Control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances. Seveso II

The debate revealed the delegations’ support for revising the Directive currently in force. Guidelines were established for further work on the following aspects: - scope (the vast majority of delegations supported the new approach, which introduced the idea of establishment into the scope); - major accident prevention policy (all delegations supported the proposal that basic rules be laid down, applicable to all types of establishment, relating to the major­-accident prevention policy); - control of town planning (the introduction of provisions concerning town planning in the vicinity of sites at risk is recognised as necessary if confined to broad guidelines); - notification of accidents (a large majority of delegations felt that common criteria should be laid down to eliminate the disparity and delays recorded hitherto as regards the notification of accidents). The Permanent Representatives Committee will continue examining this dossier in the light of the debate with a view to enabling the Council to act at the earliest opportunity.