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Safe Operation of Facilities

Safe Operation of Facilities

Directive 96/82/EC, also known as Seveso II, refers to the response to major accidents involving dangerous substances. The harmonization of Greece with the Seveso II Directive was done by the KYA 5697/590 (Government Gazette 354B/17.02.2016), entitled: "Determination of measures and conditions for addressing the risks of major accidents in establishments or units due to the presence of dangerous substances".

This Decision applies to establishments where dangerous substances are present in quantities equal to or greater than those referred to in the Directive.

The obligations of the managers of the establishments, the competent Ministries and the Prefectures are set out in specific articles of the Decision. Article 16 of the Directive 'Inspections-Controls' provides for the organisation and implementation by the licensing authority of a system of inspections according to the type of installation.

The subjects to be checked include :

  • The organisation of the Safety Management System
  • the safety studies and the internal emergency plans
  • The level of updating of plans, reports, work instructions, procedures
  • The safe construction and operation of the units
  • The technical adequacy and the state of equipment of the units
  • The maintenance and control plans, the periodicity of inspections and the recording
  • Staff training
  • The benefits of inspection and certification under the Seveso Directive include :
  • The certification of compliance with the requirements of the legislation
  • Confirmation of the correctness of the safety conditions provided in the installations
  • Checking the correctness and completeness of the records and forms developed and applied in the establishment concerned
  • The identification and recording of weak points in the safety conditions and proposals to address these and the risks that may arise.

TÜV HELLAS, having experienced and properly trained personnel, in cooperation with its parent company TÜV NORD, has inspected, under the SEVESO II Directive, large Chemical Industries, such as the facilities of the Phosphate Fertilizer Industry (PFL) in Kavala and has awarded Safety Certificates, acceptable by the state authorities.