Gwefan llywodraeth y DU

Buncefield fuel depot fire

A major investigation sparked by the Buncefield fuel depot accident has highlighted key disaster planning and recovery issues that everyone can learn from.

A major explosion and fire occurred at the Buncefield Oil Storage Terminal in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire on Sunday 11th December 2005. The explosion caused a number of injuries. The explosion and fire largely destroyed the North side of the Oil Storage terminal.

Environmental protection

Information and advice about environmental protection activities can be used to plan local and national strategies.

• Health and Safety Executive (HSE)- Buncefield investigation Opens new window

• Information on the Buncefield fuel depot fire - Cabinet Office Opens new window

• Environmental protection information (DEFRA) Opens new window

Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials (CBRN)

Oganisations need to prepare for incidents where chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) materials are released into the environment. The Government Decontamination Service provides advice, guidance and support on how to deal with the release of CBRN materials and decontamination.

• Government Decontamination Service - Defra Opens new window

• New Dimension Mass Decontamination Programme - DCLG Opens new window

Health protection agency (HPA)

The HPA takes a leading role in providing information on chemicals and poisons and related health hazards. It gives:

• expert advice and support for chemical incidents across England and Wales
• advice to UK government departments and agencies on human health effects from chemicals in water, soil and waste
• information and support to the NHS and health professionals on toxicology

National Chemical Emergency Centre

The UK has a 24-hour response centre that gives clear, impartial advice for chemical health and safety compliance and for emergencies.

• National Chemical Emergency Centre Opens new window

Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI)

The CPNI helps to protect national systems and facilities from threats of security, including terrorism.

Security advice and support is available for businesses and organisations that are involved with the following essential services:

• energy
• food
• water
• transport
• communications
• government and public services
• emergency services
• health
• finance

• Handling bomb threats - CPNI Opens new window

• Chemical, biological and radiological attacks - CPNI Opens new window

Emergency Planning College (EPC)

The EPC is the leading provider of training for emergency preparedness. It attracts people with the following responsibilities in relation to a major incident:

• preventing
• planning
• responding
• recovering

• The Emergency Plannning College Opens new window