Prevention of major accidents
Activities in this area, within the meaning of the Major Accidents Prevention Act, are aimed at reducing the likelihood of major accidents involving hazardous chemical substances and at limiting the consequences of such accidents in cases where they occur despite the measures taken.
Operators falling under the scope of the Major Accidents Prevention Act are required to prepare safety documentation based on a major accident risk assessment.
Department of major accident prevention
Since 2000, following the implementation of Council Directive 96/82/EC (known as Seveso II) into the Czech legal system in the form of the Major Accidents Prevention Act, the Specialized Department of the Major Accidents Prevention has been involved in the nationwide system for major accident prevention. This system is intended for facilities where hazardous chemical substances are present, with the aim of reducing the likelihood of major accidents and mitigating their consequences for human and animal health, the environment, and property within and around these facilities.
The role of the specialized department for the prevention of major accidents for the purposes of public administration was assigned to a public research institution as early as 2000, based on a framework agreement between the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
Since 2015, the specialized department has been authorized by the Minister of the Environment to prepare expert assessments pursuant to Sections 18 and 19 of Act No. 224/2015 Coll., on the Major Accidents Prevention.
Main activities of the specialized department
- assessment and evaluation of the completeness and professional accuracy of safety documentation in accordance with the major accidents prevention act;
- professional training of public administration staff to perform tasks arising from the major accidents prevention act;
- advisory services related to the application of the act on the major accidents prevention.
The specialized department also contributes to the development of methodological, interpretive, and support materials, as well as recommended procedures intended for both public administration and legal entities or self-employed individuals involved in the major accident prevention system. Its methodological activities focus primarily on major accident risk assessment and safety management systems. It is also engaged in publishing and public awareness activities.
Contact
Ing. Martina Pražáková
Jeruzalémská 1283/9
110 00 Praha 1 – Nové Město
T: +420 728 333 691
E: martina.prazakova@rilsa.cz