What is the ARIE scheme?

The ARIE scheme (Additional Risk Inventory and Evaluation) has been drawn up for companies that work with hazardous substances, but do not fall under the Seveso III Directive. The scheme is laid down in the Working Conditions Decree (Articles 2.5b to 2.5h inclusive) and obliges companies to pay extra attention to the risks of major accidents involving hazardous substances.

Since 1 January 2023, the ARIE regulations have been tightened and more companies must comply with these requirements. Do you know if your company falls under the ARIE regulations?

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External safety

The legal basis of ARIE

The ARIE scheme is based on the Working Conditions Act and is further elaborated in the Working Conditions Decree. The aim is to prevent major accidents involving hazardous substances and to mitigate the consequences if an incident should still occur. The Netherlands Labour Inspectorate supervises compliance with these regulations.

Gevarenpictogrammen op de verpakking van gevaarlijke stoffen

To whom does the ARIE regulation apply?

Companies that hold, or may hold, hazardous substances on their premises in quantities exceeding the established threshold values are subject to the ARIE regulations.

You check yourself whether the ARIE regulations apply. You do this by making an inventory of which categories of hazardous substances you have or could have on the premises, and in what quantities. These categories are listed in Annex I of the revised ARIE regulations. Next, you check whether the quantities exceed the threshold values. These threshold values are listed in Annex I, Parts I and II.

What does the obligation entail?

1. Supplementary Risk Assessment and Evaluation

De ARIE is een uitbreiding op de reguliere RI&E die alle bedrijven moeten uitvoeren. Bij een ARIE ligt de focus specifiek op risico’s die kunnen leiden tot zware ongevallen met gevaarlijke stoffen. We kijken naar:

Inventory of all hazardous substances present
Analysis of the processes in which these substances are used
Identificatie van gevaren die zware ongevallen kunnen veroorzaken (scenario’s)
Evaluatie van de waarschijnlijkheid en de mogelijke gevolgen van deze scenario’s
Assessment of existing safety measures

2. Preventive and protective measures

Based on the ARIE, you implement appropriate measures to prevent major accidents and mitigate the consequences:

Technical measures such as safety valves and detection systems
Organisational measures such as procedures and work permits
Implementation of safety management systems
Periodic checks and inspections
Training and instruction of employees

3. Internal emergency plan

Every company subject to the ARIE regulations must have an internal emergency plan containing at least:

The emergency plan must be regularly practiced and evaluated, at least once every three years.

Description of potential emergency situations and the measures to be taken
Alert and communication procedures
Organisation of first-aid and emergency response
Evacuation procedures
Coordination with external emergency services
Scenario’s voor verschillende type incidenten

4. Documentation and updating

The ARIE documentation must be up to date and contain at least:

The Major Accidents (Risks) Decree must be updated upon significant changes in operations, and in any case at least once every five years.

Overview of hazardous substances and threshold values
Description of the installations and processes
Uitgewerkte ongevalsscenario’s
Risk management measures
Safety management system
Internal emergency plan

Our approach to ARIE

01

Analyse en toetsing

We analyse your business situation and determine whether your company is subject to the ARIE regulations. You will receive clear conclusions and recommendations.
02

ARIE opstellen en implementeren

We take care of the entire process: from inventory and risk assessment to the development of scenarios and the definition of measures.
03

Internal emergency plan

We are drawing up a practical internal emergency plan that complies with all legal requirements and is tailored to your specific business situation.
04

Training en oefening

We support the set-up and execution of realistic emergency plan exercises, so that your organisation knows how to act in practice.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about this subject

Since when has the tightened ARBO-regeling for major hazard accidents (ARIE) been in force?

The tightened ARIE regulation has been in force since 1 January 2023. From that date, more companies fall under the regulations and the obligations have been modified. An earlier ARIE risk inventory does not automatically have to comply anymore.

How often should I practise the emergency plan?

The emergency plan must be rehearsed and evaluated at least once every three years. In practice, we advise practising more often, especially if there are changes in personnel, processes or installations.

What if I don't know yet whether the ARIE applies to me?

Start with an analysis of the hazardous substances that you have or may have in your home. Then check whether the quantities exceed the threshold values from Annex I of the regulation. We can carry out this check for you and provide you with a substantiated answer.