wales. In Scotland The Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations came into effect on 1st April 2006.

All industrial, commercial or institutional sites storing, externally, oil in 205 litre drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBC's) or fixed tanks must comply.

A summary of the salient points of the Regulations are illustrated on the E.A. website:

The Envirnonmental Agency (and SEPA in Scotland and Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland) has issed a series of Pollution Prevention Guidelines targeted at particular industrial sectors or activities, which aim to provide on statutory responsibilities and good environmental practice.

PPG26 is specifically related to oil storage and PPG02 is related to the construction of the bunds.

The Environment Agency's Pollution Prevention Guidelines PPG6 "Working at Construction and Demolition sites" provides Guidelines to the industry. The Environment Agency Net Regulations state that it is an offence to contaminate any water runoff with oil or fuel drips and to discharge without a Discharge Consent. Construction sites are very vunerable to oil and fuel spills - often with no drain protection or interceptors to catch such spills. Fosse Liquitrol offer a product to contain such spills on construction sites known as the Site Plant Nappy.

The BSIF Sorbent Manufacturers Group and the Environment Agency have written a new guide to help you choose the correct sorbent for your site to help you safely manage any liquid spill.

This Guidance will help you and your staff during an emergency as you will have the correct type and format of sorbent available to cope with the liquids you have spilt.

Please click here to view the GUIDANCE ON SELECTION FOR USE OF SORBENTS.

Failure to comply with legislation and best practose results in heavy fines.

There is no corporate defence for pollution incidents - irresponsible people are personally liable for prosecution.

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