Co-operation with Neighbours
GOALS
- Prevent industrial accidents that can have transboundary effects and, to minimise impacts should such an accident occur;
- Mutually support response efforts; and
- Share information and lessons learned.
This section deals with two issues, both of which involve the value of cross-border cooperation to further chemical accident prevention, preparedness and response:
- First, many hazardous installations are located near local or national boundaries, or close to waterways that cross borders. Therefore, it is important that neighbouring communities that might be affected in the event of an accident be: consulted about hazardous installations and preparedness planning; informed of the risk of relevant chemical accidents; given information concerning actions to take in the event of an accident.
- Second, neigbouring communities can support each others’ efforts to improve chemical accident prevention, preparedness and response by sharing information and experience and by establishing mutual aid agreements.
Suggested activities include:
- Identify the hazardous installations with the potential of causing transboundary effects in the event of a chemical accident
- Establish procedures for consultation with neighbouring communities/countries on preparedness planning including communication with the public, and on land-use planning
- Maintain effective notification systems to warn neigbouring communities/countries in the event of an accident
- Create mutual support agreements to improve emergency response capability
- Support efforts to exchange information and experience between neighboring communities and countries