Facilities BRZO

In the case of accidents dangerous substances are a major accident at a company site. A substance is a hazardous substance when it is toxic, flammable or explosive, or has a combination of these properties. BRZO companies are the most risky companies in the Netherlands.In the Netherlands, companies with large quantities of hazardous substances are covered by the Decree on Major Accident Risks (BRZO). The BRZO is the Dutch implementation of a European directive. BRZO brings together legislation and regulations in the field of occupational safety, external safety and disaster prevention. The aim of the BRZO is to prevent and control major accidents involving dangerous substances. Companies covered by this law are called BRZO companies. These companies are subject to stricter rules than for other companies. BRZO companies are obliged to draw up emergency response plans and to practice them with emergency workers. The permit provider (province or municipality) regularly checks whether the company meets the strict safety requirements. The BRZO does not apply, among other things, to facilities of defence, nuclear power plants and mining companies. Specific laws or regulations apply to this.