Europe agrees Seveso III chemical plant rules

Stricter rules on companies involved in dangerous chemical products have been agreed, but are only expected to come into force in three years’ time.

The EU is making progress with its proposal to amend the SEVESO Directive on the prevention and control of major industrial accidents involving dangerous substances.

This third version of the Directive — SEVESO III — increases the type of facilities covered, which currently number around 10,000 establishments, reinforces and updates security measures, requires companies to put accident-prevention policies in place, provides for a stricter inspection regime, and also will facilitate greater citizen awareness and participation.

SEVESO III will provide online public access to relevant information, including where plants are located, information on measures to be taken in the event of an emergency. It will also facilitate public participation in the decision-making process, including by way of judicial aid in relation to planning applications.

The agreement to amend the SEVESO Directive has been reached between the European Parliament and the Council (EU heads of state) and approved by the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the member states.

However, the Directive still requires formal ratification by the European Parliament and then the Council and is only expected to come into force on 1 June 2015.