HSE launches REACH helpdesk
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is now providing a helpdesk to support UK business in the run-up to the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) Regulations coming into force.
REACH is a new European regime for the regulation of chemicals, for which HSE will be the Competent Authority (CA), aimed at ensuring a high level of protection for human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals. Once fully operational the CA, in addition to providing the helpdesk, will monitor compliance, evaluate substances of concern, as well as taking regulatory action as appropriate, coordinate UK enforcement of the regulations. The CA will work closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Environment agency, the devolved administrations and other government departments and liaise with the new European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki.
Under the REACH proposals, chemicals produced or imported in quantities over one tonne will have to be registered with a new European Chemicals Agency. Industry will have to document the uses of these substances, evaluate any risks and recommend risk management actions in chemical safety reports. These must be transmitted down the supply chain and users should adopt these safety measures to reduce risks for workers, consumers and the environment. Certain high-risk substances will require authorisation from the European Chemicals Agency for specific uses to continue, and the use of some substances may be restricted.
It is expected to undergo its second reading in the European Parliament this autumn and could enter into force as early as April 2007.
The helpdesk can be contacted on 0845 408 9575 or via email at ukreachca@hse.gsi.gov.uk
Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk (accessed 06/11/06)
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