Major Accident Prevention Program in Colombia
Since 2021, Colombia took a fundamental step in industrial risk management with the adoption of Decree 1347, which establishes the Major Accident Prevention Program (PPAM). This regulation, which amends Decree 1072 of 2015, seeks to protect life, the environment and infrastructure in facilities that handle hazardous chemicals. What does this imply for those responsible for Occupational Safety and Health, industrial engineers and human resources areas in industrial sectors? Below, we tell you.
Key elements to comply with Decree 1347
To whom does the PPAM apply?
Applies to facilities that handle chemical substances in quantities that can generate major accidents, affecting workers, the community and the environment.
Identification and classification of installations
Verify: if the company handles hazardous chemicals in quantities equal to or greater than the thresholds established in Annex 3 of Decree 1072 of 2015.
Qualify: If you are already an existing and classified facility, you must submit the Safety Report within 2 years after the publication of the technical guideline (according to art. 2.2.2.4.12.11 of Decree 1072/2015).
Security Report
Mandatory document to be included:
- Detailed description of the installation.
- Chemical substances present.
- Risk assessment.
- Prevention and mitigation measures.
This must be submitted for the first time within 2 years of the technical guideline and renewed every 5 years or upon any significant change.
Safety Management System (SGS-PAM)
It should be integrated with the OSHMS and include:
Hazard identification.
Risk assessment and control.
Operational procedures.
Staff training.
Internal audits and continuous improvement.
Emergency and Contingency Plan (PEC)
It is handed over to the local mayor’s office for integration with territorial risk management. It includes roles, responsibilities and evacuation and communication procedures.
Major Accident Report
If a major accident occurs in the organization, it must be reported to the Ministry of Labor within 24 hours of the event. Conduct an accident investigation, identifying root causes and corrective measures and send a complete report to the competent authority
.
Public communication
Provide relevant information on risks and prevention measures for the community and ensure communication channels with authorities and the population in the event of an emergency.
Participation in MIPPAM
The Interinstitutional Technical Committee allows for coordination between companies, authorities and other key actors, strengthening the prevention of major accidents.
Compliance with deadlines
If you are already an existing and classified facility, you must submit the Safety Report within 2 years after the publication of the technical guideline (according to art. 2.2.2.4.12.11 of Decree 1072/2015).
Why is it important for engineers, OSH and HR?
The correct implementation of the PPAM not only allows compliance with the law. It also strengthens corporate reputation, prevents penalties, reduces downtime due to emergencies and protects the most valuable asset: people.
From a human resources and organizational management perspective, having formal safety processes integrated with labor welfare plans becomes a competitive advantage and a key criterion for external audits and international certifications.
How can TECNA ICE help you?
At TECNA ICE, we have proven experience in process safety management and the implementation of risk models under the framework of Decree 1347. Our services include:
Maturity assessment and regulatory gaps.
Construction and implementation of the SGS-PAM.
Development of the Safety Report and PEC.
Hazard analysis /WHAT IF, HAZOP, BOW TIE, among others) and quantitative risk analysis (QRA).
Integration with digital platforms (PIDT Plants and Pipelines) for traceability, analysis and continuous improvement.
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