9.5.10 Control of Major Accident Hazards Directive (SEVESO II Directive)

Directive 2012/18/EU was adopted taking into account, amongst other factors, the changes in EU legislation on the classification of chemicals and increased rights for citizens to access information and justice. This directive is known for convenience as the SEVESO III Directive.

Directive 2012/18/EU was transposed into Irish legislation through S.I. No. 209 of 2015 Chemicals Act (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2015.

S.I. No. 209 of 2015 came into effect on 1 June 2015.For clarity, the SEVESO III Directive replaced the SEVESO II Directive (96/82/EC).

One of the requirements of S.I. No. 209 of 2015 is that the Health and Safety Authority shall advise the relevant planning authority of a consultation distance for a SEVESO III establishment, following the receipt of a notification from the operator, and shall periodically review and update the consultation distance as necessary (see Appendix 12).