Implementation of legal requirements in self-responsibiIity

In Switzerland, legal aspects of the handling of highly reactive substances is regulated by the Law of Labour (Arbeitsgesetz), the Law of Environmental Protection (Umweltschutzgesetz) with their corresponding ordinances and some other laws. Discussions on the use of highly reactive substances are focussed to incidents. Therefore, the ordinance on the protection against major accidents (StFV) plays a central role. It's the duty of the managing director to overcome emergencies. The chemical industry commits to the principles of sustainable development and to the Responsible Care Programme. As a consequence, not only legal requirements but also responsibility for safety and environmental protection influence the production processes. A successful emergency management is based on professional and well-tested guidances and plans. General emergency concepts for incidents with hazardous materials and radioactive substances are well-known. As an example of responsible implementation of legal requirements, the general guidance of handling incidents in bio-areas (areas with biological materials) of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. is presented.