SEVESO LEGISLATION

Linde Hadjikyriakos Gas Ltd, in keeping with its commitment to protecting its employees, the public and the environment, wishes to inform the public that its central facilities and production plant fall within the scope of the legislation concerning the control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances (SEVESO legislation).

Our facilities are classified as a Lower-Tier Establishment, due to the quantities of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, acetylene and flammable gases that may be stored on site. 

1. Company Activities and Site Location 

  • The company's activities include, among others:
  • Air separation using Linde technology.
  • The production and supply of industrial and medical oxygen.
  • The supply of nitrous oxide and other specialty gases.
  • The distribution of gases to industrial, medical and other customers.
  • The maintenance and management of gas cylinders.
  • The analysis of medical gases. 

The company's headquarters and production facilities are located at 260 Limassol Avenue, Strovolos Industrial Area, P.O. Box 2029, covering a total land area of approximately 4,000 m², with buildings occupying approximately 1,500 m². 

2. What Is a Major Accident? 

A major accident is a serious incident, such as a significant release of a dangerous substance, fire, or explosion, resulting from uncontrolled developments during the operation of an industrial establishment.

Such an incident may pose immediate or long-term risks to human health, public safety and the environment, both within and outside the boundaries of the establishment. 

3. Regulatory Compliance and Accident Prevention 

Linde Hadjikyriakos Gas Ltd complies with the applicable SEVESO legislative requirements and has submitted the required documentation to the Competent Authority, the Department of Labor Inspection, including:

  • The required Notification.
  • The Major Accident Prevention Policy (MAPP).
  • The Safety Report. 

These documents identify the potential major accident hazards associated with the dangerous substances present at the site and describe the measures implemented to prevent such accidents and mitigate their potential consequences for people and the environment.

Furthermore, the company has developed and implemented a Safety Management System to ensure the systematic identification, assessment and management of risks, the prevention of major accidents and the continuous improvement of safety performance. 

4. Hazardous Properties of the Substances 

The principal hazardous characteristics of the three main dangerous substances present at our facilities are summarized below. 

Oxygen

  • Contact with liquid oxygen may cause severe cold burns.
  • Oxygen is not flammable but strongly supports combustion. Materials that do not normally burn in air may ignite or burn intensely in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere. 

Nitrous Oxide

  • May cause asphyxiation by displacing oxygen in the surrounding air.
  • Strongly supports combustion and may significantly intensify a fire. 

Carbon Dioxide

  • May cause asphyxiation by displacing oxygen in the surrounding air. 

Acetylene

  • Extremely flammable gas.
  • Under increased pressure, acetylene can become unstable and may decompose with explosive force.
  • May cause asphyxiation by displacing oxygen in the surrounding air. 

5. Potential Consequences and Public Safety Advice 

In the event of an oxygen release, an oxygen-enriched atmosphere may develop in the vicinity of the establishment.

Although oxygen itself is not flammable, an increased oxygen concentration can significantly accelerate combustion and make any source of ignition particularly dangerous. 

If you notice a gas cloud or are informed of an incident, you should:

  • Do not enter any visible gas cloud or area identified as hazardous.
  • Move away from the affected area and avoid all potential sources of ignition.
  • Follow the instructions issued by the relevant emergency services. 

6. Emergency Preparedness and Response 

The company systematically implements preventive measures and emergency response procedures to minimize the likelihood of a major accident and mitigate its potential consequences. 

These measures include:

  • Regular internal emergency preparedness exercises.
  • Emergency drills conducted in cooperation with the Cyprus Fire Service.
  • Ongoing communication and cooperation with the relevant authorities.
  • A trained on-site emergency response team whose members regularly practice and implement their assigned responsibilities during emergency exercises. 

7. What Should the Public Do in the Event of an Emergency? 

In the event of an emergency at our facilities, the factory alarm siren will be activated, and the established emergency response plan will be implemented.

The company's internal emergency response team will initiate the prescribed actions until the arrival of the Cyprus Fire Service and the relevant emergency authorities, who will assume responsibility for the emergency response.

In such circumstances, members of the public are advised to:

  • Remain calm.
  • Keep away from the company's premises and the affected area.
  • Avoid entering any areas affected by gas clouds.
  • Follow the instructions issued by the Cyprus Fire Service and other competent authorities.

In the event of a scheduled emergency drill, neighboring businesses and relevant stakeholders will be informed in advance. 

8. Our Commitment to Safety 

Safety is a fundamental priority for Linde Hadjikyriakos Gas Ltd.

In the unlikely event of a major accident, the company will immediately activate its established emergency response procedures and cooperate fully with the Cyprus Fire Service and all relevant authorities.

Our primary objective will always be to protect human life, public safety, and the environment, while minimizing any potential consequences.

9. Individual Management of Packaging and Packaging Waste

Please note that Linde Hadjikyriakos Gas Ltd recycled 20,780 kg in 2023, 20,634 kg in 2024 and 17,912 kg in 2025.