The origins of APELL are found in the response of the chemical industry to the Bhopal tragedy, an event that led the industry to re-examine its safety practices, revise its relationship with the communities near its plants, and renew its commitment to safety. From this examination and renewal, the chemical industry began its Community Awareness and Emergency Response ("CAER") programme through then the chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA). Although a far-reaching programme at the time, its goal was simple: To have an emergency response plan, coordinated with the local community, for every plant of CMA member companies.

The adaptation into APELL of the original CMA CAER program was begun at the request of UNEP, and in partnership with CMA and the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC). The APELL Handbook presents the stepwise process of emergency response planning practiced by CMA members in the original CAER Program, and now done as part of the CAER Code of Responsible Care®. Though it precedes Responsible Care®, APELL is fully consistent with it and is, in practice, an international version of the CAER Code of Management Practices.

Support to and participation in APELL is provided by the chemical industry in two ways, and has now grown beyond CMA and CEFIC to include the associations in the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) . First, ICCA supports the services of a Senior Industry Consultant from a chemical company on assignment to UNEP. The expertise and experience of these industry experts has been vital to the successful implementation of APELL, especially in gaining the participation of industry in developing countries. Second, companies with facilities in other countries participate in APELL workshops and planning efforts at the local level.

The attention that APELL is getting from local governments, national governments, and international organizations like the UN and OECD is a testament to the fundamental strength of the chemical industry's planning and outreach efforts. The chemical industry worldwide is continuing its efforts to prevent accidents, to nevertheless plan for their eventuality, and to respond promptly and effectively if they occur. In addition to the concern inside the plant, there is also the ever-present risk of transport incidents. Chemicals are now shipped to every corner of the globe!