The Falkirk area has a proud and historic tradition of industrial and commercial enterprise providing jobs and livelihoods for generations of residents and helping to produce goods and materials used in everyday life.
Although there have been changes to the scene in recent years, the petro/chemical industry retains a significant and very strong presence in Grangemouth and there are extensive Whisky Bonds in Bonnybridge. Owing to the nature of the industry within Grangemouth and the areas strategic location at the heart of Scotland, we also have an extensive network of underground pipelines conveying both gases and liquids.
These industries are closely regulated by the Health and Safety Executive| (HSE) and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency| (SEPA) through the Control of Major Accident Hazards| (COMAH) regulations, their aim being to prevent major accidents and to limit the consequences to people and the environment of any that may occur.
The safety of the community has always been a priority for the Council and we prepare and maintain plans to deal with risk and threats to our communities and environment. This is in fact a statutory duty under the COMAH| regulations.
Although accidents and emergencies are extremely rare, industry, the Council and the other authorities concerned make great efforts to make sure that if an incident does occur it can be dealt with quickly, effectively and importantly that local communities are alerted and protected.
To do all of this, the Council works closely with its partners in the Central Scotland Strategic Coordinating Group (SCG) this includes Central Scotland Police, Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service and industry itself. A significant example of this close partnership working in Grangemouth is the Major Incident Control Committee (MICC).
This committee was set up as far back as 1968 and continues to be highly instrumental in the planning and preparations necessary for the Grangemouth Petro/Chemical Complex.
The Committee oversees vitally important matters such as Public Warning, Training and Exercising, mutual aid and assistance between companies and the provision of technical advice should it be needed.
Warning and informing the community
The Government believes communicating with the public about emergencies is essential and a well-informed public is better able to respond to an emergency.
Informing the public can build trust and minimise the impact of an emergency on the community.
Information is available for communities living in Grangemouth and Bonnybridge to meet with the COMAH Regulations.
Grangemouth: important public safety information
The illustrated leaflet and the Emergency Instruction Card are distributed to households and businesses in Grangemouth (FK3 postcode area).
Bonnybridge: safety advice for the community