Hazardous substances are dangerous for humans and their environment, because of their possibly explosive, poisonous or carcinogenic properties. In the Netherlands, the storage of hazardous substances is therefore subject to strict regulations. In certain cases, an All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects (omgevingsvergunning) is required.
You must also observe the General Rules for Establishments (Environmental Management) Decree (Besluit algemene regels voor inrichtingen milieubeheer) and the Building 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 Major Accidents (Risks) Decree 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
An additional risk inventory and evaluation (ARIE) document describes how you must deal with the consequences of serious accidents involving hazardous substances on your business premises. An ARIE report consists of the same elements as the risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E).
Brzo 2015
The Major Accidents (Risks) Decree 2015 (BRZO 2015) focuses on the risks to the environment. You must take all necessary measures to prevent major accidents from happening or to limit their consequences. It is the Dutch translation of the European Seveso Directive. The BRZO 2015 contains a new classification of hazardous substances. Please check with InfoMil if the BRZO 2015 applies to your company.
