Management of Chemical Risk in Spain: SEVESO Regulation and Autonomous Community Emergency Plans
When a chemical risk alert is activated, rapid action and strict adherence to authorities’ instructions are crucial. In this 2025 guide you will find the 5 key steps to follow, Lafcarr’s detection and alert technologies, recent real-world case studies, and a downloadable checklist for companies.
What Is a Chemical Emergency and Why Is It So Dangerous?
A chemical emergency occurs when there is an accidental or uncontrolled release of toxic, flammable or corrosive substances. These situations can stem from:
- Leaks at chemical plants.
- Industrial fires or explosions.
- Accidents during transportation of hazardous goods.
The effects can be severe for health and the environment. Hence the need for clear protocols and alert systems to minimize chemical risk and allow people to act quickly and effectively.
What to Do When a Chemical Risk Alert Is Issued?
When a chemical alert is declared, the most important thing is to act quickly and follow instructions. Below are the 5 essential steps of the protocol:
🛑 1. Immediate Confinement for Chemical Risk
- Take refuge inside a building (home, office, school…).
- Do not stay in your car or try to flee on foot.
🪟 2. Seal Off from the Outside to Minimize Chemical Risk
- Close doors and windows completely.
- Turn off ventilation and air conditioning.
- Lower blinds or shutters and, if possible, seal gaps with adhesive tape in a cross shape to prevent gas entry.
🚷 3. Do Not Approach the Incident
- Do not move toward the accident area.
- Avoid creating traffic that could hinder emergency services.
📲 4. Stay Informed via Official Channels
- Do not call 112 unless it is strictly necessary for a personal medical emergency.
- Follow information through official media, radio or emergency apps.
🏠 5. Wait for the Official Order to Exit
- Do not leave your shelter until authorities confirm the end of the alert via sirens, mobile notifications or other channels.
How Is a Chemical Alert Activated? The Role of Technology
The speed of response to a chemical leak depends on early detection and immediate notification. This is where Lafcarr’s solutions play a fundamental role.
❗Important Clarification: Lafcarr does not directly activate sirens or issue public alerts. Its work consists of designing, manufacturing and implementing the systems that enable competent authorities (Civil Protection and public entities) to issue alerts safely and effectively.
Technological Solutions from Lafcarr
- Specialized Sensors capable of detecting dangerous substances in real time, such as toxic or flammable gases in the environment.
- Electronic Sirens of our own manufacture, designed for mass outdoor notification; they integrate with visual alert systems and complementary devices.
- iDAM Platform for comprehensive management. It automates the network of sensors and alert systems, integrating with official emergency plans and aiding decision-making.
Locations of Lafcarr Systems in SEVESO Zones
Lafcarr’s projects cover multiple Autonomous Communities and municipalities at chemical risk. These are the locations where our systems are operational:
| Autonomous Community | Project | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Aragón | Chemical Fire in Sabiñánigo: Sirens Activated | View Project |
| Catalonia | Installation of Acoustic Alert System for SEVESO Risk | View Project |
| Catalonia | Deployment of 16 SEVESO Sirens in Catalonia | View Project |
| Basque Country | Acoustic Alert System for SEVESO Risk for the Basque Government | View Project |
| Castile and León | Activation of Emergency Plan for Castrovido | View Project |
| Cantabria | Acoustic Alert System for SEVESO Risk for the Government of Cantabria (Torrelavega) | View Project |
| Castile-La Mancha | Emergency Siren Activation during Puertollano Drill | View Project |
| Galicia | Acoustic Alert System for SEVESO Risk in A Coruña and Pontevedra Provinces | View Project |
| Other Regions | Projects in Valencia and Murcia | — |
In these locations, Lafcarr has installed prevention and management infrastructure for chemical risk, enabling a faster and more coordinated response.
Real-World Case Studies of Chemical Emergencies
1. IQOXE Plant Explosion, Tarragona (14 January 2020)
A blast at the IQOXE chemical facility resulted in three fatalities and several injuries. The incident highlighted the importance of early-detection systems and alert networks. The judicial investigation attributed the accident to safety protocol failures at the plant.
2. Port of Barcelona Explosion (21 January 2025)
On 21 January 2025, a methyl acetate tank explosion in the Port of Barcelona killed one worker and left another critically injured. Authorities activated PLASEQCAT and established a safety perimeter.
3. Alcalá de Guadaíra Chemical Plant Explosion, Seville (14 May 2025)
On 14 May 2025, an explosion and fire at a chemical warehouse in Alcalá de Guadaíra generated a smoke plume visible from Seville’s city center. The Andalusian Government activated Level 1 of its Emergency Plan and sent an Es-Alert notification, advising residents to stay indoors and wear masks. Two minor injuries were reported: one worker and one firefighter.
These cases underscore the need for effective systems against chemical risk to prevent and mitigate severe consequences.
Safety Begins Before the Emergency
Being informed and knowing how to act saves lives, but even more important is having alert systems that work without room for error. At Lafcarr, we manufacture and integrate complete solutions that enable authorities to detect and communicate chemical risk with maximum speed.
Whether in Tarragona, Puertollano, Valencia or A Coruña, our commitment is the same: building trust before an emergency occurs.
Do You Want to Evaluate Your Chemical Risk Level?
- 🔗 More information at lafcarr.com
- 🗂️ Visit our Completed Projects section
- 📩 Email us at info@lafcarr.com or click Contact Us to request a free chemical risk audit for your facility.
