Operators of COMAH sites have a critical responsibility to take all necessary steps to prevent or mitigate any potential Major Accidents To The Environment (MATTE). To ensure compliance with COMAH regulations, it is essential to conduct an Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) using the Chemical and Downstream Oil Industries Forum (CDOIF) guidance. This guidance document, ‘Environmental Risk Tolerability for COMAH Establishments', has been recognised by the COMAH Competent Authority as the benchmark standard. Therefore, it is vital to consider this standard when undergoing or revisiting your ERA. Taking all of these factors into account will ensure the highest level of protection for both you and the environment.
The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations are a set of stringent safety requirements that companies must abide by to ensure the safety of their workers and the general public. To make sure these regulations are met, a CDOIF MATTE Assessment must be carried out using the principle of ALARP (as low as reasonably practicable). CDOIF, a joint industry and regulator partnership, is dedicated to standardising process safety methodologies to make sure that they are accepted as good practice. Sites must follow the guidance provided by CDOIF, or something that is at least as good, to demonstrate that they are following the ALARP principle.
The CDOIF guidance follows a 2 stage approach of screening and then risk assessment. The screening aims to rule in / out potential MATTE scenarios based upon material properties and receptor type and location. Following this, a QRA / sQRA style approach is required to establish the frequencies of the identified MATTE scenarios.
At Process Safety Consulting, we understand the importance of protecting people and the environment. That’s why we experienced professionals and offer some of the best risk assessment services available. We are committed to providing the highest level of safety and are confident that we can help you with all your risk assessment needs. With Process Safety Consulting, you can rest assured that your safety and the safety of others is in good hands.