Proposal for a Council Directive on control of major-accident hazards
The European Commission has published a proposal for a Council Directive on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances. The new Directive, which would replace Directive 82/501/EEC on the major-accident hazards of certain industrial activities, is aimed at the prevention of major accidents which involve dangerous substances, and the limitation of their consequences for man and the environment, with a view to ensuring high levels of protection throughout the European Union. The aim of the proposal is to put in place a more effective system for preventing major accidents having widespread effects and for limiting their consequences by improving safety management, land-use policies, the provision of information to the public, and inspection systems.