---

Dept of Trade and Industry

Answer

Dr. Cable: To 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. Wilson: The UK Petroleum Industry Association inform us that: a) All refineries have their own specialist fire fighting equipment and specialist fire fighting teams. 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.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

390 c681W;390 c682-3W; 74443

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Industrial disputes Fire and rescue services Oil Standards Storage Safety Strikes Refineries

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk