Major accident management consulting (SEVESO)

The SEVESO regulation aims to prevent major accidents involving hazardous substances and to limit their consequences on human health, the environment and property. For the companies concerned, its correct application is not only a legal obligation, but also a key element of process safety and responsible management of industrial activity.

Apave supports organizations in complying with SEVESO regulations, providing technical expertise, regulatory knowledge and an approach adapted to the reality of each facility.

SEVESO regulatory framework in Spain

In Spain, SEVESO regulations are articulated through Royal Decree 840/2015, which transposes Directive 2012/18/EU (SEVESO III). This regulation obliges establishments to adopt the necessary measures to prevent major accidents and limit their effects on people, the environment and property. It is also complemented by the Basic Civil Protection Guideline and the Basic Self-Protection Standard, which reinforce emergency preparedness and response.

Is your company affected by SEVESO regulations?

An establishment is affected by SEVESO regulations when it stores or uses hazardous substances in quantities above the thresholds defined in Annex I of Royal Decree 840/2015. Depending on such quantities, establishments are classified as lower tier or higher tier, which determines the scope of the applicable legal obligations.

In the case of lower tier SEVESO establishments, the activity exceeds the lower threshold for one or more hazardous substances. In this situation, the company must notify its activity to the competent authority and have an internal emergency plan, as well as define a major accident prevention policy and a safety management system appropriate to the risks present.

When the activity exceeds the higher thresholds, the establishment is considered SEVESO upper level, which implies additional requirements. In addition to the lower level obligations, the company must participate in the development of the external emergency plan and have a safety report, which includes the basic information of the establishment, the major accident prevention policy, the safety management system and the detailed risk analysis.

How can we help you?

Apave accompanies companies affected by the SEVESO regulation in all phases of the process, from the determination of the establishment's involvement to the implementation and maintenance of the requirements demanded by the legislation.

Our technical team prepares and updates the notification of serious accidents, the internal emergency or self-protection plan and the safety report, integrating these documents in the existing management systems. We also carry out risk analyses, consequence studies and accident scenario modeling, and support organizations through training and drills to reinforce emergency preparedness.