SEVESO III- Reform of the Serious Accidents Directive

Directive 2012/18/UE, relating to the control of risks inherent to serious accidents involving hazardous substances, amends and repeals SEVESO III, introducing changes in the field of application, inspections and public information. This news lead to more companies being affected and new obligations in the field of risk prevention and control.

The conference, which was attended by different agents with an interest in the field, covered the issued from multiple approaches, with contributions from experts in the matter. .

The speaker from the General Office of Civil Protection and Emergencies of the Ministry of the Interior highlighted the main differences between new legislation and current legislation, and the view of the administration was presented by authorities from the Government of Catalonia and the Office of United Environmental Management (OGAU) of Barcelona. Representatives of the companies ERCROS, BASF and UQUIFA explained their business perspective with regard to the new directive. TEMA, the event’s sponsor, also took part with Alfons Tomás setting out specific applicable cases.

SIt is expected that future revisions of the legislation resulting from this amendment will be a good opportunity to achieve the coordination and harmonisation of requirements and criteria between the affected administration, thereby avoiding duplicating procedures and increasing unproductive costs, which will enable investments aimed specifically at industrial safety to be favoured.