HSE publishes fuel storage consultation paper

LONDON— The U.K. Health and Safety Executive has published a consultation document that it says will help shape its future policy on the advice given to planning authorities when they consider applications close to large scale petrol storage facilities.

The public consultation follows the explosion and fire at the Buncefield, England fuel storage depot on December 11, 2005 and the findings from the Major Incident Investigation Board's investigation.

HSE Deputy Chief Executive, Justin McCracken, said: "Land use planning is a matter of importance and public interest and we are keen to encourage views from the public including those affected by the Buncefield explosion. This consultation exercise will enable an open and transparent approach to making policy decisions that reflect the needs, concerns and aspirations of the people they will affect."

The consultation document can be accessed at: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd211.htm