Designing and operating safe chemical reaction processes HSG143

Health and SafetyExecutiveAppendix one:Legal requirements1 It is a legal requirement under health and safety law that those responsible forwork activities ensure that:(a) hazards are adequately identified;(b) risks are assessed; and(c) suitable control measures are put into practice.2 You must take measures to eliminate or control the risks unless doing soinvolves a sacrifice (time, trouble or cost) which is grossly disproportionate to thelevel of risk. However, the ability to pay for additional control measures is not adeciding factor as to whether they are necessary.3 Where it is not possible to remove the risk then the arrangements for managingthe activity safely are particularly important.The Confined Spaces Regulations 19974 These Regulations apply when hazards exist because of the confined nature ofcertain work activities, and the possible presence of substances or conditions that,if taken together, could increase the risk to the safety or health of people. Guidanceon the Regulations is available from HSE. 44,45The Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 19995 These Regulations 8 apply at two levels (top-tier and lower-tier) to certainpremises where specified dangerous substances are stored or used at or aboveone of two threshold quantities. The main aim of these Regulations is to preventmajor accidents occurring; a secondary objective is to limit the effects of any whichdo happen. A major accident, in relation to these Regulations, is a major emission,fire or explosion resulting from uncontrolled developments that lead to seriousdanger to people or the environment.6 The general requirements apply at both levels and require the operator incontrol of the industrial activity to demonstrate that the major accident hazardshave been identified and that the activity is being operated safely. The additionalrequirements that apply at the higher level include the submission of a writtensafety report, preparation of an on-site emergency plan and provision of certaininformation for the public. Guidance on the Regulations 11 and how to write a safetyreport 50 is available.Designing and operating safe chemical reaction processes Page 40 of 64