| This major project in support of the introduction of Seveso II best practice in Russia, led by WYG International provided advice on legislative, policy and operational matters at Federal, Regional and local levels in line with EU directives. It addressed the issues connected to accident prevention and preparedness raised by the transition from a centralised model to a situation in which legislation must recognise the new economic basis in which both businesses and governmental bodies must function. The project was implemented at Federal, Regional and industry level and worked in 8 Oblasts of Russia, providing TA to the Ministry of Emergencies on policy issues relating to accident prevention and emergency preparedness.
Work at the federal level focused on policy development and the formulation of a legislative framework which is compatible with EU Seveso legislative and regulatory requirements; at regional level on civil protection and public awareness; and at industrial level on practical improvements in emergency prevention and response.
A major component of the project was a detailed analysis of the current Russian regulatory and normative base at the Federal, Regional and industrial levels, identifying current legislative and administrative barriers which presently limit improvement in accident prevention and preparedness. Following this review recommendations were made and implemented in the field of policy, legislation, organisation, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms which follow EU Guidelines and best practice. A key output was the introduction of new mechanisms that create an economic environment which incentivises enterprises to enhance standards of environmental compliance and worker health and safety.
Within the project Seveso II good practice was implemented at a number of plants dealing with hazardous materials including chlorine, ammonia and petro-chemicals. EU team members worked with the Russian Risk and Safety Institute and the management of the plants preparing risk analyses, safety reports based on EU practice. In addition team members worked with local Emercom offices upgrading response organisation and procedures. Centres of excellence were developed in a number of regions of Russia dealing with management of databases of hazardous enterprises, risk analysis and consequence prediction, public awareness, relations with the population and environmental consequences of major accidents.
A dedicated web site was set up to describe in more details the aims and achievements of this project. Follow this link to access the site. |
