§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what risk assessment has been made of the safety of(a) oil refineries, (b) chemical industry installations and (c) power stations should they continue to operate during a national firefighters' strike; and if she will make a statement. [74529]
§ Mr. WilsonCOMAH sites operated by Oil refiners and Chemical industry plus major Power Generators have conducted or are in the process of conducting safety risk assessments covering the potential firefighters strike.
The Health and Safety Executive inform us that COMAH or Power Station sites regulated by HSE do not have a statutory duty for emergency services to be available during routine operation.
Evidence from the Merseyside Fire Fighters strike a few years ago showed that operators were able to manage their business activities such that the lack of fire service cover did not compromise safety, and such that their business activities were not significantly compromised.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of(a) oil refining capacity and (b) oil product storage capacity would be protected from fire hazard by appliances operated by the industry in the event of a national firemen's strike; and what percentage would fail to meet safe operating standards in the event of such a strike. [74443]
§ Mr. WilsonThe UK Petroleum Industry Association inform us that:
- a) All refineries have their own specialist fire fighting equipment and specialist fire fighting teams.
683W - b) All oil storage facilities have their own specialist fire fighting equipment and all operations personnel are trained in the techniques of fighting oil fires.
The Health and Safety Executive inform us that:
Those oil facilities that are COMAH top tier sites are required to prepare written safety reports which demonstrate the measures they have in place are all that are necessary to prevent major incidents and limit their consequences. COMAH sites regulated by HSE do not have a statutory duty for emergency services to be available during routine operation.