Chemical accident prevention, preparedness and response

A new OECD Decision-Recommendation concerning Chemical Accident Prevention, Preparedness and Response was adopted by the 2023 Meeting of the OECD Council at the Ministerial Level. The Decision-Recommendation comes with its supporting technical guidance, the newly released Third Edition of the Guiding Principles on Chemical Accident Prevention, Preparedness and Response.

Natural hazards such as earthquakes and floods can initiate events which challenge the safety and operation at hazardous installations. Accidents triggered by such events are known as ‘Natech’ - Natural Hazards Triggering Technological Accidents. Many natural disasters have led to major damages to hazardous installations, releases of hazardous substances, fires and explosions, resulting in potential health effects, environmental pollution, and economic losses. These impacts can also have a transboundary dimension. Natural hazards considered minor, such as lightning or freeze, have also been found to cause Natech accidents.

The Guidance on Change of Ownership in Hazardous Facilities is a concise document providing a framework to assist stakeholders to identify, understand and minimise the risks during and after a change of ownership at a hazardous facility, and help make the change of ownership a better informed process.