Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
March 2026
Aim of inspection
Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is the highest hazard chemical commodity on site and is the primary reason the site are fall under the COMAH legislation. One of their main accident scenarios is a loss of HF during tanker loading whilst moving HF from holding tanks to road tanker for onwards transport.
The aim of the inspection is to verify whether current arrangements for HF transfer are suitable and sufficient.
Subject(s) of inspection
- COMAH - Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 - Rating: GREEN
- COSHH - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
I conducted a Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 (COMAH) inspection at Urenco ChemPlants Ltd (UCP). The inspection sought to examine the dutyholder's arrangements for hydrofluoric acid (HF) loading and storage. The inspection was completed by the COMAH Competent Authority (ONR/EA), assessing compliance against the Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations 2015.
Areas sampled included:
- HF Plant Operation
- HF Tanker Loading Procedure
- Plant Walkdown
- MAH/MATTE scenario discussion
- Emergency procedures & Spill Control
- SQEP - training and competency
- Operational Learning & LfE
Regulatory judgement was based on determining compliance with COMAH 2015 and COSHH 2002.
Conclusion
Based on the documentation information provided and the on-site intervention, I judge that Urenco ChemPlants Ltd. is managing HF tanker loading operations appropriately.I deem that the evidence provided as sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 and the Control of Major accident Hazard Regulations 2015.
I have assigned a green rating with respect to COMAH and COSHH compliance.