Abstract

This report contains an addendum d.d. 02-02-2022 on page 35
This report contains an appendix: RIVM-rapport 2019-0208 bijlage

Some of the raw materials used in the chemical industry are inflammable or toxic, as are some of the products. Transport by rail of these dangerous goods to and from companies working in this field entails risks for the environment.

The Dutch policy for the safe transport of dangerous goods and a safe living environment uses a calculation method to estimate the risks for the living environment. The current method was developed in the 1990s and RIVM has now updated this calculation method.

For this research, RIVM collected data on, and analysed, major accidents in Europe in the last thirty years and applied this to the Dutch situation. The likelihood of a major accident and its potential effects were updated based on this data.

The modified calculation method uses recent data on accidents to calculate risks. RIVM therefore advises the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) to use this modified method in its policy for the safe transport of dangerous goods and a safe living environment.

RIVM carried out this research in collaboration with consultancy firm AVIV. To this end, the two organisations involved a number of experts from other consultancy firms, companies, environment agencies and ProRail.