Published:
Natural hazards such as lightning, high and low temperatures, landslides, earthquakes or floods can impact the operation and safety of hazardous installations and result in accidents referred to as Natural Hazard Triggered Technological accidents, or Natech accidents. Installations that process, store or handle hazardous substances can in principle be vulnerable to the impact of natural hazards. Recent Natech accidents around the globe have had a significant impact on people, the environment, infrastructure and business continuity. Leaders in industry and public authorities play an important role to ensure the appropriate governance and management of Natech risk. Changes in the climate may affect the intensity, frequency and location of natural hazards, and this should be taken into account when analysing Natech risks. Leadership, combined with appropriate technical assessment, will enable long-term operability and sustainable development at hazardous installations, including those whose threat level increases due to climate change. This guidance is geared to support senior leaders in industry and public authorities implement Natech prevention, preparedness and response measures and self-assess how prepared their organisation is in managing Natech risks effectively.
This guidance was jointly developed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC) and the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt).