Is the Seveso II directive an improvement on its predecessor? A chemical industry safety professional's personal view

Abstract The paper addresses the `state of play' in the implementation of the second version of the Seveso directive (Seveso II) from the viewpoint of someone who was involved in comment during the drafting of the directive, is involved through the work of some of the Technical Working Groups and will be involved as the Competent Authorities implement the national versions of the directive. The directive is seen as an improvement and a logical step from its precursor. The chemical industry sees its contribution as a positive one. The gathering of input for the directive as it was drafted is seen as partially successful. The work of the Technical Working Groups is supported with some recommendations about resourcing and the time realistically available for producing guidance in time for the individual states to implement. Two particular concerns remain. These are: (i) the detailed implementation at the establishment level where the individual states requirements do not always resemble each other well, (ii) the willingness of the states to resource the Competent Authorities to a level where a real partnership can flourish to the good of all. The conclusion is that the new directive is fit for its intended purpose, but will only be fully effective if it is implemented uniformly and well.