We have an important role to support the emergency services in the case of a major emergency within the borough. These emergencies can be natural disasters such as flooding, storms and pollution also other events such as major traffic accidents, unexploded bombs or acts of terrorism. Our role and responsibilities are outlined in the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 where we are a Category 1 Responder.
Our primary roles and responsibilities in the event of a Civil Emergency are:
- Work alongside the Agencies and First Responders i.e. Environmental Agency, Police, Fire, Ambulance, Utility Companies and Lancashire County Council in assessing the specific risks to the community.
- The operation of rest centres and reception centres in liaison with Lancashire County Council Emergency Planning.
- Updating the Council website and Social Media to warn and inform the boroughs residents and businesses.
- Clean up activities after the event in liaison with other agencies.
COMAH Sites within the Borough
LANXESS Urethanes UK Ltd.
To ensure that arrangements are in place to deal with the off-site consequences of an incident at the site however unlikely, Lancashire County Council produce an off-site emergency plan. This is a requirement under the Control of Major Accident Hazards 2015 (as amended) – known as COMAH.
The off-site plan is in addition to the company on-site plan and is developed by the County Council working with a number of organisations including the local authority, emergency services, health organisations and staff from the site. The plan is designed to protect the public and environment from any emergency which may have off-site consequences.
A key part of the off site plan relates to giving information to people who live and work in the immediate vicinity of the site (known as the Public Information Zone). Security protocols mean that a substantial part of the off site plan cannot be placed in the public domain.
All persons and organisations within the Public Information Zone around the site have been issued with information on what to do in the event of an off-site emergency.
If you require further information please contact Lancashire County Council Emergency Planning Service.
For information about the company go to: http://lanxess.co.uk/about-lanxess-uk/our-sites/baxenden/
Contact Name: John Lord
Tel No: 01254 302428
Email: john.lord@lanxess.com
Other useful links:
Environmental Agency Flood Information Service