Professionals in the chemical industry did not wait for the first European directive in the 1970s to implement risk assessments. Subsequently, various accidents—first in Seveso in 1976, then at AZF in Toulouse in 2001, and later in Rouen in 2019—led to changes in these regulations. Here is an overview of industrial safety at sites with chemical risks, as well as the evolution of the associated regulations.
Risk Management at Chemical Industrial Sites
The "Guidelines" issued by the Union of Chemical Industries outline management methods designed to ensure the safety of industrial sites. Chemical companies must implement a system to improve their safety performance. The goal is to achieve a risk assessment, reduce them until they are eliminated, and improve training measures. A methodology also allows for the analysis of risks at chemical sites in the face of terrorist threats.
Changes in the Regulation of Chemical Facilities
Regulatory requirements have evolved over time based on lessons learned from accidents at chemical facilities. Here is a brief overview.
The Impact of the Seveso Directives on the Chemical Industry
The European Directive 82/501/EEC was issued in the wake of the Seveso disaster. It requires companies to identify the risks inherent in their hazardous industrial activities. Facilities must also organize risk prevention and implement corrective measures. The directive was subsequently amended to include provisions for the control and monitoring of high-risk facilities.
La Directive 96/82/CE du 9 décembre 1996, dite Seveso II, élargit le périmètre des installations à tous les établissements qui stockent des substances dangereuses. L’exploitant doit mettre en œuvre un système de gestion de la sécurité selon les risques identifiés d’accident. Il doit également actualiser de manière quinquennale les études de risques engendrés par les établissements. Des inspections périodiques sont mises en place par l’Administration. L’urbanisation autour des sites industriels doit par ailleurs être maîtrisée. Cette directive 96/82/CE est entrée en vigueur dans le droit français en février 2001.
Preventive measures following the fire in Rouen
The Decree No. 2020-1168 of September 24, 2020 strengthened ICPE provisions by amending the Environmental Code. The operator of a facility subject to a declaration or authorization must notify the Prefecture. The Prefecture may require the submission of a hazard assessment and a prevention plan. It may also impose structural or operational modifications to ensure the safety of the site. Internal Emergency Response Plan (POI) drills are used to inspect facilities. They are conducted at the following intervals.
- Each year for facilities classified as high-threshold Seveso sites;
- Every 3 years for other institutions subject to POI.
The five-year review of hazard studies must be accompanied by a comprehensive and regularly updated list of hazardous substances present at the facilities.
With its expertise in industrial safety, Gesip offers support for safety assessments of chemical industrial sites.
