Hazard sites advice goes online

HSE has over the past 12 months been introducing a new way to obtain advice on planned developments near major hazard sites and pipelines.

The internet-based tool PADHI+ (Planning Advice for Developments near Hazardous Installations), allows local authorities online access to HSE's relevant statutory advice. Information in a Consultation Zone Library is also available for download on to planning authority GIS systems.

Over 400 authorities were invited and given the opportunity to attend a series of training seminars on PADHI+ across the country. Feedback from events has been very positive and PADHI+ has generated more than 1,200 online consultations.

The series of training events has now been completed. Those authorities which missed the opportunity to attend will be sent copies of the information handed out at the seminars, with relevant contact information should they need to consult HSE in future.

Non-attendees are advised to contact HSE at an early opportunity to provide details of an authorised administrator (somebody to act as a focal point between HSE and planning authority).

They can then log on to the system and identify the major hazard sites or pipelines in their area and download maps or other information defining the consultation zones around each hazard. HSE's advice should always be sought on developments within the consultation zones of a major hazard.

Planning authority staff will now not be able to obtain HSE's advice other than through the PADHI+ system, although HSE will provide support for staff using the system.

Further information on the rollout and who to contact can be found on HSE's website.