ICPE hazard studies - Hazard identification

We have shown, in previous sections, that an application for an operating permit must contain, among other things, an impact study as stipulated in article 2 of the law of July 10 1976, now codified in articles L 122-1 to L 122-3 of the Environmental Code (sections , , and ). However, this operating permit application file would not be complete if it did not also include a hazard study. As with the impact study, the content of the hazard study is defined in article 3, paragraph 5˚ of decree no. 77-1133 of September 21, 1977, taken for application of law no. 76-663 of July 19, 1976, relating to installations classified for environmental protection (ICPE), codified in article L 511-1 et seq. of the Environmental Code. This stipulates that each copy of the authorization application must be accompanied by a hazard study which :

• on the one hand, describes the hazards that the plant may present in the event of an accident, including a description of accidents that may occur, whether their cause is internal or external, and the nature and extent of the consequences of any accident;

• secondly, justifies the measures to be taken to reduce the probability and effects of an accident, determined under the responsibility of the applicant.

It should be remembered that the hazard study, like the rest of the file, is drawn up by the applicant operator, under his own responsibility.

• the first fascicule, [G 4 210] "Étude de dangers des ICPE. Identification of hazards", presents an analysis of existing or future installations on a site (intrinsic hazards) or of hazards external to the site, but which could lead to the appearance of a hazard on the site;

• the second issue, "Étude de dangers des ICPE. Étude des scénarios", describes the analysis and study of the possible impacts of accidents;

• the third section, [G 4 212] "Étude de dangers des ICPE. Compensatory measures", deals with preventive measures taken, internal and external fire-fighting resources, the handling of alarms and the emergency plans put in place, and staff safety training.

These three booklets are supplemented by two other studies required to complete a permit application file: the impact study "Étude d'impact...