A Study on the Establishment of Prevention Measure through the comparison of domestic chemical accident data and European eMARS

Major industrial accidents in the field of chemical process safety can lead to significant human and material losses. Therefore, establishing a comprehensive safety strategy to prevent and manage such accidents is essential. This study aims to analyze and compare the data from the National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) in Korea and the European Major Accident Reporting System (eMARS), systematically reviewing the accident occurrence patterns, causes, and the effectiveness of Process Safety Management (PSM) elements in both Korea and Europe. The analysis reveals that the number of major accidents in Korea is approximately five times higher than in Europe, with 'human factors' and 'mechanical integrity' being identified as the primary causes of accidents. When these accidents were classified into 18 categories based on PSM elements, it was found that these two factors particularly dominate in Korea. In contrast, Europe effectively manages these factors through stringent regulations, such as the Seveso III Directive, and preventive maintenance systems. These regulatory measures and system enhancements play a significant role in reducing the frequency of chemical accidents in Europe.<br/> Based on major industrial accident cases in Europe, this study proposes safety management improvement measures suited to the industrial environment in Korea. The introduction of preventive maintenance systems and the strengthening of safety culture are expected to reduce the likelihood of accidents and contribute to enhancing the overall safety of the Korean chemical industry.