The Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals legislation aims to Reach out across Europe and compel employers to register hazardous substances

The Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (Reach) legislation came into force this month.

Reach requires a review of health, safety and environmental impact of chemicals in Europe and affects anyone producing, importing or using chemicals. Within 18 months all companies must make sure chemical products are identified and recorded with a central European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki.

Occupational health practitioners will have to be involved as substances are registered and they review their systems for health surveillance, hygiene, personal protective equipment and health promotion.

The regulations are likely to give OH responsibility not only for their organisation’s employers but also the public in general who handle, store or dispose of substances used by the organisation.

Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance

Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday

Email(Required)

OptOut

From time to time, we will send you emails about selected products, events and services from Personnel Today - but you can choose to opt-out at any time. If you do not wish to receive these emails, please tick this box.

Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

A online tool is available from the Chemical Industries Association. Called Reach Ready, it enables employers to understand their obligations under the Reach regulations.