The Seveso 2 Directive

The subject of this report is the Council Directive on the Control of Major Accident Hazards involving dangerous substances, popularly known as the COMAH Directive or, alternatively, Seveso 2. This Directive applies to establishments which hold more than specified quantities of substances which are classified as hazardous because of their toxicity, flammability or potential to cause harm to the environment.

Many petroleum products are classified as hazardous and thus many oil industry sites will be 'Seveso sites'. However, pipelines, transport and intermediate temporary storage are specifically excluded.