Chemical risk management in Spain: SEVESO regulations and regional plans
What is a chemical emergency and why is it so dangerous?
A chemical emergency occurs when toxic, flammable or corrosive substances are released accidentally or uncontrollably. This can be caused by:
- Leaks at chemical plants.
- Industrial fires or explosions.
- Accidents during the transport of dangerous goods.
The effects on health and the environment can be serious. That is why clear protocols and warning systems are needed to minimise chemical risk and help people act quickly and effectively.
What should you do in a chemical risk alert?
When a chemical alert is declared, the most important thing is to act quickly and follow instructions. Here are the 5 essential steps:
🛑 1. Shelter in place immediately
- Take shelter inside a building (home, office, school…).
- Do not stay in your car or try to flee on foot.
🪟 2. Seal yourself off from the outside to minimise chemical risk
- Close doors and windows completely.
- Switch off ventilation and air conditioning.
- Lower blinds and, if possible, seal gaps with tape in a cross pattern to keep gases out.
🚷 3. Stay away from the incident
- Do not go towards the accident area.
- Avoid creating traffic that gets in the way of the emergency services.
📲 4. Stay informed through official channels
- Do not call 112 unless strictly necessary for a personal emergency.
- Follow updates through official media, radio or emergency apps.
🏠 5. Wait for the official all-clear
- Do not leave your shelter until the authorities confirm the end of the alert by siren, mobile notification or other channels.
How is a chemical alert triggered? The role of technology
How quickly people can respond to a chemical leak depends on early detection and immediate warning. This is where Lafcarr's solutions play a vital role.
❗Important: Lafcarr does not activate sirens or issue public alerts itself. Its role is to design, manufacture and deploy the systems that allow the competent authorities (Civil Protection and public bodies) to issue alerts safely and effectively.
Lafcarr technology solutions
- Specialist sensors that detect hazardous substances in the air, such as toxic or flammable gases, in real time.
- Electronic sirens made in-house for outdoor mass notification, integrated with visual alert systems and other devices.
- iDAM platform for end-to-end management. It automates the sensor network and warning systems, integrates with official emergency plans and supports decision-making.
Lafcarr systems in SEVESO areas
Lafcarr's projects span several autonomous communities and municipalities with chemical risk. These are the locations where our systems are operational:
| Region | Project | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Aragon | Chemical fire in Sabiñánigo: warning sirens activated | See project |
| Catalonia | Audible warning system for SEVESO risk | See project |
| Catalonia | Seveso sirens installed in Catalonia | See project |
| Basque Country | Public audible warning system for SEVESO risk | See project |
| Castile and León | Castrovido Emergency Plan activated from the iDAM platform | See project |
| Cantabria | Public audible warning system for SEVESO risk | See project |
| Castilla-La Mancha | Emergency siren activation in Puertollano | See project |
| Galicia | Public audible warning for SEVESO risk | See project |
| Other | Projects in Valencia and Murcia | — |
At these locations, Lafcarr has installed chemical risk prevention and management infrastructure, enabling a faster, more coordinated response.
Real chemical emergencies
1. Explosion at IQOXE, Tarragona (14 January 2020)
An explosion at the IQOXE chemical plant in Tarragona killed three people and injured several others. The incident showed how important detection and early warning systems are. The judicial investigation attributed the accident to safety failures at the plant.
2. Explosion at the Port of Barcelona (21 January 2025)
On 21 January 2025, an explosion in a methyl acetate tank at the Port of Barcelona killed one worker and left another in a critical condition. The authorities activated PLASEQCAT and set up a safety cordon.
3. Explosion at a chemical plant in Alcalá de Guadaíra (14 May 2025)
On 14 May 2025, an explosion and fire at a chemical warehouse in Alcalá de Guadaíra (Seville) sent up a column of smoke visible from Seville city. The Andalusian Government activated level 1 of its Emergency Plan and sent an Es-Alert advising residents to stay at home and wear masks. Two people were slightly injured: a worker and a firefighter.
These cases highlight the need for effective chemical risk systems to prevent and mitigate serious consequences.
Safety starts before the emergency
Being informed and knowing what to do saves lives, but it is even more important to have warning systems that work without fail. At Lafcarr we build and integrate complete solutions that enable the authorities to detect and communicate chemical risk as quickly as possible.
Whether in Tarragona, Puertollano, Valencia or A Coruña, our commitment is the same: to build confidence before an emergency happens.
Want to assess your level of chemical risk?
- 🔗 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 area.
