The Chemical Accidents Programme works in co-operation with other international organisations on three areas:

• developing common principles and policy guidance on prevention of, preparedness for, and response to chemical accidents;
• analysing issues of concern and making recommendations concerning best practices, and
• facilitating the sharing of information and experience between both OECD and non-member countries.
  
  

The Programme’s flagship products are:

• The Guiding Principles for Chemical Accident Prevention, Preparedness and Response which address all aspects of preventing and managing chemical accidents;
• The Guidance on Developing Safety Performance Indicators in which SPI serves as a guide for key stakeholders to determine if their implementation of the Guiding Principles has led to improved chemical safety;
• Corporate Governance for Process Safety Guidance for Senior Leaders in High Hazard Industries, which establishes “best practice” for senior decision makers who have the authority to influence the direction and culture of their organisation.
  
  

The programme also regularly organises workshops on specific issues to gather information and make recommendations concerning best practices. Examples of workshop subjects include:

• accidents investigation;
• health and environmental aspects of chemical accidents;
• audits and inspections of hazardous installations; training of engineers in risk management;
• use of safety reports in the control of major accidents hazards; lessons learned from accidents; and
• integrated management of safety, health, environment and quality.
  
  

Further information on past workshops can be found in the list of publications.

The Programme helps countries share information and learn from each other’s experience in:

• OECD-EC accident reporting system;
• safety management, risk assessment, risk management and risk communication in the context of chemical accident prevention;
• economic aspects of chemical accidents and prevention; acute exposure guidelines levels; land use planning; and
• special concerns of small and medium-sized enterprises.