Storing hazardous substances

In the Netherlands, the storage of hazardous substances is subject to strict regulations. In certain cases, an environmental permit is required. This permit is part of the All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects (omgevingsvergunning), which was introduced on 1 October 2010.

In other cases, you must adhere to the General Rules for Establishments (Environmental Management) Decree (Besluit algemene regels voor inrichtingen milieubeheer) or the Buildings Decree 2012 (Bouwbesluit 2012) The guidelines for storing hazardous substances can be found in the (Dutch-language) Hazardous Substances Publication Series (Publicatiereeks gevaarlijke stoffen, PGS).

Storing large quantities of hazardous substances

If you manage large quantities of hazardous (chemical) substances, you are subject to additional regulations for the protection of employees, the environment, and neighbours: the additional risk inventory and evaluation (aanvullende risico-inventarisatie en –evaluatie, ARIE) or the Decree on the risks of serious accidents 1999 (Besluit Risico's Zware Ongevallen 1999, BRZO 1999). You must determine how you deal with safety risks. How you do that depends on the quantity and type of hazardous substances in your business.

Additional risk inventory and evaluation

The additional risk inventory and evaluation (ARIE) applies mainly to the safety on your business site. An ARIE document describes how you must deal with the consequences of serious accidents involving hazardous substances. An ARIE report consists of the same elements as the risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E).

Brzo 1999

The Decree on the risks of serious accidents 1999 (Brzo 1999) focuses on the risks to the environment and people outside your business. There are 2 categories: Serious-Accidents Prevention Policy (Preventie Beleid Zware Ongevallen, PBZO) and Safety Report (Veiligheidsrapport, VR). You must formulate a serious-accidents prevention policy for both categories. In addition, you must implement a safety management system. For the last category, you must also prepare an internal contingency plan and a safety report.