Because SEVESO sites represent a certain level of risk, specific emergency plans have been put in place to protect people, property and the environment.
These include the Plan Particulier d’Intervention or PPI , which defines prevention, warning and response measures in the event of an accident whose consequences extend beyond the confines of the site at risk. Here’s everything you need to know about the PPI and its scope.
What is the purpose of a special response plan?
The Plan Particulier d’Intervention is a safety plan specific to France for high-risk industrial sites.
It aims to reinforce the protection of civilians, property and the environment in the event of an accident whose consequences extend beyond the industrial facilities concerned.
In fact, the PPI is drawn up by the Prefect, who defines the civil protection policy to be adopted according to the risks identified, as well as the protective measures, mobilization and coordination of all stakeholders.
Good to know: the PPI is an integral part of the ORSEC plan, a key anticipation mechanism in the face of major events (accidents, disasters, terrorism, health hazards), designed to establish shared control of all public and private players involved in protecting people, property, networks and the environment.
What’s in a special response plan?
First of all, the PPI lists all the tasks to be carried out by local authorities and emergency services in the event of a major accident or disaster.
It defines all the rules for organizing command at the scene of operations , and specifies every measure to be taken according to the risk identified. In fact, it includes all the following information:
- Description of the site at risk and of the various accident scenarios and their consequences;
- Scope of application of the plan (i.e. all municipalities affected by the provisions of the PPI) ;
- The information and protection policy planned for the population (and, if applicable, evacuation plans and indication of assembly points);
The plan also contains all the tasks incumbent on the operator with regard to the authorities and neighboring populations. Indeed, the person in charge is required to sound the alarm as quickly as possible, to enable the police or fire department to organize the protection of civilians.
Of course, the PPI also mentions all the tasks to be carried out by government departments and local authorities , and specifies the conditions under which private organizations will be involved.
Finally, the Special Plan sets out the general provisions for restoring and cleaning up the environment following a serious accident.
Which sites are affected by the PPI?
The facilities concerned by a PPI are defined either at national level, or at European level (SEVESO). They include the following types of site:
- Nuclear facilities ;
- Chemical plants ;
- Underground gas storage ;
- Dams over 20 meters high (and capable of storing up to 15 million cubic meters of water);
- Infrastructure related to the transport of hazardous materials;
- Laboratories using highly pathogenic micro-organisms
- Extractive industry waste management facilities (category A)
However, certain specific sites may be subject to a Special Intervention Plan if certain risks are identified that are likely to endanger life or limb. In all cases, the decision rests with the Prefect.
In addition to the PPI, each of these types of plant is covered by an Internal Operations Plan (POI).
Would you like to know more about the special intervention plan?
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