Abstract

Floods, heavy downpours, drought and heat waves will become more frequent in the Netherlands due to climate change. The chemical industry is legally obliged to prepare for such catastrophes so that the likelihood of accidents and, consequently, risks for the environment are minimised. An earlier analysis by RIVM shows that companies do not indicate clearly how they prepare for such incidents in their safety reports.

RIVM, consultancy firm Econos, the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management (RWS) and various companies have therefore collaborated to summarise the hazards concerned and the potential measures. By brainstorming, they were able to share knowledge and learn from each other. Companies will be able to use the summary to analyse hazards and take targeted measures that are appropriate to their own situations. The competent authority will also be able to use it to assess whether companies are well enough prepared.

It appears that the companies in question did not yet systematically analyse the problems that can arise as a result of an imminent flood, heat wave or suchlike, whereas it is crucial that they are alert to these hazards and that they devise solutions for them in advance. It is, for example, important that companies know how much time is available for them to take measures in the event of threat. They must, furthermore, arrange for sufficient people to be able to implement these measures − measures which, have to be customised because threats vary from company to company.