An ILO contribution to the International Programme on Chemical Safety of UNEP, ILO, WHO (IPCS)

Major hazard control: A practical manual

This manual is designed to deal with the safety aspects of siting, planning, design, construction and operation of plants. It explains how to identify major hazard installations and describes all the components of a major hazard control system. Extensive information is provided on planning for emergencies, both on site and in the surrounding neighborhood.

Instructional material | 01 January 1993
The manual identifies and discusses the various components of a major hazard control system. It is written particularly for those countries which are considering such controls for the first time. However, it should be useful for many other countries with major hazard works that have some degree of major hazard control already in operation. In particular, factory inspectorates, managements of major hazard installations, trade unions and local authorities, as well as the police, fire stations, hospitals and emergency units, will find this manual indispensable.

The manual recognises that the achievement of components of a major hazard control system is usually the result of a step-by-step approach, and priorities for progress are identified consistent with this policy. These priorities will involve government authorities and factory inspectorates both centrally and locally, works managements and trade unions, in addition to the various organisations which may be involved with emergency planning.

This manual on major hazard control is a response to the public discussion on how to prevent major accidents. The day-to-day application of safety and health practices is part of normal plant operation and is not covered in this manual. Also not taken into account are hazards associated with nuclear industrial activities and national and international transport of dangerous goods, because the management and legislative control of these activities are generally treated separately.