A Practical Guide for UK Sites to fully understand preparation for a COMAH inspection.
Competent Authority inspections under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations can feel daunting, especially for busy sites juggling production, staffing and operational pressures. But with the right preparation, an inspection doesn't need to be stressful. In fact, it's an opportunity to demonstrate control, strengthen processes and ensure your site is operating safely and compliantly.
This guide breaks the process down into manageable steps and shows how organisations like C3 Technical Solutions support operators in building a robust, confident approach to COMAH compliance.
The HSE and environment agencies want assurance that major accident hazards are identified, understood and being controlled. Common inspection themes include:
Before an inspection, reviewing recent CA findings across the sector can highlight what regulators are focusing on this year.
One of the biggest challenges for COMAH sites is fragmented paperwork. Regulators expect documentation that is clear, aligned and backed by evidence.
C3 Technical Solutions often supports sites with documentation reviews that check:
A tidy document structure tells regulators that your site takes compliance seriously.
Inspectors will want to see that staff understand:
A quick refresher briefing before an inspection can make a big difference.
A pre-inspection site walk usually reveals small issues that are easy to fix but create a poor first impression. Typical findings include:
C3 Technical Solutions often conducts a “mock inspection” walk, helping sites spot issues before the Competent Authority does.
If your Safety Report relies on modelling, engineering judgement or historical performance data, have the evidence ready. Regulators may challenge assumptions around:
Being prepared shows confidence and transparency.
A COMAH inspection isn't an interrogation. It's a professional assessment of risk control. Encourage your team to:
Regulators respect sites that engage openly.
Whether the report is glowing or detailed, every finding is a chance to improve. Action plans that are realistic, prioritised and resourced send a strong signal that continuous improvement is part of your culture.
C3 Technical Solutions frequently assists sites in turning inspection outcomes into structured, achievable improvement programmes.
Preparing for a COMAH inspection is simpler with clear documentation, confident staff and a strong grasp of your major accident hazards. With hands-on guidance from specialists like C3 Technical Solutions, UK operators can approach inspections with clarity, and leave with better safety, stronger evidence and greater assurance that their COMAH obligations are met.
