An exercise has taken place at at ICoNiChem Widnes Ltd, Widnes, to test the External Multi-Agency Emergency Response Plan for the site.
Halton Borough Council has a statutory duty to test emergency off-site plans required under the Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations (COMAH) 2015. These regulations govern chemical sites that make, store or handle hazardous substances.
The plan and exercise are designed to ensure that effective measures are in place to protect people and the environment in the event of a major chemical emergency. The Council held the exercise as part of its routine testing schedule.
Halton Borough Council, ICoNiChem Widnes Ltd were joined in the exercise by representatives from the emergency services who would manage the response to a major emergency, along with NHS England and the Environment Agency.
Cllr Dave Cargill, the Council’s Executive Board member for Risk and Emergency Planning, said: “The testing of the ICoNiChem Widnes Ltd. External Plan is invaluable to all agencies involved in the exercise. This gives reassurance to all involved in the unlikely event of an incident occurring on site, a quick and efficient response would take place to mitigate the off-site affects for the community and the borough of Halton.”