Update on EU Issues 10 th March 2010 Manchester Conference Centre Health and Safety Executive Major Hazards Policy Team Paul Edwards

The review of the Seveso Directive The alignment of Seveso with GHS The Critical Infrastructure Directive Summary 10 th March 2010 Manchester Conference Centre

Aligning the EU and UN systems Annex One determines the scope of the Seveso Directive The EU CLP Regulation implements the UN GHS of classification No simple formula for aligning the old and new systems TWG established to consider this issue Changes to Seveso Annex 1

The UK wants minimal change to the overall scope: –No increase unless justified by safety –No decrease if there remains the risk of a major accident –The link between CLP & Seveso to be as clear & straight forward as possible –Admin burdens kept to a minimum Changes to Seveso Annex 1 Bringing GHS into Seveso – the UK’s aims

The EU wants to ensure at least the same level of protection to man & the environment throughout Europe Changes to Seveso Annex 1 Bringing GHS into Seveso – the EU’s aims

Analysis of Current Position Greatest discrepancy exists with the human toxicity category Other issues with ‘physical hazard’ and ‘environmental hazard’ categories Changes to Seveso Annex 1

Comparison of Toxic Properties 4 T+ T Xn EU 123 Oral mg/kg inhal. vapour mg/l inhal. aerosol mg/l inhal. gas mg/l ppm 1324 Dermal mg/kg , , ,50,050, for T comparing line to old legislation for T+ 1 A1A2 A5 A3 A7A6 A4 A2b really precautionary alignment

Impact of GHS on COMAH Changes to Seveso Annex 1 HSE undertaking research to better determine impact of proposed changes EU expected to produce draft proposal in 2010 Final system required before June 2015, when current system lapses

Aligning the EU and UN systems A more general undertaking than the alignment of Annex 1 and CLP Aims to assess the effectiveness of Seveso and identify possible improvements Carried out through two questionnaires… Review of Seveso

EU Seveso surveys F-Seveso survey - investigated the implementation of Seveso - identified no need for legislative change Public authority survey - no fundamental changes necessary - some possible improvements in implementation and enforceability

Formal proposal in late 2010 Formal negotiations across Europe in 2011 Changes then implemented in UK through COMAH & HSC Regulations Ultimate deadline for completion is June 2015 Proposed Schedule Review of Seveso

Inclusion of Carbon Dioxide? Possibility of including CO 2 as a named substance UK considers CO 2 to have major hazard potential UK aims to include CO 2 only where it is part of a CCS process Review of Seveso

Security issues within Seveso? Review of Seveso Some interest among other member states UK currently waiting to see where these discussions lead BUT CA is not committing to a definitive position on the issue at this stage

Extension of the derogation rule Comitology for Annex 1 changes Clarification of underground gas storage Clarification of domino effect provisions Mixtures & preparations (‘M’-factors) Other Issues Under Discussion Review of Seveso

Likely next steps… Formal EU proposal to amend Seveso in 2010 On-going engagement with UK stakeholders Consultation and EU Impact Assessment Final system must be in place by June 2015 May require new or amended COMAH Regulations and LUP legislation Changes to Seveso Annex 1

Reduction of Administrative Burdens i)Computerised notification - national websites for operators to submit notifications ii) Co-ordinated inspections - between Seveso and IPPC regimes Review of Seveso UK agrees with these proposals in principle

Critical Infrastructure Directive Adopted in December 2008 ‘Critical Infrastructure’ – assets that destruction/disruption of which would have a serious impact on health or well-being of a population Currently limited to the energy and transport sectors

Upcoming Event Workshop on Emergency Planning 21 st April, Madrid Event open to a wide audience Aims to share experiences and identify good practice in the development of External Emergency Plans Provide details to HSE if interested in attending CCA Meeting, Madrid

How to contact HSE Further information on HSE’s website: Contact details: Infoline: Contacting HSE