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The seismic rules set out in the decree of October 4, 2010, applicable to Seveso-classified facilities considered to be the most dangerous in the event of an accident - for the environment and the population - have evolved in recent years to reinforce the monitoring of equipment at risk in the event of an earthquake.
The notion of "earthquake-critical" equipment has been introduced into the paraseismic rules.
Equipment whose failure in the event of an earthquake is likely to produce hazardous phenomena that could generate severe hazard zones (corresponding to the lethal effects zone) outside the site's property limits, must now be subject to an inspection plan. This plan must be drawn up and implemented by the operator (irrespective of the zone's seismic zoning) to ensure the integrity of this equipment and the quality of its anchors and fixings. They must be drawn up no later than :
- January 1, 2020 for existing installations;
- On commissioning of the facility for new installations (first authorization on or after January 1, 2013, or part of the facility has undergone substantial modification after January 1, 2013, involving new construction).
Scope of installations concerned by seismic surveys
Seismic surveys must be submitted for high-stake facilities and areas. These studies concern :
- All new Seveso high threshold and low threshold facilities located in seismicity zones 3, 4 and 5, or in seismicity zone 2 with soil class D or E.
- Existing plants, for which a schedule for the preparation of seismic studies has been revised on the following basis:
Existing Seveso high-threshold facilities located in seismicity zone 2 were required to hand over the soil class to which they belong by December 31, 2019.