Ageing Management in the Prevention of Major Accidents in the Czech Republic

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of ageing in the context of major accident prevention, with a particular focus on the growing recognition of ageing as a significant contributor to industrial accidents. The concept of ageing has evolved from its initial association with material degradation to encompass a broader range of factors, including equipment obsolescence, spare parts availability and staff expertise. Legislation such as the European SEVESO III Directive has incorporated the issue of aging into safety management systems, reflecting its critical importance. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a literature review with a questionnaire survey, for the purpose of assessing ageing management practices in industrial facilities. The survey was completed by 103 respondents from the Czech Environmental Inspectorate. The results demonstrated that while 67% of respondents considered aging to be significant, gaps in documentation and planning still posed safety risks. A chi-square test revealed a statistically significant correlation between facility age and major accidents (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the necessity for enhanced awareness and training in aging management, advocating for structured information dissemination and methodological improvements in future studies.