Evaluating impact on accidents

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Scope

Does the option affect the likelihood or prevention of fire, explosions, breakdowns, accidents and accidental emissions?[1]

Definition

Under certain conditions fire, explosions, breakdowns, accidents or accidental emissions can pose risks to human health and life. Every system inhibits high-risk zones where the possibility of explosion can be relatively high. Ignition sources exist in a variety of forms: Sparks and embers, hot surfaces, and static electricity to name a few. Frequently, the sources of ignition occur within production itself, f.e. metal strikes metal, or heat is generated in the production process. Accidental emissions can e.g. be composed of a large number of chemical agents that may have acute or chronic toxic effects, that are carcinogenic, allergenic or may be endocrine disruptors. Unintended dissemination of environmentally alien or genetically modified organisms into the environment can pose unpredictable risks for the native plant and animal population and for human health (see also next question of the impact inventory).[1]

Clear guidelines on how to prevent risks for all dangers mentioned above used and followed through in all thinkable solutions can help to decrease human health risk immensely.

EU-wide co-operation in the field of Civil Protection shall ensure protection for people, environment and property in the event of natural and technological disasters. EU measures support and supplement efforts in disaster prevention on all levels and focus on the rapid co-operation between national civil protection. Six resolutions were adopted, an evaluation of past ongoing and future activities has been completed and the first Action Programmes (1998-1999) was followed by a five-year Action Programme for the period 2000-2004. On 23 October 2001 the Council adopted a decision establishing a Community mechanism to facilitate reinforced cooperation in civil protection assistance interventions. In case of natural, technological and environmental disasters it is now possible to mobilise the necessary operational resources for immediate, coordinated and efficient support.[1]

In 1996 the Council Directive 96/83/EC (Seveso II Directive) was adopted, which has fully replaced its predecessor, the original Seveso Directive. Important changes have been made and new concepts have been introduced, including a revision and extension of the scope, the introduction of new requirements relating to safety management systems, emergency planning and land-use planning and a reinforcement of the provisions on inspections to be carried out by the EU Member States.[1]

Result

Indicators:

There are no Eurostat Structural Indicators directly related to this key question.

There are no Eurostat Sustainable Development Indicators directly related to this key question.

Additional Links:

There is no EEA indicator covering the topic.

External links: OECD collection of publications and links on Chemicals Hazard/Risk Assessment

Five Steps to Risk Assessment: Brochure by UK Health and Safety Executive with additional references[1]

See also

IA TOOLS

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 JRC: IA TOOLS. Supporting inpact assessment in the European Commission. [1]

This text is for information only and is not designed to interpret or replace any reference documents.