SEVESO – ATEX Safety Studies

The SEVESO name came to reflect Major Industrial Accidents, and SEVESO Safety study procedures are set by art. 6, 7 and 8, Joint Ministerial Decree 12044/613 Government Gazette 376 B dated 19/03/2007 (SEVESO II).

Following the above Joint Ministerial Decree, whether an enterprise falls under the Decree’s jurisdiction or not, depends on the produced or transported quantities of hazardous substances. Based on these quantities, enterprises are divided into two categories:

1. The obligations of the First Category enterprises are outlined in articles 6 and 7 of the aforementioned JMD and refer to the submission of the ‘Notification’ document.

2. Whereas articles 6 and 8 refer to Second category enterprises and give information on the submission of the ‘Safety Report’

In the ‘Notification’ document the procedure includes the submission of a report listing the following:

• Information on the hazardous substances stored in the establishment, or the ones that may occur from any accidents

• The quantity and physical form of the hazardous substances

• Description of the operations activity

• Information and elements regarding the establishment’s surroundings (description of near-by facilities, wider area land use)

• Risk assessment in relation to possible major accidents, due to site location and its proximity with other dangerous establishments (domino effect)

Moreover, there are provisions for the preparation and submission of a Major Accident Prevention Policy and the terms and methods that secure its proper implementation.

The Notification document and the Prevention Policy are submitted to the relevant authority every 5 years, at the latest, or sooner in the case of business activity alterations.

In the Safety Report the procedure is more complex and it should include detailed scenarios in case of an accident. More specifically the report should prove that:

• Both the Major Accident Prevention Policy and a Safety Management system are in place and implemented

• Major accident hazards are identified and all necessary measures have been implemented in order to prevent and control possible consequences for people and the environment

• The site’s design, construction, equipment operation and maintenance of equipment are credible and secure

• There are Internal Emergency Plans outlining the necessary measures in case of a major accident

• The relevant authorities have been duly informed in order to decide on the provision of the establishment or developments surrounding establishments

• The establishment or group of establishments with possible domino effects have been identified and the MAH consequences have been estimated

The Report on controlling explosive atmospheres, widely known as ATEX Report is an essential requirement for all enterprises where flammable substances are stored or used and may create an explosive atmosphere, pursuant to PD. 42/2003 and in line with the European Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX Directive).

The ATEX report includes a thorough examination of the establishment in order to:

• Identify areas where explosive atmospheres may occur

• Record equipment – machinery and check suitability

• Carry out a Risk Assessment of any work activities involving flammable substances

• Estimate the consequences of a possible accident caused by explosive atmosphere

Of course, the nature and complexity of the above specialized reports require an interdisciplinary team of experts to work together and carry out the study. An in-depth understanding of the engineering field, specialized knowledge and experience are necessary. Samaras and Associates Ltd. can provide the appropriate executives and the required measuring equipment, moreover we have available a special software which focuses on estimation of major accidents consequences. Therefore, we are in a position to carry out studies that meet the highest international standards.