COMAH: Compliance for Lower Tier Establishments

20 November 2025

Introduction

The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations 2015 place duties on establishments storing or processing quantities of hazardous materials above thresholds defined for each substance. Establishments where the quantities exceed the lower of the thresholds are known as 'lower tier establishments'.

This course identifies the COMAH duties for lower tier establishments and what needs to be done to comply with them. It also explains the duties that fall to the Competent Authority (CA) and local government.

Learning outcomes

Delegates will be provided with information that will help them to:

• Know what COMAH duties exist for lower tier establishments and who is responsible
• Have an overview of the major hazards regulatory regime
• Have an overview of the Major Accident Prevention Policy (MAPP)
• Understand their risk profile and how to control their risks
• Understand the role of the CA and their interaction with operators
• Understand how to deliver a safety management system

What the course will cover

This course explains the COMAH duties for lower tier establishments and helps delegates to understand their roles and responsibilities to ensure that they are compliant. It looks at how to mitigate the consequences of a major accident, covering the measures which are necessary to prevent major accidents and how to limit their consequences. It will give delegates an introduction to the major hazards regulatory regime and the MAPP, along with how to deliver a safety management system. The course will also cover COMAH application, including aggregation rules, duties and notification to the CA. Delegates will learn about delivering COMAH and how to control their risks by understanding their own risk profile.

Who should attend?

This course is designed for managers and supervisors of new lower tier COMAH establishments, those moving into managerial roles at existing lower tier establishments and those wanting to refresh their understanding of COMAH.

Venue

The course will be run at the HSE Science and Research Centre in the spa town of Buxton.

Buxton is in the heart of the Peak District and has good links to major roads and motorways, mainline train stations and Manchester International Airport.

Details of hotels in the Buxton area can be found at www.visitbuxton.co.uk

Price

£715 per person (includes course notes, lunch and refreshments).

Book Course

Please note that all courses must be paid for via credit card at the time of booking.

Some of our training courses can also be delivered in-company, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Email: HSEtraining@hse.gov.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)203 028 3704

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