Policies
Communicating Serious Accidents to the Public
Why read this document?
This document shall make available to the public information on each establishment covered by the scheme for the prevention of major accidents involving dangerous substances and the limitation of their consequences for human health and the environment, and shall also indicate where further information may be obtained.
The occurrence of major accidents (e.g. fires, explosions, spills) related to the release of hazardous substances present in establishments can put the workers of those establishments and the surrounding population at risk and seriously affect the environment.
Decree-Law No. 150/2015, of 5 August, establishes the obligations to be fulfilled by the operators of establishments, in order to prevent dangers and limit the consequences of serious accidents. This document thus intends to comply with the provisions of paragraph 1 of article 30 of that legal diploma.
By whom the information is prepared?
The information presented is the responsibility of the establishment operator. Part of the information - that which refers to the forms of warning, the self-protection measures to be adopted by the population in the event of an accident and the External Emergency Plan - is prepared in conjunction with the City Council, in particular with the Municipal Civil Protection Service.
A. General Information
Establishment identification
| Name / Designation operator's commercial |
Flex2000 – Produtos Flexíveis S.A. |
| Assignment of the establishment |
Flex2000 – Produtos Flexíveis S.A. |
| Property Adress | Rua Eng.º Ferreira Dias, Zona Industrial Ovar, Fase III 3880-327 Ovar |
| Trade | Ovar |
| County | Ovar |
Inclusion of the establishment in the regime for the prevention of major accidents (Decree-Law No. 150/2015, of 5 August)
| Establishment covered by the lower level | |
| Establishment covered by the upper level | X |
Provisions laid down in the Major Accident Prevention Scheme
Communication (Article 14 of Decree-Law No. 150/2015, of 5 August)
| Date of submission of the notification/communication | 06-03-2025 |
Safety Report (Article 17 of Decree-Law No. 150/2015, of 5 August)
| Date of submission of the security report | 22-12-2022 |
Inspection (Article 35 of Decree-Law No. 150/2015 of 5 August)
| Date of the last inspection by IGAMAOT (General Inspectorate of the Ministries of the Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy and Agriculture and the Sea) to verify compliance with Decree-Law No. 150/2015, of 5 August | 19-02-2025 |
- Description of the establishment and measures to deal with major accidents involving dangerous substances
The industrial establishment is dedicated to the manufacture of flexible polyurethane foam. The production process consists essentially of mixing three chemical substances (polyol, isocyanate and water) together with certain catalysts and additives. The chemical reaction resulting from the mixture of these products, called polymerization by addition, then gives rise to the formation of a solid polymer with alveolar characteristics – foam.
The two main raw materials used in this manufacturing process, polyol and isocyanate, are stored in large capacity tanks and in an air-conditioned environment, and are supplied in bulk. The remaining raw materials are stored in smaller tanks/tanks.
The raw materials, after determining the proportions defined by a formulation for each type of foam, are pumped from the tanks to a high-pressure mixing head.
The liquid mixture quickly begins an expansion process, with a progressive increase in its viscosity, being transported through a conveyor belt to maintain its dispersion.
At the end of the mat, the mixture, already in solid form, is cut crosswise into blocks according to the specifications of the final product.
This is followed by a first phase of storage, called curing, where the blocks are kept for 24 to 72 hours.
After this phase, the blocks are stored in batches, according to their specification, and are ready to be processed to make way for foam products in the most varied forms.
The foam blocks can then undergo different types of cutting, according to the profile of the final product. That is, they can be rolled (horizontal cut) in the desired thicknesses, cut vertically to obtain the necessary dimensions for subsequent cuts, or special, curvilinear and dimensional cuts.
Once the foam pieces are finished in terms of cutting, they are wrapped in transparent plastic film to preserve against dust and moisture.
Main measures and equipment to mitigate the risks of serious accidents:
- The entire system of storage and unloading tanks for raw materials is located in a retention tank;
- Existence of two leakages receiving reservoirs (with an individual capacity of 27m3),
- Various means of containment of leakages (TDI decontaminating solution, absorbents,...);
- 24-hour surveillance service
- RIA (Automatic Fire Network) consisting of two water reserves, two pumping stations, hydrants, reels, sprinklers, deluge network and foam network;
- Various equipment distributed throughout the various areas and firefighting buildings (hoses, nozzles, circuit breakers, chemical protection suits,...);
- Automatic smoke detection system (addressable);
- Simulacrum;
- Internal Safety Team (27 elements).
The two main raw materials used in this manufacturing process, polyol and isocyanate, are stored in large capacity tanks and in an air-conditioned environment, and are supplied in bulk. The remaining raw materials are stored in smaller tanks/tanks.
The raw materials, after determining the proportions defined by a formulation for each type of foam, are pumped from the tanks to a high-pressure mixing head.
The liquid mixture quickly begins an expansion process, with a progressive increase in its viscosity, being transported through a conveyor belt to maintain its dispersion.
At the end of the mat, the mixture, already in solid form, is cut crosswise into blocks according to the specifications of the final product.
This is followed by a first phase of storage, called curing, where the blocks are kept for 24 to 72 hours.
After this phase, the blocks are stored in batches, according to their specification, and are ready to be processed to make way for foam products in the most varied forms.
The foam blocks can then undergo different types of cutting, according to the profile of the final product. That is, they can be rolled (horizontal cut) in the desired thicknesses, cut vertically to obtain the necessary dimensions for subsequent cuts, or special, curvilinear and dimensional cuts.
Once the foam pieces are finished in terms of cutting, they are wrapped in transparent plastic film to preserve against dust and moisture.
Main measures and equipment to mitigate the risks of serious accidents:
- The entire system of storage and unloading tanks for raw materials is located in a retention tank;
- Existence of two leakages receiving reservoirs (with an individual capacity of 27m3),
- Various means of containment of leakages (TDI decontaminating solution, absorbents,...);
- 24-hour surveillance service
- RIA (Automatic Fire Network) consisting of two water reserves, two pumping stations, hydrants, reels, sprinklers, deluge network and foam network;
- Various equipment distributed throughout the various areas and firefighting buildings (hoses, nozzles, circuit breakers, chemical protection suits,...);
- Automatic smoke detection system (addressable);
- Simulacrum;
- Internal Safety Team (27 elements).
| Main CAE[1] Code | 22210 |
| Other CAE Codes | 38322 |
Hazardous substances present in the establishment
| Substances included in Part 1 of Annex I of Decree-Law No. 150/2015, of 5 August | Hazard statements |
| Section «H» – HEALTH HAZARDS | |
| H1 Acute Toxicity | Tox. Acute inhalant 1, H330 Skin irritation 2, H315 Eye Irritation 2, H319 Tox. Specific of the destination organ (single exposure) 3, H335; Sensitization vias resp. 1, H334 Skin Sens. 1, H317 Chronic risk to the aquatic environment 2, H411. |
| H2 Acute Toxicity | flammable liquid 2, H225 Tox. Acute Oral 3, H301 Tox. Chronic for aquatic environment 3, H412. Tox. Acute Dermal 3, H311 Tox. Acute Inhalation 3, H331 Skin sensitization 1, H317 Eye Irritation 2, H319 Airway Sensitization 1, H334 Carcinogenicity 2, H351. STOT Single Display 1, H370 |
| H3 Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure | Skin corrosion 1C, H314; Skin sensitization 1, H317; Germ cell mutagenicity 2; H341; Reproductive toxicity 1B, H360FD; STOT single exposure 1, H370; STOT Repeated Exposure 1, H372; Aquatic acute toxicity 1, H400; Chronic aquatic toxicity 1, H410. |
| Section «P» – PHYSICAL HAZARDS | |
| P2 Flammable Gases | Flam. Gas 1, H220 Press. Gas liq. Gas, H280 |
| P3a Flammable Aerosols | Flam. Aerosol 1, H222+H229 Aquatic chronic 3, H412 Aquatic chronic 2, H411 |
| P5c Flammable Liquids | Flammable Liquid 2, H225 Tox. Acute 4, H302 Corrosive to skin 1C, H314 Eye Injury 1, H318 Severe Eye Irritation 2, H319 STOT SE 3, H336 Flammable Liquid 3, H226 Tox. Acute dermal 4, H312 EUH 066 Tox. Acute oral 4, H302 Skin corrosion 1B, H314; Specific organ toxicity-exp. Single 3, H335 |
| Section «E» – HAZARDS TO THE ENVIRONMENT | |
| E1 Hazardous to the aquatic environment | Aquatic Acute 1, H400 Aquatic Chronic 2, H411 Eye Dam. 1, H318 Met. Corr. 1, H290 Skin Corr. 1A, H314 |
| E2 Hazardous to the aquatic environment | Carcinogen 2, H351 Chronic aquatic toxicity 2, H411 Flammable Liquid 2, H225 Skin irritation 2, H315 Reproductive toxicity 2, H361 STOT SE 3, H336 STOT RE 2, H373 Acute oral toxicity 4, H302 Serious eye injuries 1; H318 Suction hazard 1, H304 |
| Section «O» – OTHER HAZARDS | |
| Substances included in Part 2 of Annex I of Decree-Law No. 150/2015, of 5 August | Hazards staments |
| Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) | Carcinogenicity 2, H351 Tox. Acute inhalant 1, H330 Skin irritation 2, H315 Eye Irritation 2, H319 Tox. Specific of the destination organ (single exposure) 3, H335; Sensitization vias resp. 1, H334 Skin Sens. 1, H317 Chronic risk to the aquatic environment 3, H412 |
| Hydrogen | Flam. Gas 1, H220 Press. Gas liq. Gas, H280 |
| Natural Gas | Flam. Gas 1, H220 Press. Gas liq. Gas, H280 |
| Diesel | Flam. Liq 3, H226 Acute tox. 4, H332 Skin irrit. 2, H315 Carc. 2, H351 STOT RE 2, H373 Asp. Tox. 1, H304 Aquatic chronic 2, H411 |
| Acetylene | Chemically unstable gas A, H230 Flammable Gas 1, H220 Gas under pressure, H280 |
| Oxygen | Oxidizing Gas 1, H270 Gas under pressure, H280 |
| Metanol | Flammable Liquid 2, H225; Tox. Acute Inhalation 3, H331; Tox. Acute dermal 3, H311; Tox. Acute Oral 3, H301; STOT Single Display 1, H370 |
Main types of major accident scenarios that can occur in the establishment, possible consequences for the surroundings (population and environment) and control measures existing in the establishment
| Accident Scenerio | Potential effects of accidents | Existing measures to deal with the accident scenario |
| Fire |
Effects on human health, property and the environment, if they are directly affected by fire. Clouds of smoke can be generated that cause respiratory problems and the scattering of ash. Overheating of adjacent areas can lead to the ignition of fuels elsewhere. |
- RIA – Automatic Fire Network (sprinkler, deluge and foam systems) - Surveillance and access control - Thermal control of the foam blocks produced - Emergency plan (including the teams, organization and means available on site, fixed and portable/mobile) -Work permits (cutting and welding) - 24-hour surveillance; - Smoke extraction and smoke detection systems. |
| Explosion |
It may have severe consequences for human health, property and the environment in the surroundings of the establishment. The effect of the shock wave can affect people directly or as a result of damage to structures. There is a possibility of starting fires in other places affected by the explosion. |
- Compartmentalization and segregation of products; - Control ignition sources; - Automatic detection and extinguishing systems; - Equipment inspection and testing plan; - Personal protective equipment; - Operators qualified for the Internal Emergency Plan -Simulacra - 24-hour surveillance; - Smoke extraction and smoke detection systems. |
| Fragment Projection |
Fragments of containers or structures near the explosion can be projected with great speed causing serious effects on people and property. |
- Compartmentalization and segregation of products; - Control ignition sources; - Automatic detection and extinguishing systems; - Equipment inspection and testing plan; - Personal protective equipment; - Operators qualified for the Internal Emergency Plan |
| Release of gaseous substances which are toxic to human health | The effects associated with the release of toxic substances into the atmosphere can cause reversible or irreversible damage to human health and even cause death, depending on the time of exposure to the toxic cloud. |
- Confinement of the released vapors (the tanks are located in closed rooms); - Existence of Personal Protective Equipment; - Existence of qualified operators and an emergency plan; - Existence of written procedures establishing the operations to be carried out as well as the measures in case of emergency; - Equipment inspection and testing plan - 24-hour surveillance. |
| Spillage of hazardous substances into the aquatic environment | Contamination/pollution of water resources (e.g. sources of drinking water supply, rivers, estuaries, underground reserves, beaches and other areas of the sea coast) in the surroundings of the establishment. | - Retention tank; - Spill containment equipment; - Waterproofing of the pavement; - Existence of written procedures establishing the operations to be carried out as well as the measures in case of emergency; - 24-hour surveillance. |
| Release of contaminated effluents resulting from firefighting | Contamination/pollution of water resources (e.g. sources of drinking water supply, rivers, estuaries, underground reserves, beaches and other areas of the sea coast) in the surroundings of the establishment. | - Contaminated water reception tank resulting from firefighting. |
Immediate operator action in the event of a serious accident
Pursuant to article 28 of Decree-Law No. 150/2015, of 5 August, in the event of a serious accident, the operator:
• Immediately activates the emergency mechanisms, namely the internal emergency plan or simplified internal emergency plan.
• Immediately informs the occurrence, through the emergency numbers, to the security forces and services necessary for immediate intervention and to the city council.
Others actions
It then sends the accident reports to the competent authorities, as defined in the IEP.
General information on how the public concerned will be notified in the event of a serious accident and adequate information on the self-protection measures to be adopted by the population in the vicinity of the establishment
The interested public will be notified by the competent authorities, namely by the Civil Protection and the City Council of Ovar.
Reference to the External Emergency Plan prepared to deal with effects outside the establishment resulting from an accident
The External Emergency Plan is under preparation
Ovar, 27th of September of 2023Where you can get more information?
- About the establishment
| Designation of the operator | Flex2000 – Produtos Flexíveis S.A. |
| Adress of the operator | Rua Eng.º Ferreira Dias, Zona Industrial de Ovar, Fase III 3880-327 Ovar |
| Telephone | 256 579 610 |
| flex2000@mail.telepac.pt | |
| Website | www.flex2000.pt |
- On the form of warning and self-protection measures for the population in the event of an accident and on the preparation of the External Emergency Plan
| Designation | Câmara Municipal de Ovar Serviços de Protecção Civil Municipal |
| Adress | Praça da República 3880 - 141 Ovar |
| Telephone | 256 581 321 |
| protecao.civil@cm-ovar.pt | |
| Website | www.cm-ovar.pt |
- On the implementation of Decree-Law No. 150/2015, of 5 August
geral@apambiente.pt
Rua da Murgueira, 9/9A - Zambujal Ap. 7585 | 2610-124 Amadora
Telephone 21 472 82 00| Fax 21 471 90 74
On the website of Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente:
www.apambiente.pt > Instrumentos > Prevenção de Acidentes Graves
Autoridade Nacional de Proteção Civil
geral@prociv.pt
Av. do Forte em Carnaxide | 2794 - 112 Carnaxide
Telephone 21 4247100 | Fax 21 4247180
- On the inspection of the establishment under article 35 of Decree-Law no. 150/2015, of 5 August
igamaot@igamaot.gov.pt
Rua de O Século, n. º 51 | 1200-433 Lisboa
Telephone 21 321 55
[1] Portuguese Classification of Economic Activities, Revision 3, approved by Decree-Law No. 381/2007, of 14 November, which constitutes the common framework for the classification of economic activities to be adopted at national level.
