Frequently Asked Questions
Define key terms: ICPE and operator, activity and facility

How does the law define the different classification categories for facilities (or ICPE categories)?

In the last example (a woodworking shop –, category 2410), two classification categories were assigned to the facility:

• authorization – if the installed power to supply all machines > 200 kW;

• notification – if the installed power to supply the machines is > 50 kW but ≤ 200 kW.

Thus, the legislature has established installed power as the classification criterion. The higher this power, the more the facility is presumed to include numerous and powerful woodworking machines (saws, edgers, conveyors, etc.) that are sources of noise, wood particle emissions, or potential electrical incidents that could cause a fire. Furthermore, the higher the power,...