held at Wm Blythe Ltd, Church, Accrington
on Monday 15th March 2010
from 5.30pm to 7.00pm
Introduction
William Blythe Ltd is an inorganic chemicals manufacturer based in Church near Accrington, Lancashire. Under the Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations (COMAH) the Lancashire County Council are responsible for producing an emergency plan to co-ordinate the response to any on site incident that has off-site consequences (referred to as the "off-site" plan).
Under the provisions of the COMAH Regulations there is a requirement on the County Council to arrange for the off site plan to be regularly tested (usually once every three years).
Exercise Hawk was held at the offices of Wm Blythe Ltd between 5.30pm and 7pm on Monday 15th March 2010.
Purpose of the Exercise
The purpose of the Exercise was to determine the accuracy of the contact details and the availability of responding agencies in the event of the activation of the off-site emergency planning arrangements for the site.
This was achieved through an 'Initial Activation Exercise'.
Format of the Exercise
An exercise management team consisting of representatives from the company, Lancashire Constabulary and Lancashire County Council contacted responding organisations by telephone to confirm that the contact details held in the off-site plan were correct.
In addition, organisations were also asked a series of questions to validate their understanding of the initial response they would be expected to provide, and also to assess their availability to attend the scene.
Supporting organisations who would not be required to attend the scene were also contacted and were able to confirm their availability to attend a multi-agency meeting or to provide support at a rest centre.
At no point were responding agency required to activate any operational arrangements.
The responses from each agency were recorded at the time of the exercise,and used to validate the exercise.
Conclusion
A total of 17 organisations and 33 people were contacted for Exercise Hawk. Only two organisations were unable to answer the initial call and the contact details held in the off-site plan have now been checked and updated to reflect the changes.
The exercise proved extremely useful in confirming the accuracy of the contact details held for responding organisations, and that those organisations contacted have an understanding of and would be able to discharge their role.
The exercise highlighted a discrepancy relating to the message that is passed by the company to supporting organisations, and this was reviewed and amended as part of the off-site plan review.
Further information
For further details please contact Paula Bull, Senior Emergency Planning Officer, Lancashire County Council Emergency Planning Office (01772 537911).
Return to News