Includes bibliographical references (pages 540-575) and index.

The nature of the problem -- The reporting of major chemical accidents -- The nature of hazards and risks -- The handling and storage of liquids and gases -- Causes of loss of containment of liquefield gases -- The formation and dispersal of vapour clouds -- Cataclysmic fires -- Case histories of cataclysmic fires -- Explosions -- Case studies of incidents involving dense explosions -- Special problems of rarefied explosions -- Case histories of rarefied explosions -- Toxic releases -- Case histories of toxic releases -- Other major chemical hazards -- Methods of control of major chemical hazards -- Quantification of hazards -- Legislative control -- The role of management in the control of major chemical hazards -- The siting and protection of buildings in hazardous areas -- Safety professionals and their training -- The role of professional institutions in the control of major chemical hazards -- Research and consultancy.