ICPE and SEVESO sites: what obligations for operators?

An ICPE (Facility Classified for Environmental Protection) is an installation whose operation may pose dangers or nuisances to the environment, health or safety. Depending on their risk level, these facilities are subject to declaration, registration or authorisation. SEVESO sites — lower or upper tier — concentrate major-accident risks.

The hazard study and the operating permit

The operating permit application is the cornerstone of an ICPE subject to authorisation. It includes the impact study and the hazard study, which identifies accident scenarios, models their effects (fire, explosion, dispersion) and demonstrates risk control through risk-reduction measures.

ATEX risk and the explosion protection document

Any installation likely to generate explosive atmospheres must classify its ATEX zones and formalise an explosion protection document. This document lists the zones, suitable equipment and organisational measures. Drafting it requires deep expertise, often led by a certified ATEX lead.

Emergency plans: internal, external and crisis management

High-risk sites must have an internal emergency plan and, for upper-tier SEVESO, contribute to the external intervention plan led by the authorities. Drills, a crisis unit and emergency communication complete the setup. Mastering these plans underpins the site’s compliance and resilience.

Expert support

IFECARM GROUP, whose Founder & CEO has led QHSE projects on major ICPE and SEVESO sites (Sanofi, Yara, Safran…), supports operators across all these obligations: regulatory studies, ATEX explosion protection documents, emergency plans, audits and compliance. An initial assessment maps your gaps and prioritises actions.