Hazardous substances are dangerous for humans and their environment. This is because they can have explosive, poisonous, or carcinogenic properties. The storage of hazardous substances is therefore subject to strict regulations in the Netherlands. In certain cases, an All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects (omgevingsvergunning) is required.
You must also observe the Activities Decree (Besluit algemene regels voor inrichtingen milieubeheer, Barim or Activiteitenbesluit) and the 2012 Building Decree (Bouwbesluit 2012). The guidelines for storing hazardous substances can be found in the Hazardous Substances Publication Series (Publicatiereeks gevaarlijke stoffen, PGS, in Dutch).
Storing large quantities of hazardous substances
Do you manage large quantities of hazardous (chemical) substances? Then you are subject to additional regulations for the protection of employees, the environment, and neighbours. You must keep to 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 record how you deal with safety risks. How you do this depends on the quantity and type of hazardous substances in your business.