Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH)

This legislation exists to ensure that all businesses take action to prevent, as far as possible, major accidents occurring and to limit the consequences should an accident occur.

Any business that uses any of the dangerous substances listed in the legislation must comply with this legislation. Examples of the legislated substances include toxic, oxidising, explosive and flammable materials.

Halogens, petroleum, ammonium nitrate, oxygen, hydrogen and formaldehyde are some of the more common hazardous substances.

Threshold quantities depend upon the substance.

Regulators

Regulation is shared by the environmental authorities and the Health and Safety Executive and together they form the 'Competent Authority' for the implementation of this regulation in the UK.