CERT FMCG has invested £750,000 to upgrade its Rotherham, South Yorkshire site to COMAH Top-tier standard and gain COMAH registration.The endorsement now officially allows CERT to store dangerous substances at this site, including LPG contained in aerosols, at Top-tier levels.
Implemented by a competent authority jointly comprising the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency, COMAH came into force on April 1, 1999 and its aim is to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances.
Due to the growing number of customers requiring safe aerosol storage at the CERT Rotherham site, it became necessary for the site to become COMAH-registered in order to comply with the regulations.
The upgrade included enclosing a 43,000 sq.ft projectile fenced area, purchasing new Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) with Pyroban LPG detection systems, fitting a penstock valve to the drainage system to allow contaminated water to be contained, modifying fire exits to control contaminated fire water and upgrading emergency escape route lighting.
Significant investment has also been made into staff training.
According to Laurence Abel, business director of CERT FMCG division, the company has invested more than £2 million into the Rotherham site over the last twelve months. Past investments include a 20,000 sq.ft 4,000 pallet position one-storey extension to the existing building, and the fitting of a 12,500 sq.ft mezzanine floor area.
Other nationally recognised accreditations held at the CERT FMCG Rotherham site include ISO9001, Investors in People (IIP) and Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI).