On Wednesday 18^th March, CATCH hosted the latest meeting of the CATCH Major Hazards Network, held at The Water’s Edge, Barton-Upon-Humber. The meeting was expertly chaired by Dan Rawdin, Risk and Process Safety Manager, SSE, who welcomed over 25 delegates both in-person and online.

Following introductions, the group first heard from Aimee Russell, Senior Analyst, RAS Ltd, who gave an insightful presentation on NaTech and Climate Change Risk Assessments, and why they’re so vital.

Aimee explained how detailed plans surrounding accidents and incidents caused by natural disasters is a requirement outlined in COMAH Regulations Schedule 3, as well as what a natural disaster in the UK may look like.

Aimee then continued by explaining the definition of a NaTech Event – a Natural Hazard-triggered Technological Accident and shared some examples with the group of such events that have already occurred in the UK, before explaining the importance on an Adaptive Management Cycle, and suitable considerations for emergency response if a NaTech Event were to occur.

Aimee concluded by taking questions from the group, before a brief coffee break.

The group then heard from Peter Davidson, Chief Executive Officer,  Tank Storage Association, who gave a presentation surrounding the Buncefield Disaster, 20 Years On.

Peter started by giving and insight to who the Tank Storage Association are and what they do, before giving an oversight of the Buncefield Disaster. Following conversations around the incident, Peter went on to discuss the progress that has been made in order to prevent an incident occurring in the future.

Peter concluded by giving an insight into what more can be done in the future, and how there are still some issues that are being reviewed and practices to be adopted. Peter finished by taking questions from the group.

Thank you to both Aimee and Peter for their insightful presentations, and to Chair Dan Rawdin. Thank you also to Water’s Edge for hosting the network and welcoming our in-person delegates.

The next meeting of the CATCH Major Hazards Network will be held on Wednesday 15^th July 2026 and will be a joint Major Hazards and Human Factors Conference at CATCH.

For more information about CATCH Membership and our other membership networks, please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org.