MIIB cover note to Buncefield investigation progress report
The Board is publishing today a report it has received from Taf Powell, the Investigation Manager, on progress with the investigation into the explosions and fire at the Buncefield Oil Storage Depot on 11 December 2005.
The Board asked for this progress report to assist it in supervising the conduct of the investigation, as requested by the Health and Safety Commission. The report makes clear that the extensive damage to the site and the need to make it safe has unavoidably delayed the investigating team in gaining access and carrying out a thorough forensic examination of the scene with a view to gathering evidence. The Board commends the investigation team for their thoroughness and professionalism in difficult physical circumstances. A good start has been made which is already producing valuable information. There is, however, much more to be done before the root causes of the incident can be identified.
The investigation terms of reference call for an initial report to be made to the Health and Safety Commission and the Environment Agency as soon as the main facts have been established. We are not able to do that yet. Publishing this progress report therefore ensures that as much factual information as possible is put into the public domain now. More progress reports will follow as the investigation reveals further information.
The Board recognises that a wide range of people have been affected by the incident, directly or indirectly, who are anxious for information and advice. The Health and Safety Executive is publishing today precautionary advice to operators of sites similar to Buncefield and will follow up this advice through site visits. The emergency services are carrying out their own internal investigations to identify lessons learned.
The greatest anxiety will be felt by those whose homes or businesses were affected by the Buncefield incident; and those who live or work near similar sites. A key task is to establish exactly how the flammable mixture that gave rise to the explosion was able to form. The Board has asked the investigation team to give the resolution of this question maximum priority.
Another crucial issue is the way that HSE formulates its advice to planners considering off-site developments. The Board recognises that, to provide sensible and balanced advice for the future in the wake of such a rare event, the HSE needs to understand how and why the explosion occurred. But we have emphasised to the Executive the importance we attach to the review of this advice as further information from the investigation emerges.
The Board is responsible for ensuring that the investigation is wide ranging and thorough. We will continue to monitor the lines of investigation being pursued and to ask the difficult questions that arise. As more information becomes available, we will ensure, subject to legal considerations, it is made public without delay.
- Buncefield investigation progress report [PDF 500kb]
