Legal & Safety

Safety & Compliance

Last updated: November 30, 2024

1. Regulatory Framework

NaturaGas operates in full compliance with European Union and Spanish regulations governing the import, storage, transportation, and distribution of LPG, LNG, and industrial gases.

2. Spanish Regulatory Compliance

2.1 Primary Regulations

  • Royal Decree 919/2006: Technical regulation of LPG distribution and utilization installations
  • ITC-ICG 01-09: Complementary Technical Instructions for LPG installations
  • Royal Decree 1434/2002: Natural gas transport, distribution, marketing activities
  • Law 34/1998: Hydrocarbons Sector Law (Ley de Hidrocarburos)
  • Real Decreto 656/2017: Storage of chemical products

2.2 Operating Licenses

NaturaGas holds all required authorizations:

  • Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism operating license
  • Port Authority permits for Valencia Port operations
  • Spanish Customs authorization for gas imports
  • Regional industrial activity licenses
  • Municipal operating permits

2.3 Product Registration

All products are registered with National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC), Spanish Industrial Registry, and European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) - REACH registration.

3. European Union Compliance

3.1 EU Directives and Regulations

  • REACH (EC 1907/2006): Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals
  • CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008): Classification, Labeling, and Packaging
  • Seveso III Directive (2012/18/EU): Control of major-accident hazards
  • ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU): Equipment in explosive atmospheres
  • PED (2014/68/EU): Pressure Equipment Directive
  • ADR/RID: International carriage of dangerous goods by road/rail

3.2 CE Marking and Standards

All equipment and installations comply with applicable CE marking requirements and harmonized European standards.

4. Quality Management Systems

4.1 ISO Certifications

  • ISO 9001:2015: Quality Management System
  • ISO 14001:2015: Environmental Management System
  • ISO 45001:2018: Occupational Health and Safety Management
  • ISO 50001:2018: Energy Management System

4.2 Industry Standards

  • EN 589: Automotive fuels - LPG specifications
  • EN 14570: LNG characteristics
  • EIGA (European Industrial Gases Association) guidelines
  • API standards for gas handling and storage

5. Safety Protocols

5.1 Operational Safety

  • 24/7 emergency response team
  • Comprehensive safety training for all personnel
  • Regular safety audits and inspections
  • Incident reporting and investigation procedures
  • Safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Emergency shutdown systems at all facilities

5.2 Transport Safety

  • ADR-certified drivers and vehicles
  • GPS tracking and route monitoring
  • Temperature and pressure monitoring systems
  • Emergency response procedures
  • Vehicle inspection and maintenance programs

5.3 Storage Safety

  • Pressure relief systems
  • Leak detection and monitoring
  • Fire suppression systems
  • Containment and bunding
  • Regular tank inspections and testing
  • Compliance with Spanish ITC regulations

6. Environmental Compliance

6.1 Emissions Management

NaturaGas monitors and reports emissions in accordance with EU ETS (Emissions Trading System) and Spanish environmental regulations.

6.2 Waste Management

All waste materials are handled, stored, and disposed of according to Spanish waste regulations and EU directives.

6.3 Sustainability Initiatives

  • Carbon footprint reduction programs
  • Energy-efficient logistics
  • Environmental impact assessments
  • Biodiversity protection measures
  • Water conservation programs

7. Training and Certification

7.1 Personnel Training

  • ADR certification for drivers
  • Dangerous goods handling training
  • Emergency response training
  • Equipment operation certification
  • Safety awareness programs
  • Continuous professional development

7.2 Customer Safety Support

NaturaGas provides safety training and support to customers including installation safety guidelines, proper usage training, emergency procedures, and safety data sheets (SDS) for all products.

8. Audits and Inspections

8.1 Internal Audits

  • Quarterly safety audits
  • Annual management system reviews
  • Monthly facility inspections
  • Daily equipment checks
  • Continuous monitoring systems

8.2 External Audits

  • Annual ISO certification audits
  • Regulatory inspections by Spanish authorities
  • Independent safety assessments
  • Customer audits and facility tours
  • Third-party quality verifications

9. Incident Response and Reporting

9.1 Emergency Response Plan

NaturaGas maintains a comprehensive emergency response plan with 24/7 emergency hotline, trained response teams, coordination with local emergency services, and evacuation procedures.

9.2 Incident Reporting

All incidents are documented, investigated, and reported to relevant authorities within required timeframes. Root cause analysis is performed and corrective actions are implemented.

10. Continuous Improvement

NaturaGas is committed to continuous improvement in safety, quality, and environmental performance through regular reviews of procedures, investment in new technologies, industry collaboration, employee feedback systems, and benchmarking against best practices.

11. Safety and Compliance Contact

For safety or compliance inquiries:

Safety Manager: safety@naturagas.com

Compliance Officer: compliance@naturagas.com

Emergency Hotline: +34 XXX XXX XXX (24/7)

Quality Assurance: quality@naturagas.com