§ Mr. Frank R. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what regulations he has laid down concerning the manufacture or storage of explosive and volatile products within close proximity to residential areas.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI have been asked to reply.
The Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that the manufacture and storage of hazardous substances in general are controlled by the Health and Safety at Work, Etc., Act 1974 and the relevant statutory provisions listed by that Act. In particular, the manufacture and storage of explosives are controlled by the Explosives Act 1875 and regulations and licensing arrangements made under that Act. Keeping of petroleum spirit and petroleum mixtures is subject to licensing by local authorities under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928.
The use and storage of certain other flammable liquids in factories are controlled by the Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases Regulations, 1972.
§ Mr. Frank R. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the concern of residents of Bury and Radcliffe living near the Tetrosyl development about the dangerous nature of the operations to be carried out there, he will ascertain the position with regard to the adequacy of the safety measures at the installation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI have been asked to reply.
I have been informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that two projects which involve liquids which are highly flammable are proceeding at the factory of Tetrosyl Ltd., Bury.
The first is a proposal to construct a number of steel tanks for the storage of highly flammable paint thinners on the site of a former mill pond situated near the gate of the factory. Such a development is subject both to planning controls and to licensing by the fire authority under the Petroleum Consolidation Act 715W 1928. Before the development is allowed to proceed further the most careful attention will be paid to the safety of work people and the public.
The second project is the construction within the factory of a 12-ton butane storage installation.
Detailed advice on the safety of this installation has been given by HMFI, and the completed plant will conform with this advice. The advice is based on current codes of practice, and it takes into account the safety of work people, members of the public and adjoining buildings and installations.