Chemical Safety Permit Issues

Do you handle or store dangerous chemicals, such as LPG or flammable liquids, in your company? You may be required to submit a chemical notification to the emergency services.

When is a chemical notification needed?

The handling and storage of hazardous chemicals is divided into minor and major. Minor handling is supervised by the emergency services.

Minor handling and storage of chemicals must be reported to the emergency authority when the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals exceeds the level specified for the reporting obligation. The notification and its attachments must be submitted to the authority at least one month before the start of the activity. On the basis of the notification, the Rescue Authority will take a decision and inspect the site before the start of the activity.

Protect to help you prepare a chemical notification

Protect provides expert assistance with chemical notification for companies in a variety of industries. We always tailor our service to the activity and ensure that the notification meets regulatory requirements - quickly and reliably.

Our services include:

• Preparing a chemical notification from start to finish

• Compilation of annexes and required reports

• Liaison with the rescue services

• Advice and compliance assurance

Make chemical notifications easy and correct - contact us and ask for more information!

A chemical safety permit is a permit issued by Tukes (Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency) and is required when a company handles or stores hazardous chemicals on a large scale. The permit specifies where and under what conditions the activity may be carried out. It is part of the Finnish chemical safety legislation (L 390/2005, VNa 685/2015) and serves as a precondition for regulatory control.

What is a Tukes chemical safety permit?

Tukes licence:

• determines the permissibility and location of activities,

• sets the boundary conditions for action,

• is usually for an indefinite period,

• may require a variation permit if the activity or environment changes.

A permit is a risk-based instrument with the overall objective of protecting people, the environment and property by limiting the possibility of major accidents. It takes into account, among other things, the organisation's skills, responsibilities, equipment, information management and the location of processes.

Chemical Safety Authorisation Process

1. Application for a permit to Tukes
   The applicant must demonstrate that the activity meets the safety requirements of the Chemicals Safety Act. The application must include safety documentation, risk assessments and information on the chemicals.

2. Commissioning inspection
   Before starting operations, Tukes carries out a commissioning inspection. Only after the inspection has been approved may a production facility start handling or storing hazardous chemicals.

3. Authorisation for use = authorisation decision + inspection
   The authorisation and inspection together form the so-called authorisation for use. Without them, the activity is not allowed.

4. Supervision and periodic inspections
   Tukes also monitors operations during operation. Monitoring focuses on compliance with the permit conditions, and major changes require a new permit procedure.

How can Protect help with the application for a chemical safety authorisation?

Protect supports your business throughout the Tukes authorisation process:

• We identify the need for authorisation: we assess the quantities of chemicals and the risks that trigger authorisation obligations
• We prepare the necessary documents and applications
• We prepare the commissioning inspection and act as a liaison with Tukes
• We train staff and responsible persons in accordance with the Chemical Safety Act
• We assist in change situations and keep permit documents up to date

Protect makes the complex regulatory process simple - contact us and let's start together.

What is Tukes?
Tukes, the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency, supervises the safe handling of chemicals in Finland. It issues chemical safety permits, carries out inspections and ensures that operators comply with the requirements of the legislation.

Internal emergency plan - Secure your operation in case of an emergency

An internal emergency plan is a legal document in which a company describes its preparedness for possible chemical accidents and incidents. The process of drawing up the plan supports business continuity management and is part of the company's preparedness.

Protect helps companies and operators to develop effective, clear and compliant internal emergency plans.

What is an internal emergency plan?

The internal emergency plan includes:

• Risk assessment and mitigation measures

• How to deal with emergencies

• Division of responsibilities and roles in different situations

• Cooperation with the authorities

The aim is to minimise damage and ensure the safety of staff, the environment and property in the event of an incident.

Who is required to have an internal emergency plan?

An internal emergency plan is required when a company's activities meet the limits of large-scale industrial handling and storage of chemicals and require a chemical safety permit.
Such industries and activities include:

• Temporary or permanent storage or handling of dangerous substances

• Process industries and industries requiring chemical safety

• Ports, airports, terminals, and other logistics centres

• Power plants

The regulations and the guidelines of Tukes and Traficom define the content of the internal emergency plan, but practical implementation requires expertise - and Protect is a good partner for this.

Turnkey internal emergency plan

Protecti's experts will draw up an internal emergency plan according to the needs of the client and the specific characteristics of the industry. The service includes:

• Site-specific risk mapping

• Consideration of regulatory requirements (e.g. Tukes, Traficom)

• Clear and easy to understand documentation

• Supporting staff induction

An internal emergency plan is not just a formality - it is a genuinely practical tool for emergency preparedness.

Ensure the safety and compliance of your operations - order an internal emergency plan from Protect. Contact us and get a quote quickly.

A policy document is a legal document that helps to prevent major accidents in the handling and storage of dangerous chemicals. It is a key part of a company's chemical safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.

When is a policy document required?

The operator must draw up a document of operating principles if hazardous chemicals are used or stored in the production facility above the limit specified in Government Decree (685/2015).

A policy document is an action plan for your company's safety strategy, the scope of which is proportionate to the risks involved. It is not just a document to be submitted to the authorities for approval - it is a commitment to continuous safety maintenance and improvement. It describes, among other things:

• policies and objectives for major-accident prevention

• the roles of the designated responsible persons

• safety management systems in place

• informing both residents and authorities

A policy document drafted with the assistance of an expert

The document is always drawn up on a company-by-company basis, taking into account the risk of accidents in the establishment. A document of operating principles, drawn up in consultation with an expert, will meet the content requirements set by the authorities, while providing you with practical support in defining your procedures and processes. The result is a document that supports your company's operations and reflects your actual policies and procedures.

We also provide expert support for the implementation of the document and staff training, so that the policy is not just on paper but is embedded in practice.
If you are interested - Contact us!

A safety report is a comprehensive document that demonstrates that a facility has identified, assessed and managed the major accident risks associated with hazardous chemicals. Protect helps your company to produce a clear, comprehensive safety report that meets regulatory requirements.

What is a safety clearance?

The safety obligation is based on the Chemicals Safety Act (390/2005) and the Government Decree on the Control of Handling and Storage of Dangerous Chemicals (685/2015), and it is submitted to Tukes and other authorities for approval before the start of operations or a significant change. It applies to operators that fall into the broadest control category based on the quantities of hazardous chemicals. The safety report describes in detail the operation of the facility, the chemicals used, the risk management measures, the safety management system and the preparedness for possible accident situations. A well-drafted report is also a concrete tool for ensuring safety and continuous improvement.

For whom is a safety clearance relevant?

The safety report is aimed at all operators who handle or store hazardous chemicals on a large scale in a way that falls within the scope of the SEVESO Directive. This includes chemical plants, fuel and storage terminals, energy plants, explosives handling and other production facilities where quantities of dangerous chemicals exceed the thresholds set out in the regulations. The requirements of the safety report apply to both new and existing installations and must be updated regularly or whenever there are significant changes in operations.

What does a safety report contain?

A high-quality safety report covers all the areas required by Tukes and the legislation in a clear and practical way.
It includes:

• A description of the plant and operations - location, processes, structures and chemicals handled.

• Risk assessment - identification of major hazard risks, assessment of probability and consequences, and risk management measures.

• Safety management system - practices and procedures to ensure safety, such as training, change management and maintenance.

• Emergency preparedness - internal and external emergency plans, alert and information procedures and drills.

• Information for the public - clearly set out safety measures and guidance for residents and stakeholders.

• Update and maintenance procedures - ensuring that the report remains up to date and supports continuous safety improvement.

A well-drafted report not only meets the requirements of the authorities, but also serves as a practical tool for safety management and risk management in the day-to-day operations of the plant.

How can Protect help?

Protect is your partner at all stages of the safety clearance process - from mapping to documentation and communication with the authorities.

Our experts will ensure that your report is not just a legal compliance exercise, but a truly effective tool for risk management and safety improvement.

Do you need help to prepare or update your safety report?
Contact usand we will take stock of your situation and ensure that all requirements are met efficiently and correctly.