The Major Accident Hazards Bureau (MAHB) provides research-based scientific support to the European Community on the formulation, implementation and monitoring of EU policies for the control of major accident hazards, chiefly the Seveso II-Directive, 96/82/EC, concerning the processing and storage of hazardous substances.

Working together with DG Environment, the Seveso Competent Authorities and the industry, MAHB develops Guidance and tools necessary for the effective implementation of the legislation.

The Bureau has also an instrumental role in managing the European accidents database, analysing trends in accident accurrence and identifying and disseminating lessons learned in order to avoid recurrence of similar events.