REACH Services from Safeware
Practical Knowledgeable Solutions from the Experts
in Chemical Regulatory Compliance.
Partner with the Experts...
There is no quick fix for REACH and it remains “Un-chartered Waters” for most companies. The full implementation may take in excess of 11 years to complete and companies will face new challenges during these uncertain times. It is essential companies have the right guidance and access to expert information in order to minimise the overall cost and impact of the new regulations. It is clear the successful companies will be those that prioritise their activities, have an organised plan, and make best use of the large implementation period outlined in the regulations.
In response Safeware have developed a range of consultancy services to guide companies through this difficult period, whether you are a Manufacturer, Importer or Downstream User inside or outside the EU we have a tailored set of services to meet your needs.
Safeware’s mission is to provide practical advice and strategies to help companies understand the obligations and comply at minimal cost and effort.
REACH Obligations...
REACH has been developed in a climate of increasing concern about the dangers of chemicals to people and the environment. There is political agreement that the only way to achieve better protection is by the introduction of new laws which will force importers/manufacturers to evaluate the dangers of their products under all use conditions. The downside of this strategy, a reduced range of chemicals on the market and an increase in the cost of dealing with chemicals, is regarded by governments as an acceptable price to pay for better protection.
REACH is the acronym for the EU legislation which carried this approach into law. It came into force on 1st June 2007 although its more detailed requirements
will be progressively introduced. It will launch a regime of close control over the importation/manufacture, distribution and use of chemicals. All chemicals will require registration by their EU manufacturer or importer with a central agency. The risks during the use of these chemicals will have to be evaluated and appropriate control measures identified by the manufacturer or importer. Chemicals of high concern will be subject to formal authorisation before they can be used.
The aim of the new legislation is to shift the responsibility for the protection of people and the environment towards those who manufacture and import in the EU. In order to moderate the burden of the new law it will be introduced over several years using a prioritisation approach.
REACH Company Assessment - Getting Started
The first step in REACH compliance is to establish how your business operates within the REACH framework, this will identify your roles and legal obligations and highlight any parts of your business that may be at a potential risk due to the new demands covered in the legislation.
Depending on your preferences and requirements this can be done in a variety of ways using questionnaires, workshops and conferencing facilities. From this initial consultation our specialist consultants will prepare a proposed implementation plan.
The crucial elements to implementing the plan will ensure that your company is organised and well prepared to meet the legal framework, as this will allow you to utilise some of the time exemptions that exist in the regulations.
More importantly this initial evaluation will enable Safeware to develop and define an organisation’s strategy with key goals clearly defined – enabling
organisations to minimise the impact of the new regulations to existing or future business prospects.
REACH Advisory and Consultancy Services
Based on the initial consultation Safeware can provide support across all aspects of REACH compliance to help prepare for the demands of REACH:
Supply Chain Communications
Under REACH, “Continuity of supply” and “Product availability” are major concerns for companies in the complex supply chains of the chemical industry. It
is therefore important companies communicate in a positive, knowledgeable manner with suppliers and customers alike. These may be vendor questionnaires,
statements to customers or just a positive signal on your website outlining your intentions for REACH compliance.
The REACH regulations are totally dependent on successful communications up and down the supply chain. This is only possible with the right information,
interpretation, tools and support from Safeware.
Inventory compilations and appointment of “Only Representative”
The first major (and perhaps one of the most important) hurdle is the new process of “Pre-Registration”. This involves compiling a Chemical Inventory which may raise many questions such as...
- What, When and How to Pre-register?
- Do I need to register my products?
- Should I appoint an “Only Representative”, if so how is this done?
- What happens to new product ranges after the deadline?
- What is the cost?
- What is the “Orphanage List?”
At first glance, the pre-registration process appears to be quite simple, however it is critical organisations make the right decisions; early mistakes at this point could prove costly in the future.
REACH Action Plan
Based on the above, the REACH plan will need to evolve to coincide with key deadlines in mind. The full implementation period for REACH ends in 2018, it is therefore important to carefully prioritise any tasks in order to take full advantage within the timeframe applicable.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Globally Harmonised System (GHS) Compliance
REACH will require the adoption of GHS for classification and labelling and the production of SDS’s. The further requirement for Exposure Scenarios and
the compilation of an extended SDS will also be required under REACH. Safeware are continually developing its authoring software SDS Professional to
cater for these requirements.
REACH is just one part of the puzzle, with GHS forming an evermore critical role in the compliance maze. Safeware can provide a comprehensive authoring facility to meet your requirements now and for the future.
Exposure Scenario Development
An exposure scenario is the set of conditions that describe how the substance is manufactured or used during its life-cycle. It describes how a substance or preparation can be used safely and the risk management measures which should be applied to adequately control risks related to human health (workers and consumers) and the environment. It is essential that registrants indicate to downstream users all the uses that will be covered by the exposure scenarios.
The early REACH phase is dominated by registration of the hazards and uses of chemicals, once this has been completed the emphasis will switch to extending
Safety Data Sheets to include Exposure Scenarios as appendices to the SDS. The development tools for this are still in their infancy but we expect more information and details to develop over the next 3-4 years.
Safeware & REACH Support
Whether you are a large multi-national or small SME, inside or outside the EU, whatever your REACH requirements Safeware can provide a portfolio of consultancy services, training or just sound advice and support to navigate you through your REACH demands.
