Prevention of major accidents

In Switzerland, the protection of the population and the environment against serious harm caused by major accidents is governed by the Major Accidents Ordinance.

A literature study published by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) in 2010 examines possible major accident scenarios in connection with the fire and explosion properties of synthetic nanomaterials. A second study published in 2013 scrutinises possible major accident scenarios with regard to toxicological or ecotoxicological properties of manufactured nanomaterials.

The available knowledge does not give cause for the adoption of specific regulations in the Major Accidents Ordinance for nanomaterials.

Further information can be found under ‘Links’ and ‘Legislation’.

Links

Human and Ecotoxicity of Synthetic Nanomaterials. Initial Insights for Major Accident Prevention.

Published by the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN (2013)

Fire and explosion properties of synthetic nanomaterials. Preliminary findings for the prevention of major accidents.

Legislation

Ordinance governing the protection against major accidents (Major Accidents Ordinance, MAO)

The Major Accidents Ordinance applies to enterprises, transport routes and pipeline systems with a certain risk potential. According to the ordinance, owners are required to adopt the required safety measures in order to reduce their risk.

Last modification 03.11.2022