The Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations 1999 (COMAH) (www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1999/19990743.htm) require a site operator to produce on-site emergency plans for establishments where·a dangerous substance is stored in quantities listed in Schedule 1 of the Regulations or·if a specified dangerous substance could be produced in threshold quantities following the loss of control of an industrial chemical process.

Medway Council is responsible for producing an off-site plan that outlines the co-coordinated response of agencies to an emergency that has off-site implications. The on-site and off-site plans need to correspond to ensure that an effective multi-agency response to an emergency affecting the site and the surrounding area is achieved.

The objectives of these, as determined in the COMAH regulations, are:

• to contain and control incidents so as to limit damage to persons, the environment and property;
• to implement the measures necessary to protect persons and the environment from the effects of major accidents;
• to communicate the necessary information to the public and to the emergency services and authorities;
• to provide for the restoration and clean–up of the environment following a major accident.