Brussels, 22/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission is proposing to strengthen rules on the control of major accident hazards involving chemicals in the EU. The new rules are proposed via amendment to Directive 96/82/EC, the so-called “Seveso II directive”, which makes it an obligation for operators of chemical plants handling large quantities of hazardous substances to notify their activity and establish a major accident prevention policy to protect the public and the environment from the consequences of major industrial accidents.
In particular, rules should be adopted to align the EU classification system with the UN Globally Harmonised System. This will ensure that the same hazards are described and labelled in the same way all around the world. Other important changes proposed include stronger provisions relating to public access to safety information, participation in decision-making and access to justice, and improvements to the way information is collected, managed, made available and shared. The proposal also introduces stricter standards for inspections of installations to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of safety rules.
Other changes of a technical kind consist, above all, of simplifications to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for operators.
The Seveso II directive significantly contributed to reducing the likelihood and consequences of chemical accidents. Nonetheless, such accidents continue to happen and may often have disastrous consequences. “We cannot compromise with safety. This is why the proposed new rules will further strengthen legislation in this area and ensure the necessary high levels of protection”, comments Janez Potoènik, Environment Commissioner.
The revised proposal for a directive is based on the results of public consultation by the parties interested. Several studies on the effectiveness of the existing rules and on the different improvements possible have also guided the Commission in its review process. The revised directive is due to enter into force on 1 January 2015. (A.N./transl.jl)