Control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances (revision of Seveso Directive): Commission proposal The Commission has proposed a series of modifications to the Council Directive on the control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances (Seveso Directive, 1982). These changes aim to increase the effectiveness of protection against such risks in the European Uni... The Commission has proposed a series of modifications to the Council Directive on the control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances (Seveso Directive, 1982). These changes aim to increase the effectiveness of protection against such risks in the European Union. After ten years of experience following the adoption of Directive 82/501/EEC of 24 June 1982 (introduced in response to accidents such as Flixborough, Beek and Seveso), it is considered necessary to replace this legislation with a new Directive which carries forward the same essential principles but also incorporates additional measures which reflect current good practice in risk management, as well as provisions to improve the effectiveness of implementation. The detailed requirements under the Directive cover measures and technical aspects relating to prevention, preparedness and response to major accidents as they affect man and the environment both inside and outside the establishments concerned.
