Member Article

Red tape reduced for chemical industries

A Government-led consultation has led to a series of bureaucracy cut backs for the chemicals industry.

More effective, less cumbersome regulation enforcement will be implemented across the sector, according to the Department for Business Skills and Innovation (BIS), following an investigation into the day-to-day experiences chemical businesses had with red tape.

The “Focus on Enforcement” review is a multi-industry initiative launched by the Government with the aim of reducing costs and streamlining procedures for businesses by removing unnecessary bureaucracy.

Within the chemical businesses review the Government gave a particular focus to the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH), and how regulations are enforced.

A large range of trade bodies, businesses and regulators themselves provided evidence to the consultation, which resulted in a long list of reforms to be undertaken by the Health and Safety Exective (HSE) and the Environment Agency (EA).

The two organisations pledged to address concerns expressed by the sector over how easily companies can move over to the COMAH regime, as well as issues around the transparency of charging, consistency of inspections, and links between company performance and inspection frequency.

Amongst the proposals, HSE and EA said they would provide site level account managers to act as a go-between for the two bodies, as part of their plans to co-ordinate their activities more closely.

Michael Fallon, Enterprise Minister, said: “The chemicals industry is a driver of growth, employment and innovation, and we can’t afford to weigh firms down with bureaucracy.

“We must regulate firms in a way that helps them prosper, weeding out unnecessary hindrance or uncertainty while promoting the highest standards.

“The reforms announced today will provide clarity and consistency for hard-pressed businesses, and help regulators focus on maintaining vital safety safeguards for the public.”

Chemical Industries Association chief executive, Steve Elliott, added: “We believe this review is good news for the chemical industry and the regulation of businesses, making an essential contribution towards the UK’s economic recovery and growth.

“Companies, workforces and the general public have much to gain from a pragmatic, efficient and transparent approach to regulatory enforcement. We look forward to playing our part in delivering a regime that gives confidence to all.”

Gordon MacDonald, chair of the COMAH Competent Authority Strategic Management Group, added:

“The Competent Authority welcomes the findings of this review and looks forward to continuing work with industry to further improve the effectiveness of the regulatory regime for major hazards.

“Effective risk management and control lies at the heart of a successful chemical business and supports growth, employment, profitability and innovation.

“We note the positive feedback about the quality of inspectors which was regarded as generally high and the good working relationship between the sector and the regulators.

“We are determined to work with industry to make the COMAH regime as clear and straightforward as possible for all companies without compromising the protection of people and the environment.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .