Seveso directives and natech measures management: areas for risks and economic efficiency

Abstract

The widespread presence of industrial facilities in Azerbaijan and the country’s geological and geographical conditions make the management of risks arising from the combination of technological and natural disasters (NATECH) a highly relevant issue. Within the framework of SEVESO directives, minimizing these risks, assessing potential hazards, and implementing economically efficient measures are among the key priorities in ensuring industrial safety. This article identifies areas in Azerbaijan with high NATECH risks and examines the implementation of SEVESO measures aimed at mitigating these risks. Special attention is given to the oil and gas industry, chemical plants, oil refineries, port infrastructures, and other strategic facilities. The study investigates the primary causes and potential impacts of NATECH incidents, analyzes methods for risk reduction through the application of SEVESO measures in local industrial facilities, and evaluates costs and benefits to ensure economic efficiency in risk management. The results indicate that the effective implementation of preventive measures can be economically feasible for managing NATECH risks. Establishing automated monitoring systems, developing disaster-resistant infrastructures, and training personnel play a crucial role in risk mitigation. The proposed measures not only help reduce potential human casualties and environmental consequences caused by technological and natural disasters but also enhance the resilience of industrial enterprises, minimizing economic losses. This study provides recommendations for the advancement of SEVESO directive implementation and the development of improved approaches to NATECH risk management in Azerbaijan.