In the review of the Chemical Industry and the Environment, the issue of risk management and accident prevention was identified as one of the major areas on which attention should be focused and at the UNEP Workshop on Environmental Aspects of the Chemical Industry, held in Geneva from 22 to 25 May 1979, one of the Workgroups addressed this issue. The Workshop endorsed the need for concise and pragmatic advice on the measures needed to manage risk and reduce/prevent accidents in the manufacture of chemicals. The Guidelines are primarily on the industrial and technological process aspects of the chemical industry. They identify the major issues which need consideration when formulating strategies and policies and therefore endeavour to act as a catalyst for further detailed institutional, administrative and technical measures needed for the effective management of risk and prevention of accidents in the manufacture of chemicals.