The Major Accident to the Environment - Coursework Example

Part 1 The Major Accident to the Environment that occurred at Buncefield also includes relevant information that links to outside concepts. This includes safety concepts, legislation and potential changes that need to be made for safety. Understanding how these work as a response to the disasters that happen provides the capability to change potential responses, and provides different relief options to those who have specific relations to the disaster that has occurred. The legislation that was investigated with the fire in Buncefield is specifically linked to section 14 (2) (a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act from 1974. This was linked to the powers that were used as a response from the Environment Agency in response to the fire. The main concept behind this is to regulate workplace health, safety and welfare in the United Kingdom. In relation to this specific act, and relating to section 14 is the ability for the public to hold an inquiry or investigation of the workplace to define how the accident has occurred. More then this, the powers are moved to the executive, or Secretary of State, to define regulations and problems with the particular problem that has occurred. With this particular basis that was carried about with the fire, are also safety aspects that are linked to the fire, specifically that have come from the investigation that has occurred. The first part of this is from the defining of the main explosion that occurred by the oil depot. In this depot were petrol, aviation turbine fuel and diesel and gas oil. The regulations and legislation that is linked to this is one of the main preliminaries that is a part of the Health and Safety at Work Act, which states that there needs to be complete control of explosive and flammable substances. More specifically, this states that the control of these substances means an understanding of what is lawful or unlawful possession of the substances that may be flammable. This is considered a general duty of anyone who has control of the work premises. This main problem can be seen as the main problem with the explosion. Even though there is not a direct investigation that defines how the fire started, the explosion that began moved directly into the oil that is hazardous in case of smoke plumes or fire. The legislation that needs to be investigated in relation to this is the safety zones that are a part of the oil depot as well as whether the area was being regulated at the time. Because the explosion began on a Sunday, there needs to be discussion on who was in the area at the time and in charge of navigation. If the place was left unwatched, or if there was not control of the area, then it may have led to the explosion that occurred. Generally, the area were the explosion occurred should have only had specific individuals allowed in the area, as well as a safe distance from the oil and products that would have stopped the explosion from occurring. There also needs to be investigation on how far the safety zone was from other coordinates to define how the explosion may have occurred (GPO Access, 2008). According to Schedule 5 of the Health and Safety at Work Act, there are specific building regulations that relate to this problem. The structural component of a building or safety area has to have specific distances linked to it, as well as measures taken as precautions against any potential fire. More specifically, the equipment and the fittings have to be held in relation to a fire, meaning that, if a fire is to break out, the fire can be fought more easily and can have potential solutions that stop the fire from spreading. The fire that occurred took four days to put out, with smaller fires that continued to spread throughout the area. This means that the safety area did not meet the legislation act of having the equipment and materials spread out far enough to prevent damage with a fire. The second piece of legislation that becomes a part of the explosion that occurred is the spread of the oil depot fire into other areas. This is linked to the movement of the fire to other areas, as well as the time that it took to completely stop the fire. It was stated that the fire took three days to put out, with smaller fires that were moving throughout the area for the next four days. More then this, it was stated that plumes of particles and pollutants from the fire were causing the fire to catch and continue to spread. This particular problem is one that links to other regulations in relation to safety, specifically linked to air quality and safety standards that are a part of the safety regulations. One of the main preliminaries that is a part of the legislation and regulation of health standards is the defining of emissions in the air. This should also be controlled in the atmosphere, specifically relating to noxious or offensive substances that may move against safety and health regulations. This main component was not reached with the legislation that was a part of the fire, specifically because of the noticed pollutants and particles that were seen in the air. Because this was continuing to cause the fire to spread, and started smaller fires as a result, it can be noted that the legislation to reach this particular code was not met as a part of the standard for health. According to section 5 of the Health and Safety at Work Act, this causes a problem with the regulations that are needed. There are specific measures that have to be taken against the transmission of heat as well as the emission of smoke, gases, fumes, dust, particles and pollutants. It can be seen from the spread of the fire, as well as the satellite views that were taken from the fire, that there were no measures taken against the emissions or the potential of fire transmitting. This means that there was little to no control over the air substance that was being produced from the oil depot and that the safety precautions and measurements were not taken to prevent an explosion from preventing because of the air and environment. Even though the emissions in the oil depot can be said to be a part of the natural occurrence within the area, the problem is with the excessiveness that caused the fire to continue through a longer time. This hazard is not only a problem with the effects that occurred with the explosions, but also when relating to environmental regulations. Specifically, the oil depot could have used specific devices to cause the air pollutants to not be excessive or to find more practical solutions for the air emissions that were coming out of the oil depot. Because individuals could see the pollutants from miles away, it implies that the regulation of the emissions was not considered. This also includes the inability to use the best practical means within the oil depot as a part of this legislation, which means that the oil depot should have found alternative ways of controlling the air pollutants through the structure and organization of the plant. From the legislation that is taken into consideration with this, are several failings that classified this particular incident as a Major Accident to the Environment (MATTE). The first is in relation to the functioning of the oil depot before the accident occurred. If the emissions and pollutants were in the air, and the safety spacing with the building caused the explosion, then it means that the workers who were in the area did not have sufficient protection or care in the work area. Specifically, there may have been hazards and difficulties with breathing in the pollutants from the oil, as well as problems with the spacing and safe space that was supposed to be a part of the regulations. As these major problems led to the fire, it can also be stated that the workers who were in the area before were also exposed to the regulations of the oil depot. This first, major failing that is defined within the oil depot is one that the oil depot did not regulate or consider even before the incident occurred. The second failure that the oil depot had is relating to the legislation on buildings and safety precautions taken within this. This includes both the materials within the environment as well as the spacing and safety zones considered for an oil depot. If the materials were up to the right standard and if the safety zones had the right amount of spacing, the explosion would not have caused such a major incident. Most specifically, the hazardous substances that were on the premises did not have adequate covering with the right materials that would have slowed down the fire. More then this, the fire would not have spread as fire if the buildings and areas of safety were up to the correct regulations. This particular problem is one that is known to have effected the environment by causing the explosion to spread throughout the premises and move into the air. Another failing that moves beyond this is what leads the fire into the MATTE. Because the oil depot had not reached codes of practice for air regulation and environmental protection, the fire caused more damage then necessary. Having the amount of pollutants and particles in the environment caused the most consequences in the area, as well as outside of the area. This can be seen as a result of the amount of pollutants and particles that were distributed in the air, as well as the far reaching consequences from the continuous spread of the fire from the air pollutants. The consequences of the air pollutants involved in the fire is one that moves beyond the fire incident, and into more problems beyond the oil depot fire. The smoke and pollution that resulted from the fire is one that, even after the end of the fire, moves into problems with more pollutants and the inability to have clean air. This part of the regulation is one that has been a part of the problem since 1956, resulting in the Clean Air Act. This leads to nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, ozone, particulates and other pollutants to move into the air. The problem with this is that it leads to a direct impact in the environment to lower air quality and to cause more pollutants to stop clean air from being available. The problem with this is that it does not just move into a difficulty with more pollutants being in the air, but also moves into public health regulations that move against having clean air. With the extra pollutants moving through the air, is a community that is now in danger of breathing in the extra pollutants. As this moves into the public realm, it may cause problems with respiration, breathing and other general health hazards. If different types of weather occur, such as wind and air movement, then these pollutants will continue to move into other areas, causing more public health problems that are within different communities. This causes specific zones that are focused on air quality to be disregarded and places individuals at a higher hazard then before because of the fire (Havering, 2008). The result of the oil depot fire is one that has several levels of difficulties related to it. This includes hazards that can be seen as a part of the oil depot that occurred before the fire, such as worker health issues. This also includes the main fire showing failings in legislation and regulations that were not met by the oil depot. More then this, the fire has led to a MATTE because of the hazards that it brings to the community at large from extra pollutants. From this, it can be seen that the oil depot fire has resulted in loss not only from the oil depot fire, but also the community at large and problems that have arisen as a result. Part 2 Introduction The impact of air quality that occurred from the fire is one that directly impacted the health of the air, as well as the overall air quality. The threat of this problem is one that moves beyond the emission problems that are currently taking over the London area, and causing problems and difficulties that are a result of the explosion. As a result of the oil depot explosion, PM 10 particle moved to a much higher rate during and after the explosion. While many state that there was a change in air quality and health from the fire, most who surveyed the area also show that the change was only moderate and did not impact the public health community at large, as was expected. PM10, Air Quality and Health The main problem that was noted from the fire was the release of PM 10 particles in the air. The air quality impact of this is one that may cause a change in the ability to have clean air. This is because of the PM 10 nature. Since they are smaller particles that react to the air, it can cause general damage to the environment and the air. More then this, the PM 10 particles are known to carry various chemicals and compositions which do not react in a positive way to clean air. This causes more smoke and soot to be in the air and moves harmful substances to different regions. The problem with PM10 and the general increase in the air is also known to have a direct impact on public health. It has been noted that, if individuals are exposed to this, it can lead to direct effects on breathing and the respiratory system. Because of the particles that are a part of this substance, it is more likely to move into the lower parts of the lungs and the respiratory tract. This causes damage to lung tissues which can lead to problems such as lung disease, cancer, influenza or asthma. If an individual is sensitive to this material, the consequences can be even more extreme and can lead to premature death (AIR Trends, 1995). In relation to other gaseous emissions, PM10 is known as one of the most hazerdous because of it's ability to move into lower regions of the respiratory system. Others that are close to this include carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. However, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and lead are known as natural substances, whereas PM 10 may carry compounds and chemicals that are man made. The use of ozone is the only other harmful emission, which may cause damage to materials when it is more concentrated in one area. With this, are similar health problems that may occur from the PM10, as well as continuous hazards that are a part of the environment and the concept of clean air quality (Sjaak, Slanina, 2008). Results from the Buncefield Fire This particular impact on health and the air quality can be seen to directly link to the problems associated with the Buncefield fire. While it was noted that the air quality altered from the Buncefield fire, it was also stated that this was only a moderate change and did not cause a direct impact on the health for that week. As can be seen from the graph below, the impact was slightly higher then normal levels of PM10. Graph 1: Buncefield Air Pollutants (image from: Fuller, Gary, 2006). This graph shows the levels of PM10 that were in the air with the Buncefield fire. It can be seen that on the date of the fire, the PM10 levels when higher then normal, with the second highest being at 80 grams and the day of the fire being at 100 grams. However, the week after the fire was put out, the emission levels of PM10 went directly back to the air quality that was available before, resulting in 30-40 grams per day. In relation to this, are other areas that were near the Buncefield fire. It was expected that, with the movement of the fire, that the air pollutants would have altered their location. This was specifically linked to the wind and air movement available. However, this also noted only a slight increase on the day of the fire, with emissions moving back to a normal level the next day. For example, in North London, this increase was noted around the same time as the Buncefield fire, as seen in the graph below. Graph 2: North London Air Pollutants (image from: Fuller, Gary, 2006). As can be seen, the PM10 in all areas increased around the time of the fire. The only area that continued with this increase in the following week was Brent 5 (Neasdon). All other areas moved back to the regular PM10 grams that were in the air before the fire. With the Brent 5 area, it can also be noted that levels were higher before the fire occurred as well. This shows that, the potential increase of PM10 with the fire was only a result of the initial problem, and did not result in continuous health emission problems. The only area in which it was said to increase in air pollution and affect the area for the week following the fire was in Horsham and Lewes. This is said to be because of the spatial relationship to the Buncefield fire area, as well as a link to the air movement that was occurring. These were said to reach a peak after the fire was set out, with moderate concentrations of pollutants that remained in the air past Thursday when the fire was removed. It was specifically noted that the plume observations moved directly to these areas, instead of to other areas that may have carried the air movement and caused for health hazards with the pollution. The graph below shows were the Buncefield air pollutants moved to, leaving most areas clear of the PM10, while being a moderate hazard to others areas. Graph 3: Areas Affected by the Fire (image from Fuller, Gary, 2006). From this different data, it is seen that, while the increases in air pollutants were at higher levels during the fire, the results after the fire did not cause changes in the PM10 that was in the air, both in the Buncefield area or in the areas surrounding this space. In relation to these graphs, were also investigations that resulted to relate to the public health issues at hand. According to the Occupational Health Department, the changes with public health as a result of this fire was also at a low to moderate level. There were very few individuals who had problems, such as respiratory breathing difficulties as a result of the fire. The surveys that were taken relating to the public health showed a low to moderate level of health concerns as a result of the fire. This compared inhalation problems, headaches, injuries, anxiety and other health concerns. It was noted that short term health effects only resulted in 13% of the population with little to no long term results in the area of public health (Health Protection Agency, 2006). Conclusion These two sites conducted the most relevant surveys in the areas in Buncefield, as well as those surrounding it. From this, it can be noted that the concern for air quality after the fire was not at high levels for concern. However, there are still concerns relating to the air quality that can be noted during the fire. It can be seen that, in all the areas surveyed, there was a high increase in PM10's when the fire occurred. It can be seen that the increase was at a much higher rate then normal. Considering the adverse effects that can occur with PM10 particles, there is still a need to determine the effects that this may have on other's health and what the results are. Even though the air quality change was only considered moderate, the particles and pollutants that were discharged as a result changed the reasonable quality of the air. While the surveys conducted state that there was no more then a moderate level of change in the air quality, as well as in health, there also needs to be a change in thought over the long term effects that may be caused by the Buncefield fire. The release of PM10 particles into the air at the rapid rate that occurred, while not showing long term effects in the air quality or in public health, may result in problems that occur in the future. The result in toxic waste, polluted water and other contaminants also resulted in the fire. While many say the problem was only moderate, it can also be seen that the long term effects in other areas from the fire caused damage. In relation to health and safety standards, this still causes problems from the contaminants of the fire (Adam, David, 2006). While the measurements of air quality and public health state that there is not an adverse effect from the pollutants available, the contaminants and the result of the fire speaks otherwise. Because the fire burned oils and gas emissions into the air, and included toxins that moved into the earth, there is a contradiction with the results from the investigations and the safety that was affected as a result. It can be seen that, the toxins, pollutants and chemicals, while only causing a moderate to short term problem within the air, moved into deeper problems that are a result of the Buncefield fire. References 1. Adam, David. (2006). Buncefield a Year On: Clean Up Continues. The Guardian, December 9, 2006. 2. Air Trends. (1995). Particulate Matter: PM – 10. Retrieved from: http://www.epa.gov/air/airtrends/aqtrnd95/pm10.html. 3. Fuller, Gary, Timothy Baker. (2006). Air Pollution Impact of Buncefield Oil Depot Fire. King's College London. 4. GPO Access. (2008). Regulated Navigation Areas. Retrieved from: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=414a9af9a20752494df4132536e70400&rgn=div5&view=text&node=33:2.0.1.6.34&idno=33#33:2.0.1.6.34.1.192.4. 5. Havering. (2008). Air Quality Information. Retrieved from: http://www.havering.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=724. 6. Health and Safety at Work Act. (1974). Retrieved from: http://www.healthandsafety.co.uk/haswa.htm. 7. Health Protection Agency. (2006). The Public Health Impact of the Buncefield Oil Depot Fire. Retrieved from: http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1194947321467. 8. Sjaak, Slanina. (2008). Anthropogenic and Natural Emissions. The Encyclopaedia of Earth. Retrieved from: http://www.eoearth.org/article/Air_pollution_emissions. Read More