Development of chemical accident database: Considerations, accident trend analysis and suggestions

Traditionally, regulations, standards, codes and management systems were established after major accidents such as Seveso Directive by Seveso accident, Italy, in 1976, etc. Also, several chemical material and process accident databases were developed and implicated in the world. In this paper, we introduce a set of recently developed databases, such as eMARS (EC), HSEES (USA) and PEC-SAFER (Japan), and describe current development of a chemical accident tracking system in Korea. Especially, we intensively focused on general classification codes, simplified and effective database structure, user friendly interface and intuitional searching methods. Additionally, the chemical accident trends were analyzed by using third grade of accident casualties and property’s loss. Finally, suggestions for applicability improvement of database are proposed. To improve the management and operability of hazardous materials and chemical processes, the systemic approaches are essential using accident database. The developed database and suggested issues in this study can perform an important function in the chemical industries.