AbstractSafety analyses conducted by companies operating chemical plant. The problems with safety analyses have shifted from existing plants to analyses for plants which are subject to an approval procedure. The latter require more effort and cause additional problems although legislation requirements are identical for both types. At BASF safety analyses are carried out by a group of experts responsible for design and operation of the respective plant. The authorities of the State of Rheinland‐Pfalz have formed a team to examine these analyses statewide. Difficulties still exist in presenting every possible hazard source and sequence of failure steps and in quantifying the effects of a hypothetical breakdown. However, one can generally state that the companies have learnt to satisfactorily carry out the extensive documentation task required by la