§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many tyre dumps in the United Kingdom are classified as major hazard sites; what specific precautions have been taken against fire at such dumps; and if he will make a statement; (2) what contingency plans have been prepared for any serious fires at major tyre dumps occurring in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydIt is the duty of each fire authority to make provision for fire-fighting purposes in its area and to ensure that its fire brigade has adequate and efficient fire cover arrangements. These would include contingency plans for all significant fire risks. Those inherent in major tyre dumps, for which the fire service has available special techniques, would typically include arrangements for liaison with the other emergency services and for the evacuation of the area if necessary.
Following two recent tyre dump fires in Canada and Wales, guidance on the storage of tyres in the open air is 801W being revised. No tyre dumps are covered by the CIMAH—Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards—Regulations or the NIHHS—Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances—Regulations.
From 1 April 1993, all tyre storage in the open air becomes subject to the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This will require the occupier or operator of the tyre storage facility to make an application for a licence, under section 30 of the Act to the Local Waste Regulation Authority.