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The seismic regulations from the decree of October 4, 2010, applicable to classified Seveso installations, considered the most dangerous in the event of an accident – for the environment and populations – have evolved in recent years to strengthen the monitoring of at-risk equipment in the event of an earthquake.
The concept of "seismically critical" equipment has been introduced into seismic regulations
Equipment whose failure in the event of an earthquake is likely to produce dangerous phenomena, capable of generating serious hazard zones (corresponding to the zone of lethal effects) outside the site's property boundaries, must now be subject to an inspection plan. This plan must be developed and implemented by the operator (regardless of the seismic zoning of the area) to ensure the integrity of this equipment and the quality of its anchors and fixings. It had to be developed by:
- By January 1, 2020 for existing installations;
- Upon commissioning of the installation for new installations (first authorization from January 1, 2013, or if a part of the installation has undergone a substantial modification involving new constructions after January 1, 2013).
Scope of installations concerned by the conduct of seismic studies
Seismic studies must be submitted by installations and areas with high stakes. These studies concern:
- All new Seveso upper-tier and lower-tier installations located in seismic zone 3, 4, 5, or in seismic zone 2 with soil class D or E.
- Existing installations, for which a schedule for seismic study development has been revised on the following basis:
Existing upper-tier Seveso installations located in seismic zone 2 had to submit the soil class to which they belong by December 31, 2019.