Project 112: Enhancing the Safety and Security of Chemical Facilities by Building Capacity in the North Africa and Sahel Region

Context

As a result of the global increase in the use of chemicals, partner countries in the North Africa and Sahel (NAS) region are no strangers to the global concern about the safety and the security of facilities producing, using and storing hazardous chemicals. 

Building on the results of EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Project P072 (2018-2022), which strengthened capacities related to the transport of hazardous materials but did not address chemical installations, partner countries in the NAS region identified the need to extend risk mitigation efforts to fixed chemical facilities. 

P112 seeks to strengthen the analysis of the legal, institutional and technical framework of chemical management, improve the Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery of chemical accidents and strengthen the skills to control chemical facilities.

Overall objective

This project aims to address global and transregional threats to peace, international security, and stability by enhancing governance and cooperation on CBRN risk prevention, detection, and mitigation.

This project aims to strengthen capacities for risk and incident management at chemical facilities, identified as a priority by all partner countries in the region. P112 will help countries achieve their long-term objectives of chemicals management by involving regional and national experts, relevant institutions, and existing bodies.

Specific objectives

• To formalise the national legal frameworks for sound management of chemicals in accordance with international standards.
• To enhance the safety and security of chemical facilities.
• To improve inspections carried out at chemical facilities by the competent authorities.

Concrete activities

• Development of national profiles on prevention, preparedness and response at chemical facilities. Training of trainers and national training sessions on classification, labelling and packaging (GHS/EU) and chemicals regulated under international regulations.
• Inventory and identification of chemical facilities posing major accidents risks & identification of critical facilities.
• Training on risk assessment and internal emergency planning.
• National and regional field exercises to test preparedness and response systems.
• Development, training and testing of inspection guides for competent authorities.
• Mapping and strengthening of laboratory capacities for chemical analysis and control. 

Expected results

• Partner countries have the necessary elements to improve their legal framework in agreement with international standards (OECD and EU).
• Chemical facilities in the NAS region operate under strengthened safety and security practices, with improved risk assessment methodologies and emergency mechanisms in place.
• Major accident hazards and critical facilities are systematically identified, allowing authorities to prioritise prevention and mitigation measures.  
• Competent authorities have the necessary competences to conduct inspection of chemical facilities.
• National capacities to detect, analyse and control hazardous chemicals are strengthened, contributing to reduced risks to human health, the environment and property.
• Regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing on chemical risk management are reinforced under the EU CBRN CoE framework.

Expected achievements

• Development of a regional guide on chemical risks management, organisation of a regional workshop, preparation of national chemical profiles including legal analysis with gaps’ identification in relation with international standards, development of action plans.
• Delivery of Training of Trainers and national cascade trainings on regulated chemicals, risk assessment, and emergency planning, alongside inventories of high-risk and critical chemical facilities.
• Strengthening inspection and laboratory mapping through the development and testing of inspection guides, inspector training, laboratory mapping, targeted laboratory training, and the organisation of national and regional field exercises.