Towards the legalization of chemical product warehouses: A comprehensive approach

Abstract

This final degree project aims to develop and justify, from a technical and regulatory standpoint, the legalisation of a chemical product storage facility in Spain. This process includes a thorough analysis of the current legislative framework applicable to the storage of hazardous substances, with particular focus on Royal Decree 656/2017, which governs the Regulation on the Storage of Chemical Products (APQ), and its interaction with European harmonised classification systems such as the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and the CLP Regulation (EC No 1272/2008). The project is structured in two main phases. The first consists of a historical and normative review, which traces the evolution of chemical substance regulation—from empirical classifications to structured legal systems—in order to contextualise the emergence of the APQ framework and related regulations such as Royal Decree 840/2015 (Seveso III) and supporting technical standards (UNE norms). This theoretical groundwork lays the foundation for the second phase: the application of these requirements to a hypothetical chemical storage site that must be legalised under current Spanish regulations. The technical project will include site-specific documentation such as plans, classification of stored substances, safety distance justifications, compatibility analyses, containment and ventilation solutions, and emergency planning. Furthermore, the project considers ongoing maintenance and inspection obligations, as well as complementary regulations that affect chemical storage, including Royal Decree 97/2014 (concerning road transport implications), the appointment of a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA), and compliance with Cross Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs) that may impact future environmental reporting duties. This project aims not only to demonstrate the ability to apply technical knowledge in compliance with legal frameworks, but also to contribute to the prevention of chemical risks by promoting safer, more sustainable, and well-documented storage practices aligned with both national and European standards.