A bit of history…
Before answering these questions, let’s revisit the origin of the term "SEVESO." It refers to the European Seveso Directive, established following a severe industrial disaster in the town of Seveso, Italy. This directive aims to prevent and control risks related to major accidents involving hazardous substances.
What happened?
The Seveso industrial disaster occurred on July 10, 1976, at a chemical plant owned by the ICMESA company, which produced herbicides and pesticides. That day, a failure during a chemical process caused a reactor explosion, releasing a large quantity of dioxin (TCDD), an extremely toxic compound, into the atmosphere.
The dioxin cloud contaminated an area of about 2,000 hectares, affecting several nearby municipalities. The consequences were severe: thousands of animals died or were culled to prevent contamination of the food chain, and many residents suffered health issues, including chloracne, a severe skin condition. The most affected area, nicknamed "Zone A," was evacuated, and extensive decontamination efforts followed.
The disaster management at Seveso was unfortunately marked by numerous shortcomings and poor communication. After the explosion, it took several days for authorities and ICMESA to inform the public about the toxic nature of the released substance, worsening residents’ exposure to dioxin. Safety measures, such as evacuating the most contaminated areas, were implemented late and chaotically, leading to growing distrust of local authorities and the company.
The poor handling of the disaster had long-lasting and severe consequences. Beyond immediate public health impacts, it left a permanent scar on citizens’ trust in institutions and industrial companies. The inefficiency of the initial response highlighted the need for greater transparency and coordination in industrial risk management.
In response, the Seveso Directive, adopted in 1982, was designed not only to prevent such disasters in the future but also to ensure better communication and crisis management in the event of a major industrial accident.
Key elements of the SEVESO directive
- Identification of at-risk sites
- Risk assessment
- Emergency plans
- Public information and participation
- Monitoring and inspections
- Accident management and feedback
Since its first version in 1982, the Seveso Directive has been revised several times (Seveso II in 1996 and Seveso III in 2012) to strengthen safety measures, reflecting new scientific knowledge, industrial developments, and societal expectations for transparency and safety.
Focus on SEVESO site classification criteria
- Quantities of hazardous substances: Each substance or category of substances has two quantity thresholds: a lower threshold (low-tier) and an upper threshold (high-tier).
- Categories of substances: Hazardous substances are grouped into categories with specific thresholds:
- Toxic and very toxic
- Flammable
- Explosive
- Oxidizing
- Dangerous for the environment
- Combined effects of substances: When a facility contains multiple hazardous substances, their combined effects must be considered for classification.
- Specific criteria for certain scenarios: Certain substances and mixtures, as well as facilities associated with specific scenarios (e.g., fuel storage sites, chemical processing plants), may have unique threshold criteria based on the nature and risks of the substances involved.
The classification as "low-tier" or "high-tier" determines the level of obligations for operators, including safety reports, internal and external emergency plans, public communication, and inspection frequency. This ensures efficient risk management for industrial facilities and minimizes potential impacts in case of an accident.
Why is identifying SEVESO sites essential for buyers in aerospace?
As a buyer, it is crucial to understand the implications of SEVESO sites to ensure suppliers comply with safety standards and regulations. Collaborating with SEVESO sites involves verifying that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent accidents and protect workers and the environment.
The presence of a SEVESO site in the supply chain requires rigorous risk assessments. Buyers must ensure that suppliers have effective risk prevention plans and the ability to handle emergencies. A thorough evaluation minimizes supply chain disruptions and ensures operational continuity.
Impact on costs and lead times
SEVESO sites are subject to frequent inspections and audits, which can impact production costs and lead times. Buyers should account for these factors when negotiating contracts and planning procurement. Working with SEVESO suppliers may require adjustments in logistics and inventory management.
Social and environmental responsibility
Collaborating with SEVESO sites demonstrates a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Ensuring suppliers comply with SEVESO standards helps protect the environment and local communities. This commitment also enhances the company’s reputation and can provide a competitive advantage.
At Aviatec Global Aviation
We are not classified as a SEVESO site and operate below the thresholds for ICPE (Installations Classées pour la Protection de l’Environnement), which requires a prefectural declaration.
However, this does not exempt us from maintaining the highest standards in managing our product mix in stock. Certified EN 9120 by Bureau Veritas Certification for all our activities (trading, warehousing, shipping, and delivery of aerospace consumables), we adhere to the regulations and codes of our industry:
- REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals)
- CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures)
- Transport (IATA, IMDG, ADR)
- ICPE (Installations Classées pour la Protection de l’Environnement)
Our continuous improvement plan is reviewed monthly. All employees are encouraged to propose actions and improvement opportunities. This collaborative approach strengthens the commitment of each team member.
