The Guiding Principles (2^nd ed) set out general guidance, applicable worldwide, to prevent chemical accidents at facilities where there are hazardous substances and to mitigate adverse consequences of accidents that nevertheless occur through emergency preparedness, land-use planning and emergency response. The Guiding Principles address all stakeholders, defined as any individual, group or organisation that is involved with, interested in, or potentially affected by chemical accident prevention, preparedness or response (including, e.g., management and other employees of hazardous installations, public authorities at all levels including local authorities and response personnel, communities/public, and non-governmental organisations).

The Guiding Principles are based on the premise that all hazardous installations should comply with the same overall safety objectives irrespective of size, location or whether they are privately or publicly owned/operated. The Guiding Principles apply to all installations where hazardous substances are produced, used, handled, or stored.

The Guiding Principles are the result of a collaborative effort - under the supervision of the OECD Working Group on Chemical Accidents - involving experts from stakeholder groups in both the public and private sectors. The Guiding Principles are consistent with international regulatory instruments and guidance documents.

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