12th October 2006

INITIAL RECOMMENDATIONS OF OIL STORAGE STANDARDS TASK GROUP

The Standards Task Group, comprised of representatives from Trade Associations engaged in the storage of petroleum products at major locations subject to COMAH regulations and the Competent Authority charged with their regulation, today announced its initial recommendations designed to enhance safety and environmental standards at these sites.(see http://www.hse.gov.uk/comah/alert.htm)

Chairman of the Task Group Ken Rivers said, “Since its formation in June, the forty or more people directly involved in the Task Group have worked hard to identify best practice to enhance safety at major petroleum storage terminals, particularly those receiving petrol via pipeline. The Task Group’s programme has resulted in immediate actions to be taken and work to produce enhanced industry guidelines. “

He continued “Petroleum products play a vital role in the day-to-day life of everybody and confidence in the safety of the industry’s operations is paramount. The immediate actions recommended by the Task Group to review equipment and operations in key areas will contribute to ensuring safety-critical systems function to a high standard. The industry supports these recommendations, recognising the implementation challenges presented by the timescale.”

Ends

 Enquires to:     Nick Vandervell Tel. 0207 632 9880

                        Chris Hunt Tel. 0207 632 9881

Notes to editors:

1.      UKPIA represents nine oil refining and marketing companies operating in the UK, which also own approximately 2,500 of the UK's 9,764 service stations, and own and operate the nine major crude processing oil refineries in the UK.

2.      The main process safety regulation of refineries and terminals in the UK is the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations 1999. Refineries and larger oil storage terminals are categorised as top tier sites. These regulations require all such sites to have a major accident prevention plan and, in addition, top tier sites must produce a safety report to show that risks have been systematically reviewed and controlled, and necessary measures taken.

3.      COMAH Regulations are enforced by a joint Competent Authority: HSE and EA in England and Wales, and HSE and SEPA in Scotland.

4.      The Buncefield Standards Task Group was established in June 2006 in the aftermath of the explosion and fire at HOSL Buncefield terminal in December 2005, to make recommendations to enhance safety and environmental standards at major petroleum storage facilities.

5.       Ken Rivers , Shell General Manager of the Stanlow manufacturing complex, a UKPIA  Council member and former President, chairs the Task Group that includes representation from members of: UKPIA; Tank Storage Association; Chemical Industries Association; UK Onshore Pipeline Operators’ Association; Health & Safety Executive; Environment Agency; Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.